Jessica Kate’s heartfelt and romantic debut proves that love always comes in God’s own time.
Natalie Groves once had big dreams. But soon after her fiancé, Jeremy Walters, inexplicably broke off their engagement and left town, her father was diagnosed with cancer. Now tasked with keeping her family afloat, Natalie’s grand plans have evaporated . . . and God feels very far away.
Fast-forward … far away.
Fast-forward seven years, and Jeremy is back in Charlottesville with an infant son and years of regrets. When his niece, Lili, lands on his doorstep in need of a place to stay, Jeremy needs help—and fast.
An internship opening finally presents Natalie a chance at her dream job, but she needs a second income to work around it—and the only offer available is Jeremy’s. They could be the solutions to one another’s problems, provided they don’t kill each other in the process. When they join forces, sparks fly. But they both know there’s a thin line between love and hate . . . and that love will turn out to be the best decision—or the biggest mistake—of all.
This inspirational contemporary read is a standalone novel, though it also features characters from Jessica Kate’s forthcoming novel, A Girl’s Guide to the Outback (coming January 2020).
Book length: approximately 90,000 words. Includes a reading group guide.
“A stunning debut . . . This tale of love and redemption will stay with you long after you’ve closed the book. A must-read.” —Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress
“Witty. Charming. Heartfelt. I could go on and on about Jessica Kate’s debut novel. From its highly relatable characters to its pitch-perfect dialogue, Love and Other Mistakes is a delightful, romantic read filled with just the right amount of sass. I lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud as I watched Natalie and Jem navigate their relationships, careers, and faith. Definitely one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read lately, and I can’t wait to see what’s next from Jessica Kate!” —Melissa Tagg, Carol Award–winning author of Now and Then and Always and the Walker Family series
“Love and Other Mistakes wraps a poignant and warm look at relationships within a smart, sly, and knowing comedic voice. Readers of Sally Thorne and Bethany Turner will be immediately at home with Natalie: an all-too-real heroine who balances whip-smart agency with an endearing vulnerability and whose intersection with long-lost Jeremy helps her forge a path to confidence and discover the woman she was always meant to be. Kate’s unputdownable debut recognizes that all human relationships—familial, friendship, romantic—are worth the keen eye and clever insight of her talented pen.” —Rachel McMillan, author of the Van Buren and DeLuca Mysteries
“If you’re looking for a story with sass on top of style, or a fresh voice pumped full of fun, you need to read Love and Other Mistakes. Then after you’ve enjoyed this—and I’m confident you will—make a date with whatever this exciting new author writes next!” —David Rawlings, author of The Baggage Handler
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I’ve been hesitant to pick up this book because I haven’t really liked any of the recent contemporary Christian fiction novels that have been getting lots of buzz lately — I didn’t want to pick up another book everyone raves about and be disappointed.
Thank you, Jessica Kate, for not disappointing me!
The book grabbed me right away and I never had the “I can see where this is going” feeling, nor did I feel like I’ve read this book before, but in a different setting. None of her characters are perfect (though they do cry a lot!) and life doesn’t come easily, but because you can see the good and bad in all of them you can relate to them and want to learn more about them (except Steph — I never connected with Steph).
**MINOR SPOILER**
The only reason I didn’t give this five-stars: I would have liked to see more at the end to show if/how Mike and Steph decided to work things out. That was a big plot line the impacted everyone, but it felt a little rushed-through at the end.
Other than that, the book caught my attention and held it until the end. I even stayed up late to read it! I honestly cannot tell you the last time a contemporary Christian romance novel so engaged me. I’ll definitely read her next book!
Rate PG for thematic elements.
Natalie Groves and Jeremy Walters have issues.
After a broken engagement and seven years of silence, they literally reunite on hot pavement while Natalie holds an adorable baby in her arms; Jeremy’s baby. He’s come back home to Charlottesville as a single parent. And he needs Natalie’s help. Not happening . . . .
Natalie has plans. Plans of her own. Plans to secure a ministry position at her church. Plans to continue her father’s legacy. Plans that are not going to derail just because one handsome ex-fiance with an equally handsome little “Ollie” show up. On second thought, can she possibly help Jeremy and secure an internship? Maybe. . . . . . . , but then there is Lili, and Chloe, and John. Maybe not.
Ups and downs. Ebbs and flows. Ins and outs. Charateristic of a debut, this somewhat zig-zagging story also had some raw, authentic, contemplative moments. Real life happens, and often at warp speed. Forgetting and forgiving are definitely two different things, people fall shamelessly off of pedestals, the ones we love the most have the power to hurt us the most, and shutting down communication when it matters, is never a good idea.
Entertaining and insightful; undoubtedly, this young author has many more good stories to write!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley, and I am voluntarily posting my honest review.
#NetGalley #LoveAndOtherMistakes
Seven years ago, pastor’s daughter Natalie Groves was on her way to realizing all her dreams of college, marriage, and a career in a ministry she loved. Then, her father got cancer, Natalie dumped college and career plans to be the breadwinner for her family, and fiancè, Jeremy Walters, left her at the alter and promptly disappeared.
Now, Jeremy has returned to town with an infant son and no wife. Natalie is not now, and may never be, ready to forgive her runaway groom, but with her father’s health worsening she urgently needs a second job. The only job available in her small town at the moment is as nanny to Jeremy’s child. Awkward is too nice a word.
Author Jessica Kate weaves a story with humor, pathos, romance, and faith, without becoming preachy, condescending, or judgmental. Faith in God is simply an understated constant in the lives of these people. And if Natalie and Jeremy don’t kill each other (figuratively speaking, of course), they may learn how harmony and happiness depend upon God’s timing.
A sweet, charming romance with no offensive material, this book is enjoyable for Christians and non-Christians alike. I give it four stars out of five. Recommended.
For me, romantic comedy is like that acquaintance you nod to across the room at a gathering. I respect it enough to acknowledge it, but I have to be in the right mood to cuddle under a blanket with it and a pumpkin spice latte for ten hours, you know?
Perhaps that’s why it took me awhile to crack open Jessica Kate’s Love and Other Mistakes. The cute illustrated cover teases romantic comedy, but what I found inside is thankfully so much more.
This book has a cast of characters that could easily be picked out of everyday life. The good people, just trying to make it through life on a hope, a prayer, and a lot of hard work (Jem, Natalie, and Stephanie). The too-good-for-our-world ones (Lili, Nick, Sam, Natalie’s parents). And the downright wretched, whose selfishness threatens to destroy everyone in their wake (cough…Mike…cough).
I felt every emotion while reading this novel. For me, that’s a great thing. I liked Jem and Nat’s relationship. They aren’t cookie cutter characters, and at times seem like their own worst enemy. But they each are doing their best, while still making sacrifices for those they love.
But 16-year-old Lili is the star of this show. Highly relatable, kind, and stuck in awful circumstances, she stole my heart. Her scenes with Nick, the boy from across the tracks, were my favorite. It had me sort of wishing the author would give the Young Adult genre a shot, because she could stand up next to John Green for sure.
I love Jessica Kate’s writing style. Her spin on words and witticisms kept me hanging on every sentence. She absolutely could write true light-hearted romantic comedy if she wanted to, but personally, I hope she sticks with the soul-deep stories that leaves a lasting impact like this one.
I was shocked to learn that Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate is a debut novel. How is that possible? Kate’s writing is that of a pro with several celebrated novels under her belt. I found the characters in this story to be original, complex, and authentic. The way each character works through (or doesn’t) their true-to-life issues felt very relatable. I found myself laughing hysterically one minute and then sobbing the next as my heart was sucker-punched by an event I didn’t see coming. The thematic discussions that permeate the text are timely and often made me stop to either think about my past or consider how I would deal with whatever dysfunction the character was currently experiencing. For me, Love and Other Mistakes was quite the interactive read and I loved every second!
Natalie, the story’s heroine, has dreamed of one day following in the footsteps of her beloved minister-father and becoming a major leader in a church ministry. She has convinced herself that the only way to make her earthly, and Heavenly, father proud is by throwing herself into ministry at the expense of everything and everyone. Natalie often puts her job first above family and friends because she craves approval. What’s funny is that Natalie hates most of what the job entails — public speaking and being in front of large crowds. Natalie’s myopic drive to be a top member of a church ministry ends up burning her out to the point of near exhaustion, and it virtually destroys her significant relationships. Natalie’s real issue, of course, is that she isn’t listening to God and following His path for her. Instead, she is forcing her own path based on what she thinks God and her dad want her to do. When we force our own path instead of following God’s we lose out on so much, and we often end up hurting our loved ones in the process. Being sacrificial to God does not mean we sacrifice others to get to the path we think we need to walk. I literally cheered out loud in my living room when Natalie realizes this very important Truth. And, I really appreciated the reminder to check in with God and make sure I’m following His path, not my own.
Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate is an outstanding read that I highly recommend. If you are in the mood for a hilarious, heartbreaking, romantic read with timely themes then I recommend you run to your local bookstore today to purchase a copy of this novel. You will not be disappointed that you did.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received an egalley from the publisher through Netgalley.
I think the writing was good. The story was engaging. It is a duel story book and they do intersect. It was hard to step away from the book. Also, it was sometimes hard to pick it up becuase some characters I really wanted to throw off a cliff. For example, the H’s brother. If ever there was an example for rationalizing away your decisions, not taking ownership of poor choices, why boundaries must be kept when married he is the poster child. I have no patience or symphaty for his kind of people. The H was frustrating sometimes. I was hoping they’d have a conversation about him leaving and have him own up to his mistakes. This was dealt with a bit but I’d like to have it explored more since this was a big part of the book. I’d also like to have been able o have more of the H’s brother story/resolution with his family I’d say this story has a lot of realisim in it. The author does well with all characters how one person can get so far away from their self. I am Christian but not in the world of doing worship service and paid clergy but I was still able to get involved in the story. There are some universal themes.
Was beginning to wonder how this was going to have a happy ending. So glad it did. Keeping secrets causes problems.
Love and Other Mistakes
by Jessica Kate
Rating: 5/5
Wow. Just wow. Never have I read a story so poignant and so real and frustrating I wanted to yell at the characters. This book is THAT GOOD. I can’t explain how riled up the story made me and how much I just had to keep reading. I’m such a sucker for stories within a story. There were just enough characters to keep me hooked without getting too confusing.
Natalie has the opportunity of a lifetime – a second chance at her dream job, but it’s only an internship and she needs another part-time job to help with finances. Her ex-fiance, Jem, is back in town with his infant son and needs a part-time nanny. Desperate to prove that she has what it takes in ministry, she agrees to nanny Jem’s son, Oliver.
Jem is back in his hometown but hesitant to interact with his father who makes him feel like he’s never good enough. His first love, Natalie, doesn’t seem to want to forgive him but he’d love another chance to be with her. He’s a single dad trying to raise his son and care for his niece.
Lili, Jem’s teenage niece, ends up staying with her uncle and helping watch the baby after school. Lili’s own family seems to be falling apart and she can’t tell anyone. She’s being torn up inside and acting out. Where is God in all the chaos?
This story is real, funny, sad, frustrating, heart-breaking, hopeful, and a testament about the power of the forgiveness of God. I highly recommend reading this book. The author is not afraid to address issues that come up in real life and some of the hypocrisy that exists in the church. As a Christian, I was pleasantly surprised at how the author portrayed what was happening and the downward spirals that can easily occur. She addressed God’s forgiveness and the hope that it brings.
This book is worth reading.
My thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
I was expecting a light romcom, but this debut novel by Jessica Kate was much deeper. There were the fun elements of a romantic comedy, but there were also some pretty deep issues tackled. I really enjoyed this book, which had me turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning. I would definitely recommend this book.
I knew this book would make me laugh. I never expected it would also make me cry. Such an incredible, beautiful story of real people struggling their way through real-life decisions and sometimes getting them wrong but ultimately finding grace deeper than they ever realised possible. Far from just a fun, sassy romance, this story deals with issues of grief, unforgiveness, family break-downs, health issues and finding purpose and God amongst it all. Some really funny scenes but wow, some really deep ones too. Amazing first book from this debut author.
I have struggled with exactly how to write this review. This book was extremely well written, but it just wasn’t what I was expecting. I felt like it was marketed as a rom-com, but I personally would not put it in that category. Maybe it was, but not one that was all tied up at the end with a happy ending. So, if you are thinking you are picking up a light-hearted Hallmarkesque story this is not the book for you. However, if you are looking for a well-written, emotional, gut-wrenching at times story with well-developed characters experiencing real-life issues, then give it a try.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I love how Jessica Kate is not afraid to skip over difficult topics. This book is funny and charming but also deals with topics that are not often discussed in inspirational fiction. The characters are relatable, and I love the story!
If all of your dreams derailed, what would you be willing to do to get them on track again? Work multiple jobs? Speak in public when you hate it? Work for the person who shattered your heart in a million pieces? Natalie Groves finds herself in this unenviable position when she takes a job as nanny to her ex-fiancé’s baby boy to subsidize a golden opportunity of an internship. The awkward alliance that results leads to sparks more varied and colorful than Natalie’s M&M stash.
Love and Other Mistakes has a premise any romcom lover would adore, hilarious moments, and plenty of heart fluttering chemistry between the main characters, Natalie and Jeremy. But as entertaining as these elements are, they only constitute one facet of this story. The other facets include well-drawn characters and lifelike situations.
Natalie, Jeremy, and Jeremy’s niece Lili each feel authentic and familiar, as do their emotional struggles with faith, family, and their futures. Consequently, there are many beautiful and painful scenes throughout the book, and Jessica Kate handles them all with grace, hope, and heart. Especially poignant are the multiple complicated father/child relationships, all which serve to accentuate the depth of the Heavenly Father’s love.
I recommend Love and Other Mistakes to readers young and old, as its messages about forgiveness, second chances, and finding purpose have widespread applications.
I received a free copy of this book, but was not obligated to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
If you are looking for a book about second chances, Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate is the book for you. The two main characters, Natalie and Jeremy, have to come to terms in their own time on forgiving the other person and other people in their life. They have to learn to forgive and then to let go which is hard for them, but of course life happens. This book is a real world type of situations but laugh out loud moments. It is charming and witty all rolled into one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book is such an easy read. I almost didn’t finish it because it seemed so “middle school”. I did finish it, though. There was just something about the story that lacked depth. If you like to read something that moves along quickly without much depth, then this is for you. The faith testimony was sound, and the ending was happy.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Love and Other Mistakes exempifies the belife that “God is with you in the middle of the storm” and demistrates it in one of the most dysfuntional families I have ever read about in CF. Jessica Kate, a new author, does an exceptional job showcasing God’s love and the need to forgive, no matter the offence.
It is said that “If a story invokes a wealth of emotions, it is a hit”. Well, Love and Other Mistakes will definitly take you on a rollor coaster ride of emotions. Jesisca Kate has a way of crafting words to make you smile on one page and then break your heart the next. I would most definatly say that she is an author worth adding to your “Must read” list.
*3 1/2 Stars*
3 1/2 Stars, but I’m recommending it? Yes. Read on to understand why!
Well…I have to admit, I’m not exactly sure how to review this book. For one thing, I don’t know whether to start with the good news or…the less-good news. But I think I’m going to start with the less-good news, because the less-good news is all about perception, marketing, and expectations, while the good news is all about a talented debut author and her nuanced storytelling. And that’s what I REALLY want to talk about.
But first, the less-good.
In Jessica Kate’s Love and Other Mistakes, we meet Natalie Groves–a heroine who captured my heart and my interest from the very beginning. We also meet her ex-fiance, Jeremy Walters–better known as Jem. Jem left Natalie years prior in heartbreaking fashion, and Natalie has been attempting to pick up the pieces of her life ever since. Jem, meanwhile, has moved on in dramatic fashion–at least that’s how it appears at first. The reality, of course, is that Jem’s years without Natalie have been comprised of wandering and searching, misfires and struggles. And…fatherhood. Baby Oliver is now part of the package, though Oliver’s mother is missing in action.
Everything I am about to say is just one reader’s opinion, and I have no doubt whatsoever that countless readers could present compelling counterpoint to each of my grievances. But, in my opinion, the synopsis I have just given is a fascinating foundation for a modern-day, relevant Christian romantic comedy. There is plenty of story to tell. Plenty of potential mishaps to ensue. Plenty of wide. open space for romance and comedy–the foundational cornerstones of rom-com–as well as life lessons and enlightening perspective. Oh, sure…you’d want to add a subplot. Maybe two. Engaging supporting characters are a must. My first grievance is that held within these beautifully-written pages are more subplots than I really care to invest in. By pulling me out of Jem and Natalie’s central plot in favor of the story of Jem’s teenaged niece Lili and her very real, very heartbreaking, VERY well-written drama, as well as that of her parents, Mike and Steph, who are responsible for Lili’s heartbreak and angst (More on them in a moment…), not to mention Jem’s broken relationship with his father, resentment towards alcohol and the devastating havoc it can wreak, Natalie’s attempts to come to terms with her beloved father’s impending death, Natalie’s search for not only a job but a calling, the chronic illness of a baby… Long story short, I sometimes felt as if I had emotional whiplash.
Now, to the author’s immense credit, all of these plots and subplots were interconnected in a fashion that was natural and intricately engaging. Jessica Kate is not just telling us a story. She’s giving us an inside look at a modern, complicated family’s life. And I don’t have a problem with that in the least. What I do struggle with, however, is attempting to wrap all of this plot and subplot, intricacy and angst, into a romantic comedy package. Sure, there is romance. And yes, some of Ms. Kate’s banter, observations, and situations are truly hilarious. But the disillusionment of romance and the very opposite of comedy actually run more prevalent than either of the two words that make up the romantic comedy sub-genre.
Again, my grievance here is not really with the book or the author–only with the expectations laid out with the marketing of the book. My heart simply wasn’t prepared for all of the pain and sadness it was about to be subjected to.
But let’s pretend for a moment that I hadn’t been distracted by the design of the cover–in a style so prevalent in romantic comedy novels these days–and I hadn’t been prepared to sit down with a humorous story, focused on the central couple and their up-and-down path to love. In that scenario, what would this review consist of?
Well, my major grievance would have been with just how bothered I was by Lili’s parents, Mike and Steph. Humans are flawed. I get that. And honestly, I was thrilled that Ms. Kate chose to tackle some very difficult, very hush-hush problems which do, in fact, occur within the church and in the lives of those chosen to lead the church. But the extremity of Mike and Steph’s handling of their problems–from lies and deception to selfishness and coercion…all the way to what amounted to child neglect and abandonment–was a whole lot to deal with. I kept hoping for some serious redemption there. Not just a moment in which they stopped thinking about themselves for two seconds (which we did eventually get), but a moment in which there was repentance and evidence of consequences, even beyond the pain they inflicted on their daughter.
Other than that my alternate reality review, if I had understood what I was getting into, would have consisted of the following:
Jessica Kate is truly talented, and without a doubt she is one to watch. Her writing voice is unique, her ideas are new, her approach is fresh, and she is simply a gifted storyteller. She weaves together fascinating intricacies. Her dialogue feels real. She knows how to make chemistry and affection–romantic and otherwise–between characters leap off the page.
And do you know what else? I really enjoyed reading this book! I was engaged from the very beginning, and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. There wasn’t a single moment of reading this book that I consider a waste of time or waste of emotion. Without a doubt, I will be anxiously awaiting the next book by Ms. Kate. She has a bright future, and I believe this book only begins to scrape the surface of the reading delights she is going to deliver to readers through the years.
And all of that good stuff? Well, the fact is that’s not just what I would have said in my alternate reality review. It’s what I’m happy to say in spite of the misdirected marketing and expectations. And to any readers unsure of whether or not to pick up this book, in light of a “negative” review…do yourself a favor and read it. Now. Go into it prepared for a sometimes-painful, often-funny, deep and moving visit with a flawed group of family and friends who, at the center of it all, believe that love is worth the pain.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, courtesy of Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
STUDY OF RELATIONSHIPS!
LOVE AND OTHER MISTAKES is a great study of relationships! It covers several strong friend relationships, parent/child relationships, several marriage relationships, several dating relationships, several hopeful dating relationships AND one old, romantic, formally engaged to be married relationship that ended very badly. (Is there any way to break off an engagement that doesn’t end badly?) Natalie Groves had a calling and a plan. Then she met Jeremy who also seemed to be a part of the call & the plan – until he ditched her after they were engaged! Natalie finds herself scrambling to find her purpose again. An opportunity arises & as she considers taking an internship on the way to her “Dream Job,” her life takes a drastic turn. Guess who’s home & with an infant son in his arms?
New author Jessica Kate does a great job of taking readers on a walk through the mine fields in this plot! Her characters are believable because they are imperfect like the rest of us. They are experiencing many of our struggles and challenges and some we have not faced & hope we will never have to face! She makes you feel as though you’re a fly on the wall, and privy to extra information. The plot is complex as there is a great deal of action going on – health of aging parents, workplace woes, who can you believe or trust, love interests & the list goes on! You won’t be bored while reading! In the end, readers will be blessed to have learned that it it is always important to be surrounded by a strong family group, friend group and work group. Life is too short to not be spent with people who love you and that you love dearly. Working together for a common goal will seem much less like work. It’s interesting to see how the characters grow from their past mistakes. Very enjoyable book! I was provided an ARC of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate is the quintessential contemporary romance novel. With a predictable plot and a story focused completely on the romance and budding on and off relationship between Natalie and Jeremy, Kate created a story worthy of fans of contemporary romance. I do enjoy how Kate created Natalie to have snarky responses toward Jeremy. She still has a lot of ways to go when readers meet her for the first time to forgive Jeremy. There is a lot of normal interactions and confusion that life brings that Kate didn’t shy away from. She created a realistic world for the characters to roam around and tell their story. I did find the story a little dry at parts because it didn’t have anything happening to progress the story forward. The story does end with the predictable happily-ever-after marriage ceremony. Overall, Love and Other Mistakes is a wonderful read for fans of contemporary romance. Fans of Contemporary romance like Kara Issac, Courtney Walsh, and Melissa Tagg would probably enjoy this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.