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One Thing I Know
A fresh, heartfelt romance involving a case of mistaken identity when a ghostwriter masquerades as a relationship expert and the man who is determined to expose her holds not only the key to her success, but also her heart�
Rachel Somers is America’s #1 relationship coach—America just doesn’t know it. Rachel writes the books, but her Aunt Donna plays the face of the operation. Afraid of their secret being exposed, Rachel has no choice but to keep up the charade or lose the big money required to care for her father.
Lucas Grant is a star of late night radio and set on achieving his dream of syndication. When a big-time producer calls, it looks like his hard work is about to pay off. But the offer comes with a catch—the producer is convinced Dr. Donna is not what she seems and he wants Lucas to discover her secret. To do that, he needs to win over her tight-lipped assistant who holds the key to his success and—he begins to suspect—his heart. Can love find a way through the lies that force them apart?
Rachel Somers is America’s #1 relationship coach—America just doesn’t know it. Rachel writes the books, but her Aunt Donna plays the face of the operation. Afraid of their secret being exposed, Rachel has no choice but to keep up the charade or lose the big money required to care for her father.
Lucas Grant is a star of late night radio and set on achieving his dream of syndication. When a big-time producer calls, it looks like his hard work is about to pay off. But the offer comes with a catch—the producer is convinced Dr. Donna is not what she seems and he wants Lucas to discover her secret. To do that, he needs to win over her tight-lipped assistant who holds the key to his success and—he begins to suspect—his heart. Can love find a way through the lies that force them apart?
368 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2019
44 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
About the author
Kara Isaac
7books682followersKara Isaac lives in Wellington, New Zealand. When she's not chasing three hobbit-sized little people, she spends her time writing horribly bad first drafts and wishing you could get Double Stuf Oreos in New Zealand. She is the author of the RITA Award-winning Then There Was You, along with four other contemporary romances. She loves to connect with readers on GoodReads, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and through her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
November 19, 2018
I have heard great things about this author, so I was very excited to finally read one of her books. Right away, I was drawn into the story and didn't want to stop reading. Unfortunately, by about 40% through, I was only mildly interested in the story and characters, and the several innuendos spread throughout really irritated me. There was more than a couple of casual mentions of sex and gay couples, not to mention someone thinks the main character may be gay. I was very disappointed by these kinds of things coming from a Christian author and allegedly Christian publisher.
While Isaac seems like a very promising author, I can't get past the issues mentioned above, and likely won't be reading any of her other books.
FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
While Isaac seems like a very promising author, I can't get past the issues mentioned above, and likely won't be reading any of her other books.
FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 13, 2019
Another winner by Kara Isaac!
Initially, the story line wasn't my favorite premise...girl hides secret from guy she's in love with, big blow-up and then amends are made. However, One Thing I Know was substantially more complicated than that though and for that reason I found myself more and more engaged in the novel as Rachel and Lucas' story played out.
I loved the banter between Rachel and Lucas. I adored secondary characters Scott and Anna. And the cover...lovely!
My gratitude to publisher Howard for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
Initially, the story line wasn't my favorite premise...girl hides secret from guy she's in love with, big blow-up and then amends are made. However, One Thing I Know was substantially more complicated than that though and for that reason I found myself more and more engaged in the novel as Rachel and Lucas' story played out.
I loved the banter between Rachel and Lucas. I adored secondary characters Scott and Anna. And the cover...lovely!
My gratitude to publisher Howard for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
December 14, 2018
2.5 to 3 Stars
One Thing I Know is a sweet story about understanding, second chances, and letting go of the past to make way for the present.
I saw someone else mention that this almost had a You've Got Mail feel to it and I can totally see that. Two people coming together, both with pasts and secrets that neither of them know and yet they still come together, work through it, and make it all work out.
While this did have some religious tones to it, it wasn't over powering or overbearing and instead felt more uplifting and inspirational. A sweet story about overcoming our past and forgiving others as well as ourselves.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
One Thing I Know is a sweet story about understanding, second chances, and letting go of the past to make way for the present.
I saw someone else mention that this almost had a You've Got Mail feel to it and I can totally see that. Two people coming together, both with pasts and secrets that neither of them know and yet they still come together, work through it, and make it all work out.
While this did have some religious tones to it, it wasn't over powering or overbearing and instead felt more uplifting and inspirational. A sweet story about overcoming our past and forgiving others as well as ourselves.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
January 20, 2019
Storylines that revolve around secrecy can be tricky. If not handled the right way, or if based on anything that doesn’t evoke strong empathy from the reader, it can really start a story off on the wrong foot. However, when it comes to Kara Isaac, I’ve learned to trust her unique plots and instead just enjoy (and maybe agonize the teensiest bit) as I watch everything unfold.
Rachel Somers is tired of her duplicitous role in Dr. Donna’s best-selling books and much-loved advice. Her role is a means to an end, but it doesn’t mean that the charade doesn’t wear her down and keep her from showing up in her own life. Lucas Grant has been working hard and the popularity of his late night radio show proves it, but he’s ready to move on to the next step. However, the price the big Hollywood producer requires may not be something he is willing to pay, especially as he begins to get past Rachel’s hard exterior. Lucas has his own baggage to work out though, and it’s easy to get mixed up with those feelings of betrayal.
I felt a genuine connection with both Rachel and Lucas. Their experiences felt so realistic and gave Isaac’s signature romantic banter a greater depth than ever. Though the faith aspect is a light thread, I actually felt like it was perfect for this story. Change comes slowly and is often stronger for being so hard won. She showed the beginning of that change without rushing, and I loved that about this story. She also doesn’t make it an easy road for them, because decisions have consequences, and even when you’ve said sorry, or asked for forgiveness, those steps still must be walked to get through it. That said, there were still several times I was chuckling and laughing out loud because of the witty lines, and the romance is completely adorable and swoony without ever crossing any lines.
The secondary characters are lovely in this one as well. Tightly wound Lacey, faith-filled Anna, and cut-to-the-chase Scott are all wonderful in their own way, and I’m just saying, pretty sure Lacey and Anna could have their own stories. I love how Isaac makes even the secondary characters so vibrant that I want a full book about them as well.
Now the long wait begins for Isaac’s next book!
I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a review, positive or otherwise; this review is my honest opinion.
Rachel Somers is tired of her duplicitous role in Dr. Donna’s best-selling books and much-loved advice. Her role is a means to an end, but it doesn’t mean that the charade doesn’t wear her down and keep her from showing up in her own life. Lucas Grant has been working hard and the popularity of his late night radio show proves it, but he’s ready to move on to the next step. However, the price the big Hollywood producer requires may not be something he is willing to pay, especially as he begins to get past Rachel’s hard exterior. Lucas has his own baggage to work out though, and it’s easy to get mixed up with those feelings of betrayal.
I felt a genuine connection with both Rachel and Lucas. Their experiences felt so realistic and gave Isaac’s signature romantic banter a greater depth than ever. Though the faith aspect is a light thread, I actually felt like it was perfect for this story. Change comes slowly and is often stronger for being so hard won. She showed the beginning of that change without rushing, and I loved that about this story. She also doesn’t make it an easy road for them, because decisions have consequences, and even when you’ve said sorry, or asked for forgiveness, those steps still must be walked to get through it. That said, there were still several times I was chuckling and laughing out loud because of the witty lines, and the romance is completely adorable and swoony without ever crossing any lines.
The secondary characters are lovely in this one as well. Tightly wound Lacey, faith-filled Anna, and cut-to-the-chase Scott are all wonderful in their own way, and I’m just saying, pretty sure Lacey and Anna could have their own stories. I love how Isaac makes even the secondary characters so vibrant that I want a full book about them as well.
Now the long wait begins for Isaac’s next book!
I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a review, positive or otherwise; this review is my honest opinion.
February 12, 2019
One Thing I Know
Kara Isaac
ONE THING I KNOW is the first book I've ever read by Kara Isaac. The twists and turns keep coming and I had to know how it was going to end! Every time I thought I knew where this story was going, a few pages later, Kara Isaac threw me for a loop and I knew I was wrong! I'm kicking myself for not reading this wonderful novel sooner.
ONE THING I KNOW is a quick read and unputdownable! There were quite a few times when reading it that I wanted to reach into the pages and slap a few of these people with their wishy washy ways of thinking. I found myself laughing one second and then tearing up the next. If you are looking for a beautiful story to pull you out of your book slump, you can’t go wrong with ONE THING I KNOW. Kara Isaac is now one of my auto buy authors.
The twists and turns in ONE THING I KNOW are going to keep you up late into the night trying to figure it out. One minute you believe you know where Rachel is going with her life and the next you are sitting there shaking your head, wondering what the heck just happened. I had my ideas, I had it all figured out, or so I thought, and BAM.......wrong again! Once you start reading, trust me, you aren't going to be able to stop! When everything is finally revealed, well, you won't believe it!
ONE THING I KNOW begins with Rachel keeping a big secret. She is writing the books that her aunt, Dr. Donna is supposed to be writing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ONE THING I KNOW. I loved the banter between Lucas and Rachel. It is heart warming and filled with so many different emotions. There is so much going on in this story, but Kara Isaac does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together. All of the characters will have you feeling sad and then giggling on the same page. More than once I wanted to be there with my new found friends! Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
Kara Isaac
ONE THING I KNOW is the first book I've ever read by Kara Isaac. The twists and turns keep coming and I had to know how it was going to end! Every time I thought I knew where this story was going, a few pages later, Kara Isaac threw me for a loop and I knew I was wrong! I'm kicking myself for not reading this wonderful novel sooner.
ONE THING I KNOW is a quick read and unputdownable! There were quite a few times when reading it that I wanted to reach into the pages and slap a few of these people with their wishy washy ways of thinking. I found myself laughing one second and then tearing up the next. If you are looking for a beautiful story to pull you out of your book slump, you can’t go wrong with ONE THING I KNOW. Kara Isaac is now one of my auto buy authors.
The twists and turns in ONE THING I KNOW are going to keep you up late into the night trying to figure it out. One minute you believe you know where Rachel is going with her life and the next you are sitting there shaking your head, wondering what the heck just happened. I had my ideas, I had it all figured out, or so I thought, and BAM.......wrong again! Once you start reading, trust me, you aren't going to be able to stop! When everything is finally revealed, well, you won't believe it!
ONE THING I KNOW begins with Rachel keeping a big secret. She is writing the books that her aunt, Dr. Donna is supposed to be writing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ONE THING I KNOW. I loved the banter between Lucas and Rachel. It is heart warming and filled with so many different emotions. There is so much going on in this story, but Kara Isaac does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together. All of the characters will have you feeling sad and then giggling on the same page. More than once I wanted to be there with my new found friends! Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
October 12, 2022
Another solid Christian romance!
I really enjoyed the radio advice show aspect of this story! The relationship was cute and the guy seemed really mature and appealing. The conflict was obviously coming and I didn’t love the way the guy reacted. So that was disappointing, but overall I loved this book and will continue my binge of this author’s backlist!
I really enjoyed the radio advice show aspect of this story! The relationship was cute and the guy seemed really mature and appealing. The conflict was obviously coming and I didn’t love the way the guy reacted. So that was disappointing, but overall I loved this book and will continue my binge of this author’s backlist!
January 30, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! The story line was unique and the characters were relatable and fun. And since Kara lives in New Zealand and this story takes place in Wisconsin, I wondered. But she got it spot on. I spend a lot of time in Wisconsin and she got the sports guy right and only the mention of the ‘cheeseheads� would have made it more realistic.
This book dealt with not telling the truth and the consequences that can result, even if done for all the right reasons. Also how faith matters and how pride can stand in the way of love and happiness.
I love Kara’s writing style and didn’t want the book to end. I might have read the last scene three or more times
.
Kara is an author whose books I never miss. And I recommend this one highly. I read a lot and Kara’s books are among the very best in contemporary Christian fiction. I will read anything she writes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Howard Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book dealt with not telling the truth and the consequences that can result, even if done for all the right reasons. Also how faith matters and how pride can stand in the way of love and happiness.
I love Kara’s writing style and didn’t want the book to end. I might have read the last scene three or more times
.
Kara is an author whose books I never miss. And I recommend this one highly. I read a lot and Kara’s books are among the very best in contemporary Christian fiction. I will read anything she writes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Howard Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 24, 2018
Aw, this was a really cute romance! It was well-done and I found it nice and fluffy. :D I've read another one of Kara Isaac's books and really enjoyed it, so I had high expectations set for this one. Unfortunately, this book didn't really meet those expectations.
1) My main gripe: I found the plot.... weird. Yes, it was intriguing, interesting, and in general well thought-out, but it was really unrealistic (unlike the romance).
2) There's a decent amount of content in the book (a couple of characters hint about PG13+ things). I didn't really mind, since it wasn't the main focus at all, but I did notice it and looking back, I don't think it was necessary to the story at all.
Overall though? I liked it! It wasn't the best novel by Kara Isaac for sure, but I enjoyed reading it. 3 stars.
*FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a free ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.*
1) My main gripe: I found the plot.... weird. Yes, it was intriguing, interesting, and in general well thought-out, but it was really unrealistic (unlike the romance).
2) There's a decent amount of content in the book (a couple of characters hint about PG13+ things). I didn't really mind, since it wasn't the main focus at all, but I did notice it and looking back, I don't think it was necessary to the story at all.
Overall though? I liked it! It wasn't the best novel by Kara Isaac for sure, but I enjoyed reading it. 3 stars.
*FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a free ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.*
July 10, 2019
I don't like straight romance, but I gotta tell you that One Thing I Know could change my mind. Why? The characters! I absolutely adored the heroine and the way she grew to lean into friends rather than staying an island. And I loved how the hero was the flipside of her. More like her than he wanted to admit, yet brought out so much good in her. A romance with hints of comedy and a inspirational thread that was beautifully woven.
November 17, 2018
I enjoyed this authors� romantic comedy that kind of reminded me of You’ve Got Mail where two characters start talking via the internet. One knows who the other is, but the other isn’t saying. They know if they reveal who they really are the relationship would end. In this case one is a radio personality and the other is a guest on the show filling in for Dr. Donna (her Aunt) because she’s on a book tour.
Rachel is unnerved, “she wasn’t sure what bothered her more: conning most of America, or the fact that they’d been doing it for almost a decade and no one even suspected.�
They were both blown away at how popular Dr. Donna had become. They never expected to make much money. Rachel was Aunt Donna’s assistant nobody paid much attention to. They liked it that way. Rachel wrote all the books and brainstormed some with Donna. Neither one of them had an idea for the next book, which they’ve decided would be their last. They both wanted to be free of the Dr. Donna persona and all that entails. They have done what they had to do to pay for the medical care of her father. Rachel has taken better care of him than he ever took care of her growing up
Donna gets the idea that they should ask Lucas if he wants to be part of a book tour titled,� The Feelings and Football tour.� Maybe they’d find a book idea on the road.
Lucas is a radio personality. Dr. Donna has been on his show several times over the years. If it was up to him he’d never have her on his show. He loved talking about football not feelings. His boss Ethan signed him up for this book tour. He’s furious about this tour, “So many swear words exploded through Lucas’s head that he wouldn’t have been surprised if Miss Margie � his old Sunday school teach � Rose from the grave to slap him upside the head.�
Ethan looks at him and says, “…”I hate to break it to you, but according to your contract, when it comes to promotional work, if the station orders you to get dressed in a chicken suit and walk down state street clucking, you do it. ..�
Rachel gets a peek into some of Lucas� issues when he tells a woman on the air this,…”…anyone capable of living a double life is not someone I want anything to do with. Not on my show, or in my life. And if anyone ever tried it again, he’d cut them loose so fast, they’d have whiplash.�
Both main characters are working through the consequences of their father’s life choices. Through it all they come to a deeper understanding and trust in God. The author handles these tough heart-breaking issues with grace, hope and love.
I enjoyed Rachel and Lucas as they get to know each other on the “Feelings and Football tour.� They are both strong willed and are operating out of unforgiveness of their fathers�. They are both stuck in the past and afraid of getting hurt in the future.
Kara is a gifted writer who masterfully weaves in her spiritual thread naturally and is creative with her humor, witty dialogue and delicate situations. I found myself laughing out loud several times. Her cast of characters are relatable, real and deal with the realities of life in the nitty and gritty with family members on life support, drunkin behavior that doesn’t do anyone any good etc.
I liked how Rachel and Lucas separately look at their lives, not letting anyone push them around in where they decided to be. This is a fun and serious roller-coaster ride of characters seeking truth, dealing with unforgiveness, hurt and struggles with self-worth, joy, and love. Will they face their demons head on? Will they stop hiding who they really are and/or Will they go all out and let the truth set them free?
I enjoyed this book and the bookish end of things with book ideas, writing, promotions "live" and on the radio as they talk to people about love, trust, integrity and second chances. Oh, and about football when Lucas had a chance to speak. Grin!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher/Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising�
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog
Book Fun Magazine
Rachel is unnerved, “she wasn’t sure what bothered her more: conning most of America, or the fact that they’d been doing it for almost a decade and no one even suspected.�
They were both blown away at how popular Dr. Donna had become. They never expected to make much money. Rachel was Aunt Donna’s assistant nobody paid much attention to. They liked it that way. Rachel wrote all the books and brainstormed some with Donna. Neither one of them had an idea for the next book, which they’ve decided would be their last. They both wanted to be free of the Dr. Donna persona and all that entails. They have done what they had to do to pay for the medical care of her father. Rachel has taken better care of him than he ever took care of her growing up
Donna gets the idea that they should ask Lucas if he wants to be part of a book tour titled,� The Feelings and Football tour.� Maybe they’d find a book idea on the road.
Lucas is a radio personality. Dr. Donna has been on his show several times over the years. If it was up to him he’d never have her on his show. He loved talking about football not feelings. His boss Ethan signed him up for this book tour. He’s furious about this tour, “So many swear words exploded through Lucas’s head that he wouldn’t have been surprised if Miss Margie � his old Sunday school teach � Rose from the grave to slap him upside the head.�
Ethan looks at him and says, “…”I hate to break it to you, but according to your contract, when it comes to promotional work, if the station orders you to get dressed in a chicken suit and walk down state street clucking, you do it. ..�
Rachel gets a peek into some of Lucas� issues when he tells a woman on the air this,…”…anyone capable of living a double life is not someone I want anything to do with. Not on my show, or in my life. And if anyone ever tried it again, he’d cut them loose so fast, they’d have whiplash.�
Both main characters are working through the consequences of their father’s life choices. Through it all they come to a deeper understanding and trust in God. The author handles these tough heart-breaking issues with grace, hope and love.
I enjoyed Rachel and Lucas as they get to know each other on the “Feelings and Football tour.� They are both strong willed and are operating out of unforgiveness of their fathers�. They are both stuck in the past and afraid of getting hurt in the future.
Kara is a gifted writer who masterfully weaves in her spiritual thread naturally and is creative with her humor, witty dialogue and delicate situations. I found myself laughing out loud several times. Her cast of characters are relatable, real and deal with the realities of life in the nitty and gritty with family members on life support, drunkin behavior that doesn’t do anyone any good etc.
I liked how Rachel and Lucas separately look at their lives, not letting anyone push them around in where they decided to be. This is a fun and serious roller-coaster ride of characters seeking truth, dealing with unforgiveness, hurt and struggles with self-worth, joy, and love. Will they face their demons head on? Will they stop hiding who they really are and/or Will they go all out and let the truth set them free?
I enjoyed this book and the bookish end of things with book ideas, writing, promotions "live" and on the radio as they talk to people about love, trust, integrity and second chances. Oh, and about football when Lucas had a chance to speak. Grin!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher/Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising�
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog
Book Fun Magazine
November 30, 2018
Author Kara Isaac offers a twist in her repertoire of romantic comedies with One Thing I Know. While readers will still find witty banter between lead characters, Rachel Somers and Lucas Grant, the plot dives into complicated territory of deception leading to the kind of tension that made it impossible to put this book down.
One of the things I appreciate about Ms. Isaac and this story in particular is the way she doesn't shy away from hard topics. This story doesn't skirt around touchy subjects and is not overtly Christian but it does show well rounded characters living authentic lives where they're forced to make decisions with moral implications. Personally, I find these kind of stories good for the soul because it challenges me as a reader and a Christian to address the situation and understand that not everything in life can be tied up in a pretty little bow of perfection.
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
One of the things I appreciate about Ms. Isaac and this story in particular is the way she doesn't shy away from hard topics. This story doesn't skirt around touchy subjects and is not overtly Christian but it does show well rounded characters living authentic lives where they're forced to make decisions with moral implications. Personally, I find these kind of stories good for the soul because it challenges me as a reader and a Christian to address the situation and understand that not everything in life can be tied up in a pretty little bow of perfection.
***I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
February 25, 2019
One Thing I Know is a beautiful walk through human struggles and triumphs. I was blessed by the array of characters that fully example life as we know it. Flawed. Blessed. Broken. Beautiful. I loved the passion with which the author’s faith weaves throughout the story and how imperfect people are portrayed as just that. Imperfect. In need of Grace. Kara Isaac’s consistency in providing quality yet realistic romance is palpable in this novel as it holds hands with a deeper dive into story that will attract both romantic fiction readers and women’s fiction readers alike. I highly recommend it and will be donating copies to my church library and giving away as gifts!
June 27, 2019
One Thing I Know was a cute contemporary romance from Kara Isaac. I enjoyed the storyline and how the characters interacted with each other. It was fun...up until her secret was revealed and then things got serious. I could understand his hurt, but also could see why she did what she did...
The ending was very good and wrapped everything up nicely. I recommend this book if you enjoy this genre -- it is a good one.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The ending was very good and wrapped everything up nicely. I recommend this book if you enjoy this genre -- it is a good one.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
February 20, 2019
Full review on FaithfullyBookish.com
What we do in the aftermath of our poor choices says a lot about who we are and/or how desperate we were at the time. Rachel has been stuck between a rock and a hard place long enough to appreciate a restful night’s sleep on a hardwood floor. Truly, her backstory breaks my reader heart and I completely understand how she and Aunt Donna got themselves in the big stinky (and ever-growing) pickle they’re in.
Lucas can’t help but stand up for (and often to) his persistent lady callers in distress as they sabotage their love lives one jerk at a time and I can’t help but love him for it! I personally can’t stand talk radio (I’m a visual learner) but I’d tune in just to hear Lucas (a man’s man sports fanatic) give relationship advice (usually against his will).
Fabulously flawed characters, a sticky and complex plot, and a whole lot of baggage and brokenness kept me glued to each page as the author skillfully guided this story to a point of someday soon they will live happily ever after. Unexpected? Yes, and I love it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
What we do in the aftermath of our poor choices says a lot about who we are and/or how desperate we were at the time. Rachel has been stuck between a rock and a hard place long enough to appreciate a restful night’s sleep on a hardwood floor. Truly, her backstory breaks my reader heart and I completely understand how she and Aunt Donna got themselves in the big stinky (and ever-growing) pickle they’re in.
Lucas can’t help but stand up for (and often to) his persistent lady callers in distress as they sabotage their love lives one jerk at a time and I can’t help but love him for it! I personally can’t stand talk radio (I’m a visual learner) but I’d tune in just to hear Lucas (a man’s man sports fanatic) give relationship advice (usually against his will).
Fabulously flawed characters, a sticky and complex plot, and a whole lot of baggage and brokenness kept me glued to each page as the author skillfully guided this story to a point of someday soon they will live happily ever after. Unexpected? Yes, and I love it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
December 28, 2018
In One Thing I Know author Kara Isaac once again combines flawed, realistic and loveable character with seamless writing, humour, friendship and messages of faith, hope and forgiveness. I found One Thing I Know to be utterly delightful and a pleasure to read.
Rachel Somers lives a double life. She is the author of the famous Dr Donna relationship advice books but plays the part of helpful assistant while her Aunt Donna is the face of the books. She does what she has to to pay her father’s medical bills and to try to assuage the guilt she feels for him needing care in the first place. She knows that someone like Lucas Grant, radio host, sports fan and all round great guy, would never understand the duplicity she engages in, especially when it involves regularly presenting on his show pretending to be Donna herself. But when Lucas is roped into the latest Dr Donna tour, Rachel finds herself falling for Lucas and dreaming of a future that could all too easily come falling down if the truth is revealed.
I truly enjoy Kara Isaac’s writing. She had my attention instantly and before I knew it I too was tangled in Rachel and Donna’s plot and rooting for this story to somehow, anyhow have a happy ending. I love that Kara Isaac’s books are set in the real world. While some Christian fiction seems to be set in a magical world where everyone is a Christian and no one ever does anything questionable, the characters in this book not only struggle with their faith in God but also find the people around them to vary, some supportive and kind, others crude and rude, and all with differing levels of ideals about lifestyles and values - basically a glimpse of real life. Placing her characters in this world means they too must make tough choices about who they want to be.
The chemistry between Rachel and Lucas is tangible, but what I most loved about them was their gentle teasing, light banter and the way they just clicked. Their relationship might have had a rocky start and a few bumps (some of them pretty big) along the way, but there is no doubting their connection. Along with the delicious romance, One Thing I Know also weaves into the story a wonderful thread of friendship. Over the past ten years, Rachel had fallen out with her friends but through the course of the book and some extremely tough circumstances, she has the chance to reconnect and rebuild as she also faces the trauma in her past. I particularly enjoyed these moments in the book and found them rather moving.
One Thing I Know is a delightful story of love, faith, and friendship. At times funny and other touching enough to bring me to tears, this book had me cheering for the characters.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog
Rachel Somers lives a double life. She is the author of the famous Dr Donna relationship advice books but plays the part of helpful assistant while her Aunt Donna is the face of the books. She does what she has to to pay her father’s medical bills and to try to assuage the guilt she feels for him needing care in the first place. She knows that someone like Lucas Grant, radio host, sports fan and all round great guy, would never understand the duplicity she engages in, especially when it involves regularly presenting on his show pretending to be Donna herself. But when Lucas is roped into the latest Dr Donna tour, Rachel finds herself falling for Lucas and dreaming of a future that could all too easily come falling down if the truth is revealed.
I truly enjoy Kara Isaac’s writing. She had my attention instantly and before I knew it I too was tangled in Rachel and Donna’s plot and rooting for this story to somehow, anyhow have a happy ending. I love that Kara Isaac’s books are set in the real world. While some Christian fiction seems to be set in a magical world where everyone is a Christian and no one ever does anything questionable, the characters in this book not only struggle with their faith in God but also find the people around them to vary, some supportive and kind, others crude and rude, and all with differing levels of ideals about lifestyles and values - basically a glimpse of real life. Placing her characters in this world means they too must make tough choices about who they want to be.
The chemistry between Rachel and Lucas is tangible, but what I most loved about them was their gentle teasing, light banter and the way they just clicked. Their relationship might have had a rocky start and a few bumps (some of them pretty big) along the way, but there is no doubting their connection. Along with the delicious romance, One Thing I Know also weaves into the story a wonderful thread of friendship. Over the past ten years, Rachel had fallen out with her friends but through the course of the book and some extremely tough circumstances, she has the chance to reconnect and rebuild as she also faces the trauma in her past. I particularly enjoyed these moments in the book and found them rather moving.
One Thing I Know is a delightful story of love, faith, and friendship. At times funny and other touching enough to bring me to tears, this book had me cheering for the characters.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog
February 28, 2019
When a romance author is recced by Ros Clarke, I seek her out. That’s how I came to new-to-me-inspirational-romance-author Kara Isaac’s One Thing I Know. It was like no inspirational romance I’d read. Hero and heroine, Lucas Grant and Rachel Somers, come with heavy baggage; how their paths cross and they fall in love is a fraught journey. Looking back, they’ve got things to work out, looking forward sometimes seems impossible. That’s the genre’s beauty: all things are possible even when they seem highly improbable.
Rachel has a most unusual profession. She ghostwrites her aunt’s, Dr. Donna Summerville’s, advice-to-the-lovelorn books. Together, they make a lot of money, money that was once most necessary to Donna (when her husband left her to bring up their sons) and now is necessary to Rachel because she pays for her father’s care in a chronic-care facility. Though to all appearances Rachel and Donna are deceiving their vulnerable audience, their actions are understandable, even sympathetic, to the reader.
Lucas Grant came into their lives when “Dr. Donna� occasionally joined his late-night sports call-in show to dispense advice. When Donna’s publisher and Lucas’s producer propose that their mutual interest take the form of a “Feelings and Football Tour�, Rachel and Lucas meet, Rachel acting as Donna’s PA (while she spends hotel-room nights struggling with writer’s block to produce “Donna’s� final book).
Lucas and Rachel are diffident, circumspect, and cautious with their attention and affection. They’re serious people who take their love for their families and responsibilities as the centre of their lives. But their childhoods were difficult: their parents were absent, negligent, abandoned them, or were abusive. These details are not graphic, nor do they define them. Lucas and Rachel aren’t wallowers in misery, neither are they of the plucky, buck-up variety. I would have long-deserted them if they were.
Rachel wants to do right by everyone: her aunt, father, even though he doesn’t deserve loyalty and care, her readers. Her role as ghostwriter and assistant makes her fade into the background. Her constant worry about paying for her father’s care (and the guilt she carries about an incident that led him there) have left her without joy or life of her own. Until Lucas. Lucas is funny, affectionate, serious, and carries the same sense of love and care for his family. He’s close to his brother, sister-in-law, and nephew, who’s a hoot btw, Joey. He also carries high hopes for his show and half his wish for syndication is to help his brother and sister-in-law.
Two wonderful people meet and almost-woo. Lucas and Rachel go “on the road� together. Their slow-burn attraction is made of occasional touches, warm smiles, eyes only for the other, whispers of bodily awareness, and flashes of fierce physical need to experience physical closeness, intimacy, and tenderness. With characters in their 30s, this adds a lovely poignancy. But there is pain too, of their past, of the caution that makes them hesitant to get to know another person. There are also secrets that can and will explode. Rachel’s “double-life� to a man who makes deception his no-fly-relationship-zone is bound to bring up emotional and judgemental walls. A woman who’s lost confidence, who’s bowed down by obligation and a deep sense of not living an authentic life is bound to find a man’s anger and judgement insurmountable.
Lucas and Rachel arrive at each other and God with tiny, soft steps of possibility. What I loved about them is their journey to trust, especially for Rachel to trust she can love and deserves love in return. And for Lucas to learn to forgive and trust the other. Their conversion is a “still, small voice�, not a road to Damascus lightning bolt. Their HEA is confession and avowal. It reduced me to tears with its beauty and insight.
A few things about One Thing I Know jarred, struck wrong notes. When Lucas and Rachel are in LA, they attend parties and events. The women come onto Lucas and his judgement of them smacked too much of slut-shaming. At least to me. Lucas also has a possible syndication deal with a Hollywood producer, Brad Shipman, whose portrayal left me uncomfortable, not absolutely sure why, but I don’t want to ignore my spidey-sense.
What I couldn’t resist was Isaac’s writing, her sparkles of humour, her turn for gentle, droll banter, her characters� humility, and her thematic love for the human potential in how the truth sets you free, the necessity for authenticity before love can flourish. I leave you with a few snippets of why I loved the writing: “Lucas looked down to see Brad ogling. He wanted to rip his eyes out and use them to play marbles � Who was this girl who scattered his senses like dandelion tufts on the wind? � his eyes. They crinkled at the corners, like messy sheets on an unmade bed � It was more nuts than a Snickers bar.� Kara Isaac’s One Thing I Know is better than a Snickers bar. It’s Lindt, sea salt for the tears, caramel for the sweetness of an HEA hard-earned, hard-won, well-deserved, most joyous. With Miss Austen, we say Isaac’s One Thing I Know is evidence of “a mind lively and at ease,� Emma.
Kara Isaac’s One Thing I Know is published by Howard Books. It was released on February 19th and may be found at your preferred vendors. I received an e-galley from Howard Books, via Netgalley.
Rachel has a most unusual profession. She ghostwrites her aunt’s, Dr. Donna Summerville’s, advice-to-the-lovelorn books. Together, they make a lot of money, money that was once most necessary to Donna (when her husband left her to bring up their sons) and now is necessary to Rachel because she pays for her father’s care in a chronic-care facility. Though to all appearances Rachel and Donna are deceiving their vulnerable audience, their actions are understandable, even sympathetic, to the reader.
Lucas Grant came into their lives when “Dr. Donna� occasionally joined his late-night sports call-in show to dispense advice. When Donna’s publisher and Lucas’s producer propose that their mutual interest take the form of a “Feelings and Football Tour�, Rachel and Lucas meet, Rachel acting as Donna’s PA (while she spends hotel-room nights struggling with writer’s block to produce “Donna’s� final book).
Lucas and Rachel are diffident, circumspect, and cautious with their attention and affection. They’re serious people who take their love for their families and responsibilities as the centre of their lives. But their childhoods were difficult: their parents were absent, negligent, abandoned them, or were abusive. These details are not graphic, nor do they define them. Lucas and Rachel aren’t wallowers in misery, neither are they of the plucky, buck-up variety. I would have long-deserted them if they were.
Rachel wants to do right by everyone: her aunt, father, even though he doesn’t deserve loyalty and care, her readers. Her role as ghostwriter and assistant makes her fade into the background. Her constant worry about paying for her father’s care (and the guilt she carries about an incident that led him there) have left her without joy or life of her own. Until Lucas. Lucas is funny, affectionate, serious, and carries the same sense of love and care for his family. He’s close to his brother, sister-in-law, and nephew, who’s a hoot btw, Joey. He also carries high hopes for his show and half his wish for syndication is to help his brother and sister-in-law.
Two wonderful people meet and almost-woo. Lucas and Rachel go “on the road� together. Their slow-burn attraction is made of occasional touches, warm smiles, eyes only for the other, whispers of bodily awareness, and flashes of fierce physical need to experience physical closeness, intimacy, and tenderness. With characters in their 30s, this adds a lovely poignancy. But there is pain too, of their past, of the caution that makes them hesitant to get to know another person. There are also secrets that can and will explode. Rachel’s “double-life� to a man who makes deception his no-fly-relationship-zone is bound to bring up emotional and judgemental walls. A woman who’s lost confidence, who’s bowed down by obligation and a deep sense of not living an authentic life is bound to find a man’s anger and judgement insurmountable.
Lucas and Rachel arrive at each other and God with tiny, soft steps of possibility. What I loved about them is their journey to trust, especially for Rachel to trust she can love and deserves love in return. And for Lucas to learn to forgive and trust the other. Their conversion is a “still, small voice�, not a road to Damascus lightning bolt. Their HEA is confession and avowal. It reduced me to tears with its beauty and insight.
A few things about One Thing I Know jarred, struck wrong notes. When Lucas and Rachel are in LA, they attend parties and events. The women come onto Lucas and his judgement of them smacked too much of slut-shaming. At least to me. Lucas also has a possible syndication deal with a Hollywood producer, Brad Shipman, whose portrayal left me uncomfortable, not absolutely sure why, but I don’t want to ignore my spidey-sense.
What I couldn’t resist was Isaac’s writing, her sparkles of humour, her turn for gentle, droll banter, her characters� humility, and her thematic love for the human potential in how the truth sets you free, the necessity for authenticity before love can flourish. I leave you with a few snippets of why I loved the writing: “Lucas looked down to see Brad ogling. He wanted to rip his eyes out and use them to play marbles � Who was this girl who scattered his senses like dandelion tufts on the wind? � his eyes. They crinkled at the corners, like messy sheets on an unmade bed � It was more nuts than a Snickers bar.� Kara Isaac’s One Thing I Know is better than a Snickers bar. It’s Lindt, sea salt for the tears, caramel for the sweetness of an HEA hard-earned, hard-won, well-deserved, most joyous. With Miss Austen, we say Isaac’s One Thing I Know is evidence of “a mind lively and at ease,� Emma.
Kara Isaac’s One Thing I Know is published by Howard Books. It was released on February 19th and may be found at your preferred vendors. I received an e-galley from Howard Books, via Netgalley.
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February 20, 2019One Thing I Know by Kara Isaac | Book Review
STORY | If there’s one thing that’s affecting Rachel Somers, it’s a lie. Not only is she lying to herself, she’s also managed to fool America. She didn’t intend for this to happen, but it has, and now she’s a #1 best-selling relationship expert. The lie? America doesn’t know that it’s Rachel, and instead things the expert is Rachel’s aunt, Donna, the woman who’s the “face� of this farce.
Trouble comes calling when Lucas Grant is tasked with finding out Dr. Donna’s secret. This creates a problem when Lucas finds himself always conversing with Donna’s assistant, Rachel. But is he only interested because of a possible career opportunity, or is there something real here?
REVIEW | Inside these pages lies a unique story; a story that happens to be set amidst a fascinating world. But furthermore, what I admire most about Isaac's romances is that they're “adult� without being inappropriate; and I think she has a real talent when it comes to putting these stories to page. In One Thing I Know, Kara introduces us to two hearts who are searching for something, all while unaware it just might be one another.
The last � and maybe the only (?), novel I read by Kara is her debut, Close to You; this novel was contemporary magic. It was a mature romance that I don’t normally find in the inspirational market. Sadly, One Thing I Know doesn’t quite capture the same magic as this debut. That said, it’s still well-written and features characters we hope get to the heart of what’s keeping them apart, because in the end, of course, we’re rooting for them.
The more we get to know our hero, the more we realize he’s battling a few issues, some of which peel away the deeper the reader presses into the story. Then there’s our heroine, Rachel. Rachel is like our favorite leading lady from a Hallmark romance. Through her own choices, she’s in a lie that now, she needs a graceful way out from. The only question is, how does she accomplish this?
Much as I like the characters, there were just a few things that didn’t capture me. This will be a nitpick comment, but I also feel as if a secular worldview creeps into the story. In some instances, this is ok, but in this, it comes across in a way that seems as if the narrative tries “too hard� to ensure it'presence. That said, don’t misunderstand, this novel is charming.
One Thing I Know is a fast-paced, easy to like romance novel. There’s a few swoons, family commitment and family betrayals, and the setting (radio and publishing) makes everything “pop.�
I’m already eager to read the next novel by this promising author.
Content: this one does have some (potentially) PG13 content (innuendo) for some readers. Nothing graphic though.
Sincere thanks to Howard Books, and Kara Isaac for kindly sending me an ARC in consideration of review; this is no way affects my opinions. All views are my own.
STORY | If there’s one thing that’s affecting Rachel Somers, it’s a lie. Not only is she lying to herself, she’s also managed to fool America. She didn’t intend for this to happen, but it has, and now she’s a #1 best-selling relationship expert. The lie? America doesn’t know that it’s Rachel, and instead things the expert is Rachel’s aunt, Donna, the woman who’s the “face� of this farce.
Trouble comes calling when Lucas Grant is tasked with finding out Dr. Donna’s secret. This creates a problem when Lucas finds himself always conversing with Donna’s assistant, Rachel. But is he only interested because of a possible career opportunity, or is there something real here?
REVIEW | Inside these pages lies a unique story; a story that happens to be set amidst a fascinating world. But furthermore, what I admire most about Isaac's romances is that they're “adult� without being inappropriate; and I think she has a real talent when it comes to putting these stories to page. In One Thing I Know, Kara introduces us to two hearts who are searching for something, all while unaware it just might be one another.
The last � and maybe the only (?), novel I read by Kara is her debut, Close to You; this novel was contemporary magic. It was a mature romance that I don’t normally find in the inspirational market. Sadly, One Thing I Know doesn’t quite capture the same magic as this debut. That said, it’s still well-written and features characters we hope get to the heart of what’s keeping them apart, because in the end, of course, we’re rooting for them.
The more we get to know our hero, the more we realize he’s battling a few issues, some of which peel away the deeper the reader presses into the story. Then there’s our heroine, Rachel. Rachel is like our favorite leading lady from a Hallmark romance. Through her own choices, she’s in a lie that now, she needs a graceful way out from. The only question is, how does she accomplish this?
Much as I like the characters, there were just a few things that didn’t capture me. This will be a nitpick comment, but I also feel as if a secular worldview creeps into the story. In some instances, this is ok, but in this, it comes across in a way that seems as if the narrative tries “too hard� to ensure it'presence. That said, don’t misunderstand, this novel is charming.
One Thing I Know is a fast-paced, easy to like romance novel. There’s a few swoons, family commitment and family betrayals, and the setting (radio and publishing) makes everything “pop.�
I’m already eager to read the next novel by this promising author.
Content: this one does have some (potentially) PG13 content (innuendo) for some readers. Nothing graphic though.
Sincere thanks to Howard Books, and Kara Isaac for kindly sending me an ARC in consideration of review; this is no way affects my opinions. All views are my own.
February 19, 2019
I found this story line completely refreshing. I don't think I've read anything quite like it before and that kept me interested from beginning to end. The way that Lucas and Rachel meet and how their lives intersect and intertwine was original to me. I've been feeling a bit overdone with Billionaires, so it was nice to read about two regular people with difficult life choices facing them.
Rachel is caught between a rock and a hard place. Secrets can be so heavy- pushing down on peace and joy. I really felt that with Rachel, especially as her friendship and then romance grew with Lucas. Rachel has made some hard choices, some good, some not so good. I loved the moments where she owned up to her choices, accepted accountability, and held her head up. She was vulnerable and raw but free of the burden of secrets.
The attraction between Rachel and Lucas felt real, the way they dealt with problems felt real, and I really enjoyed how my feelings grew right along with theirs. I actually think this story could be adapted into a Hallmark movie! It had me creating that sort of movie in my head.
Content: Mild Christian elements (talk of God, praying), kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Rachel is caught between a rock and a hard place. Secrets can be so heavy- pushing down on peace and joy. I really felt that with Rachel, especially as her friendship and then romance grew with Lucas. Rachel has made some hard choices, some good, some not so good. I loved the moments where she owned up to her choices, accepted accountability, and held her head up. She was vulnerable and raw but free of the burden of secrets.
The attraction between Rachel and Lucas felt real, the way they dealt with problems felt real, and I really enjoyed how my feelings grew right along with theirs. I actually think this story could be adapted into a Hallmark movie! It had me creating that sort of movie in my head.
Content: Mild Christian elements (talk of God, praying), kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 23, 2019
In her familiar style, Kara Isaac skillfully weaves together a delightful romance, filled with twists and turns, and makes you wonder if it's really going to turn out okay or not. I love the way she always makes me think about what I would do in a certain situation. I appreciate her honest writing, and her willingness to pull back the curtain on the very real and raw life that exists outside the bubble some Christians like to live in. Well done, Kara!
January 14, 2019
'I know that when nothing makes sense and life is as hard as it's ever been, God is even more present in the middle of all the brokenness. Because Jesus changes everything.'
How do you even begin to write a review that truly expresses how you feel about a book that is just so tremendous, you weep through parts of it?
For years Rachel Somers has been ghostwriting her Aunt Donna's best selling books. She doesn't want to, but it takes the big bucks the books make to pay for her father's expensive health care. She even does some of the media work, too, such as radio call ins with a certain Lucas Grant, sports radio guy. Lucas hates doing this type of work; after all, he's into sports, not relationships, as Donna's books detail. Then he is approached by a big time LA producer, asking him to get behind the secret of Donna's books because he is convinced something is indeed quite fishy. Lucas could use the money to help his own family, too. So he agrees. Neither Lucas nor Rachel ever figured on having feelings for each other; now there are too many lies between them.
This book held me captive. Kara Isaac has a way with words and a story that simply grab the reader's heart and refuse to let go. Every word she writes is worth reading, no skipping ahead, no glossing over to get to the good part, so to speak, but to just read and savor every single word. Then go back and reread certain passages. How does she manage to pull my heart right out of my chest and cause me to weep at the depth of the feelings she has just portrayed? This is one well done book. Do not miss it. Do. Not. Miss. It. Bravo! I will be putting this on my top ten list for 2019 and thinking about it a long time. Definitely one worth a reread and for the keeper shelf.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
How do you even begin to write a review that truly expresses how you feel about a book that is just so tremendous, you weep through parts of it?
For years Rachel Somers has been ghostwriting her Aunt Donna's best selling books. She doesn't want to, but it takes the big bucks the books make to pay for her father's expensive health care. She even does some of the media work, too, such as radio call ins with a certain Lucas Grant, sports radio guy. Lucas hates doing this type of work; after all, he's into sports, not relationships, as Donna's books detail. Then he is approached by a big time LA producer, asking him to get behind the secret of Donna's books because he is convinced something is indeed quite fishy. Lucas could use the money to help his own family, too. So he agrees. Neither Lucas nor Rachel ever figured on having feelings for each other; now there are too many lies between them.
This book held me captive. Kara Isaac has a way with words and a story that simply grab the reader's heart and refuse to let go. Every word she writes is worth reading, no skipping ahead, no glossing over to get to the good part, so to speak, but to just read and savor every single word. Then go back and reread certain passages. How does she manage to pull my heart right out of my chest and cause me to weep at the depth of the feelings she has just portrayed? This is one well done book. Do not miss it. Do. Not. Miss. It. Bravo! I will be putting this on my top ten list for 2019 and thinking about it a long time. Definitely one worth a reread and for the keeper shelf.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
May 30, 2023
REVIEW TO COME
November 19, 2018
2 1/2 stars. I really struggled to connect with this one. Lucas and Rachel spent hardly any time together, yet they were madly in love? This was really about Rachel's struggle with the Dr. Donna deception and her past with her father. Also, reader be aware: IMO, this should have been tagged as Christian or Religious. Not my cup of tea.
February 18, 2019
I really loved this novel. It has everything I have come to expect from a Kara Isaac book--realistic characters and situations and struggles with doing the right, godly thing vs. doing the easy thing.
I appreciated her balance of bits of humor alongside exploring what it means to hide and exactly how the truth can set a person free--even if the consequences for lying/deception still exist. Lucas and Rachel both wrestle with their pasts and how those pasts have a direct effect on their present lives. I'd like to read more about the two of them in the future.
I want to address the one star review that is appalled by the mentions of gay characters or the supposition the main character may be gay. This is a VERY brief mention on both accounts, and both are done in a way that contrasts Lucas's beliefs with those in the world around him. I think it gives the book more credibility because, let's face it, we as Christians live in a broken, fallen world and everything is not perfect, and our fiction should reflect that world if we want to be a light in the darkness and not just closeted away in our "safe" bubble. This book in NO WAY glorifies any type of sin, the author portrays the real world and not some idealized version of it. I realize that some readers of Christian fiction want books that safe and pretty, but I'm not one of those readers and I'm glad that Kara Isaac is not one of those writers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I appreciated her balance of bits of humor alongside exploring what it means to hide and exactly how the truth can set a person free--even if the consequences for lying/deception still exist. Lucas and Rachel both wrestle with their pasts and how those pasts have a direct effect on their present lives. I'd like to read more about the two of them in the future.
I want to address the one star review that is appalled by the mentions of gay characters or the supposition the main character may be gay. This is a VERY brief mention on both accounts, and both are done in a way that contrasts Lucas's beliefs with those in the world around him. I think it gives the book more credibility because, let's face it, we as Christians live in a broken, fallen world and everything is not perfect, and our fiction should reflect that world if we want to be a light in the darkness and not just closeted away in our "safe" bubble. This book in NO WAY glorifies any type of sin, the author portrays the real world and not some idealized version of it. I realize that some readers of Christian fiction want books that safe and pretty, but I'm not one of those readers and I'm glad that Kara Isaac is not one of those writers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
June 16, 2020
Such a fun read! I love the humor in Kara's stories and this did not disappoint. It was a fun story line and kept me interested throughout. Her books are faves for me!
February 21, 2019
Usually, as I go through each stage of reading a book, my mind wanders to how I'm feeling about it. There were moments in the beginning pages, where I felt a little thrown. This is quite a common feeling when you are familiar with an author's work, in which you feel 'secure' in the writing style and material. It felt different, is different. As I reflected back on Isaac's previous books I realized that she has the ability to take a conflict and weave it into her characters in a way I appreciate. No matter the plot, or how major or minor the conflict is, she can place it appropriately into the story.
For some the writing may be too edgy. If you are the kind of reader that wants some easy to read feel-good story with little real plot, this will certainly not be a book you'll want to read. What I love about this author is that she can take real world issues and present them in a way we can relate to. Does anyone want to have a work colleague like Brad Shipman? Would we like to live a life without tragedy? Do people sometimes find themselves trapped in an impossible situation, and make moral compromises to find a way out? Of course! This is the world we live in today, including the society that is so far from what God planned for His children. Families, goodness, charity, love. All of those elements can be found in 'One Thing I Know'.
So yes, while it took me some time to adjust to a different approach from the author, I thought the individual development of characters so well done. Even the ones on the sidelines like Scott & Anna I felt like strengthened. I'm hoping this isn't a stand alone, because the reunion between the 3 friends was tender but obviously in need for further nurturing. I would love to see a story for both Lacey & Anna.
I'm glad I continued to see this through to the end. So many moments, where you as the reader are drawn in, and connections are made.
I received a complimentary copy from Atria Books & Netgalley. This is my honest review.
For some the writing may be too edgy. If you are the kind of reader that wants some easy to read feel-good story with little real plot, this will certainly not be a book you'll want to read. What I love about this author is that she can take real world issues and present them in a way we can relate to. Does anyone want to have a work colleague like Brad Shipman? Would we like to live a life without tragedy? Do people sometimes find themselves trapped in an impossible situation, and make moral compromises to find a way out? Of course! This is the world we live in today, including the society that is so far from what God planned for His children. Families, goodness, charity, love. All of those elements can be found in 'One Thing I Know'.
So yes, while it took me some time to adjust to a different approach from the author, I thought the individual development of characters so well done. Even the ones on the sidelines like Scott & Anna I felt like strengthened. I'm hoping this isn't a stand alone, because the reunion between the 3 friends was tender but obviously in need for further nurturing. I would love to see a story for both Lacey & Anna.
I'm glad I continued to see this through to the end. So many moments, where you as the reader are drawn in, and connections are made.
I received a complimentary copy from Atria Books & Netgalley. This is my honest review.
December 10, 2018
Secrets are always revealed in one way or another. In this heartfelt story, the reader finds personality conflicts, family and honesty issues, secrets, heartache and yet also, finds hope, trust and love. I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest opinion. No review was required.
February 5, 2019
Rachel is the ghost-writer for her Aunt Donna's very successful relationship books and column, "Ask Donna". This is quite ironic, given she has few relationships herself. Lately, she's been feeling guilty about the deception and wants to either quite writing or come clean about it. When she meets sport talk show host/relationship coach (because women call in and ask him relationship advice), Lucas, the sparks fly but she tries her best to avoid them. Meanwhile, her aunt is scheming to throw them together.
The banter between Rachel and Lucas is incredibly fun. I loved watching them slowly realize they are attracted to each other. It was absolutely painful when Rachel would shut him down though. Lucas took it personally (as any of us would). Both of their fathers were alcoholics but it ended up affecting and scarring them each in different ways. They both have things to work through. Rachel has guilt that she carries for things that she blames herself for. Lucas is quick to judge others for dishonesty since his father was guilty of that. It eventually puts a rift between him and Rachel.
Both Rachel and Lucas have been damaged by their father's poor choices. Rachel has cut herself off from most of her previous relationships with friends and leads a fairly secluded existence. Lucas keeps himself closed off in different ways. As the truth behind Rachel and Donna's secret comes to light, can Rachel and Lucas find a future together that can finally be built on truth? Well, let me just say this....I love a HAPPY ENDING!!
This book was beautifully written with what I would call a "light Christian flavor." By saying that, I mean that towards the end, there is a character in the book who does credit God with getting her through a difficult time. Overall, it was a clean romance with a positive storyline. I really enjoyed it.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The banter between Rachel and Lucas is incredibly fun. I loved watching them slowly realize they are attracted to each other. It was absolutely painful when Rachel would shut him down though. Lucas took it personally (as any of us would). Both of their fathers were alcoholics but it ended up affecting and scarring them each in different ways. They both have things to work through. Rachel has guilt that she carries for things that she blames herself for. Lucas is quick to judge others for dishonesty since his father was guilty of that. It eventually puts a rift between him and Rachel.
Both Rachel and Lucas have been damaged by their father's poor choices. Rachel has cut herself off from most of her previous relationships with friends and leads a fairly secluded existence. Lucas keeps himself closed off in different ways. As the truth behind Rachel and Donna's secret comes to light, can Rachel and Lucas find a future together that can finally be built on truth? Well, let me just say this....I love a HAPPY ENDING!!
This book was beautifully written with what I would call a "light Christian flavor." By saying that, I mean that towards the end, there is a character in the book who does credit God with getting her through a difficult time. Overall, it was a clean romance with a positive storyline. I really enjoyed it.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2019
Readers who are already familiar with Kara Isaac’s writing will find this story has a slightly more serious tone than her previous novels, although it’s definitely not without the humour and wit that I love in her writing. Case in point: �There were some things that were sacred, and walking into Barnes & Noble without running into a cardboard version of yourself was one of them.� It’s also different in that the main characters aren’t believers; the spiritual input in this novel comes via secondary characters. Nevertheless, the themes of honesty, integrity, reconciliation, and forgiveness resound throughout the story as Rachel and Grant work through past pain and present choices.
Stories involving this kind of secret aren’t my favourite, simply because I’m always braced, waiting for the axe to fall—which is why I avoid similar situations in real life! That said, this story avoided the kind of contrivance that’s often employed to keep the story going. I could understand how the situation had arisen, and I could understand why Rachel felt backed into a corner. It wouldn’t have been as much of an issue if Rachel were only ghost-writing, but she also “appears� live on radio via phone as Donna—on Lucas’s show no less. And for a man who’s never forgiven his father for living a double life, that’s kind of going to be a big deal.
Where this novel really sparkled for me, though, was the banter and flirting between Rachel and Lucas. Kara Isaac knows exactly how to play her main characters� personalities off each other, and she creates fantastic romantic tension (and swoony moments) without resorting to innuendo and clichés. And beneath it all, there’s a genuine emotional connection between her characters. It certainly helped me forget about my “I hate secrets� tension at times!
For those who are looking for something to tug at the heartstrings, you’ll get that here, too, with some of the secondary plots in the story. So while I can’t say this is my favourite of Kara Isaac’s novels, it has plenty to recommend it to contemporary romance readers—especially if you get less uptight about “secrets� plots than I do!
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Stories involving this kind of secret aren’t my favourite, simply because I’m always braced, waiting for the axe to fall—which is why I avoid similar situations in real life! That said, this story avoided the kind of contrivance that’s often employed to keep the story going. I could understand how the situation had arisen, and I could understand why Rachel felt backed into a corner. It wouldn’t have been as much of an issue if Rachel were only ghost-writing, but she also “appears� live on radio via phone as Donna—on Lucas’s show no less. And for a man who’s never forgiven his father for living a double life, that’s kind of going to be a big deal.
Where this novel really sparkled for me, though, was the banter and flirting between Rachel and Lucas. Kara Isaac knows exactly how to play her main characters� personalities off each other, and she creates fantastic romantic tension (and swoony moments) without resorting to innuendo and clichés. And beneath it all, there’s a genuine emotional connection between her characters. It certainly helped me forget about my “I hate secrets� tension at times!
For those who are looking for something to tug at the heartstrings, you’ll get that here, too, with some of the secondary plots in the story. So while I can’t say this is my favourite of Kara Isaac’s novels, it has plenty to recommend it to contemporary romance readers—especially if you get less uptight about “secrets� plots than I do!
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 16, 2021
Rom/com with a twist of angst. Complicated characters with difficult backstories caught up in deceptions of their own making. All while falling in love...
It's a richly layered story that highlights the very real struggles of broken people. I'd be laughing out loud one minute and tearing up the next. Because Rachel and Lucas are on a collision course that's destined to rattle their lives in a messy heap of real, raw emotion. They can either free themselves from their pasts and look towards a fulfilling future together...or they can continue on in the same dysfunctional patterns. And I love the way the author provided this hero and heroine with Christian friends/family who could speak truth into their lives.
I did struggle with the amount of deception -- just the premise made me antsy. Rachel's been living a very public lie for a decade! There's definitely growth and freedom by the end but it just made me so anxious all the way through. And then Lucas's duplicity just made it that more difficult for me. So, not a huge fan of parts of the plot but I still enjoyed the read.
It's a richly layered story that highlights the very real struggles of broken people. I'd be laughing out loud one minute and tearing up the next. Because Rachel and Lucas are on a collision course that's destined to rattle their lives in a messy heap of real, raw emotion. They can either free themselves from their pasts and look towards a fulfilling future together...or they can continue on in the same dysfunctional patterns. And I love the way the author provided this hero and heroine with Christian friends/family who could speak truth into their lives.
I did struggle with the amount of deception -- just the premise made me antsy. Rachel's been living a very public lie for a decade! There's definitely growth and freedom by the end but it just made me so anxious all the way through. And then Lucas's duplicity just made it that more difficult for me. So, not a huge fan of parts of the plot but I still enjoyed the read.
March 18, 2020
Full disclosure- I rarely read contemporary fiction. I enjoy historical Christian fiction much more, but I always make an exception for Kara Isaac.. Her characters are always developed and their dialogue is always ON POINT. Then There Was You, was no exception.
Wow, I was feeling all the emotions in this book. On the verge of tears when reading about Ann & Cam to a silly smile and a chuckle when reading some of Rachel and Lucas� bantering. I loved Lucas� family! There are several rough family issues in the story that really made me thank God for the family I was given. Sometimes we need a reminder such as this to stop and be thankful for our lives!
There were some slow parts of the book I had to push through some, but I was rewarded with the story as a whole. Not my favorite from Isaac, but definitely heartfelt and worth the read.
Wow, I was feeling all the emotions in this book. On the verge of tears when reading about Ann & Cam to a silly smile and a chuckle when reading some of Rachel and Lucas� bantering. I loved Lucas� family! There are several rough family issues in the story that really made me thank God for the family I was given. Sometimes we need a reminder such as this to stop and be thankful for our lives!
There were some slow parts of the book I had to push through some, but I was rewarded with the story as a whole. Not my favorite from Isaac, but definitely heartfelt and worth the read.
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