When a pastor’s son saves her life, can a prodigal daughter dare to believe in second chances?
Noah Shaw is almost thirty and he still doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up. Torn between running his business as a limo driver for Hollywood’s elite, and feeling called to ministry, he prays for direction. But he never expects that direction to include finding a woman near-death on the … expects that direction to include finding a woman near-death on the front steps of his father’s church.
Hannah left her family and her faith when she moved to Hollywood looking for adventure. Instead of finding fame in the movies, she was lured into the life of an exotic dancer. Hopeless and ashamed, suicide seems like her only escape. Until the night Noah saves her life.
The Shaw family welcomes her into their home and gives her a chance to start over. When the shadows of her former life threaten to expose her past, she must choose between running away or fighting for the new life she’s built and the man she’s grown to love.
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Made in Hollywood by Michelle Keener is a fabulous sequel. I enjoyed every minute of this story and found I just could not put it down. In fact, I was able to read this book in one day!!! While I do believe Made in Hollywood could be read as a standalone, I really recommend reading book 1 first. Made in Hollywood is Noah and Hannah’s story of redemption and romance, but it also builds upon other character relationships from book 1 that I feel make book 2 all the more rich and complex.
There is so much to love about Made in Hollywood. The plot is AMAZING. I was captivated from page one. I found the pacing to be perfect. The friendship-to-romantic-relationship between Noah and Hannah builds very well and quite realistically. I love that I got to see the characters from book 1 interact with Noah and Hannah. I actually think this is what makes this book so stellar. It’s clear the characters have a familial bond and they really care about one another. I like their camaraderie and loyalty. And, I really appreciate the timely themes discussed in this story. My favorite theme deals with coming to terms with the fact that when God is on our side we are never alone. Hannah’s story will rip your heart out, so be prepared. The past five years of her life have been filled with total loneliness and unbelievable suffering. Hannah’s sense of loneliness is deep and it hurt my reader’s heart so much. I really wanted to give this girl a hug! But over time, Hannah comes to trust that God is on her side and that He really is there for her no matter what. She also learns that no one on this earth can take away our relationship with God, and in that truth comes great strength — the kind of strength that allows a person to withstand anything. What a fabulous reminder for us all!
Made in Hollywood is an excellent story and I highly recommend it. This is a story that will stick with the reader long after the final page has been turned.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit. I also purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on March 9, 2020 in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
As soon as I finished reading Made In Hollywood, I went right away to Amazon and purchased the Kindle version of Mission Hollywood (A Red Carpet Romance Book #1) AND I looked for book #3, Kate’s story, but apparently it’s not out yet. I loved this author’s writing style, her sharing faith throughout the entire book and addressing real life circumstances that aren’t talked about over lady’s tea. All this, while writing “clean”. Wonderful characters, people you’d love to have in your life. I don’t share my “paperback” books, but Made in Hollywood is one that I’m going to insist that my 16-year old granddaughter read it.
Michelle Keener is a new to me author, but I intend to read more from her!
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
When limo driver Noah Shaw parked at his dad’s church, never did he dream he would find a half dead woman left to die on the churches steps. And never expected his left to change, but it happened.
It too me a little while to get into this story, but after I did, I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is such a sad story, but sadly, things like this that’s happening in this story do happen in real life, more than we realize. My heart was breaking for the young lady, and especially as she was getting better, and she thought she was unworthy to have anything, to be happy, or to have someone help her out without a price. The scenes were so detailed, and I could feel the emotions running high many times throughout the story. There’s also so good things happening here in the story as well. A number of characters to keep up with and some fun things to keep the story interesting, and just enough other issues to keep you interested to read to the end, because you have to find out what happens to everyone.
This story deals with some hard stuff such as drugs, exotic dancing, and harsh issues that go along with these, so if you have teens, you need to read it first before you let your teen read it. This story has a ring of truth to it, I’ve seen situations similar to this happen in real life. I appreciate how the author weaves more harsh issues together with the Christian life in her characters to show God’s love and forgiveness. This is a really good book to read. If you enjoy Contemporary christian reads, you will enjoy this one.
Made in Hollywood is my first read from author Michelle Keener, and i found it to be a very good read! And well written as well. And though I didn’t read the first book in the series, I was ok reading this one first. But if you can read Mission Hollywood first, you will know the characters better.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Can Hollywood actually become a mission field? That’s the focus of this wonderful series by Michelle Keener.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and I was looking forward to reading more about the Shaw family and their “mission field” of Hollywood. I was not disappointed in this second book. The theme of God’s love and forgiveness is the heartbeat of this story.
Evan, Noah, and Lily Shaw are caring people who reach out with the love of Jesus to those in need through the ministries of their church. This book focuses on Hannah, and her story in many ways parallels the account of the “prodigal son” from the Bible. When we first meet Hannah, she is completely without hope. The Shaw family bands together to show her the love of Christ, but Hannah struggles to believe she is worthy of God’s forgiveness.
Michelle Keener has given us a compelling story that gives us a glimpse of how the Church should be reaching out to all who desperately need Christ. There’s a sweet romance that begins between Hannah and Noah, but it’s Hannah’s transformation that held my heart all throughout this story. If you’ve read the first book, you’ll be happy to know that we read more of Ben and Lily’s story, too. I’m highly recommending this series. Besides being entertaining reading, the depth of compassion in these stories is heart-touching.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
With an intense storyline about a young woman fleeing a past she feels she can not be forgiven for, this story grabbed and demanded my attention. When I began reading this book, I could not put it down.
“Hannah” as she introduces herself, felt she had nothing to live for and no reason to go on with her life. So she tried to end her suffering. However, she was dumped at a mission church where Noah Shaw happened to be dropping off his limousine and where his father served as pastor.
Noah, his father, and his sister all reach out and open their home to Hannah. She becomes an integral part of their family, lives, and even the church. This story of a prodigal daughter illustrates how God forgives us, His children, for our sins and wants only to love us.
This book is the second in a series, and I can not wait to read more.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
With an emotional heart I write this review. It amazes me how a book can teach you so many lessons. The author has woven a story much like the Prodigal Son but with more intensity. The emotions run deep in this unforgettable story of redemption. I loved reading about Hannah and her quest to find unconditional love. There is no need to retell the story in my review. That is waiting for readers to experience. I want to express just how powerful this story is. Hannah could be anybody who has been running from their past. Many of us think we have done so many unforgivable things, that God would never welcome us home.
What I found in this story was compassion that helped a young woman feel important. Being tossed on a deserted parking lot of a church was definitely a divine appointment for Hannah that night. Noah is so forgiving and is the hands and feet of God. He reached out and showed grace to someone who had given up. Noah’s family not only takes a stranger in but welcomes her with open arms. To witness her surrender to God is a very heart wrenching scene. I remember when I felt ready to give up. In that moment I could feel arms wrapped around me as I cried out to God. Hannah experiences much the same as she cries tears of healing at the altar of forgiveness.
No matter where we are , not matter what we have done, God is waiting with open arms. Hannah faces danger as her past catches up with her. The author does a great job of letting Hannah face her enemy surrounded by those who love her. The ending will require tissues as the author leads us to the beginning of a new chapter for several characters. I am hoping the author will continue the series with a story filled with redemption, forgiveness and letting go of the chains that keep us from God.
“The mistakes of our past can become our greatest testimony if we surrender them to God and let Him redeem them.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The synopsis won me over right away. The story of an almost dead suicidal woman dropped off on the steps of a church, where the pastor’s son finds her, sounded like something I would like to “check out”. I loved the characters, well except one, and knew they could easily be friends of mine.
Hannah had led a horrible life after running away from home to Hollywood. Out of money and choices she was taken in by a pimp of sorts who promised her fame and fortune. She was at the end of her rope when Noah found her. She felt so undeserving of the help and friendship offered by Noah Shaw and his family.
God is good, He never leaves us, even though we sometimes feel like He has. His mercies are new every morning. The scriptures, the encouragement, and the love brought out in this story made me smile many times. There was some ugliness and evil also that made the good stuff so much sweeter. No matter how far we feel we have fallen God is a loving and forgiving God. A great story by a new to me author. I’m looking forward to the next novel, Kate’s story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.
Made in Hollywood is the second novel in the A Red Carpet Romance series by Michelle Keener. I have been looking forward to reading Noah’s story since finishing the first book, Mission Hollywood, and I absolutely loved this story!
The characters Made in Hollywood is the second novel in the A Red Carpet Romance series by Michelle Keener. I have been looking forward to reading Noah’s story since finishing the first book, Mission Hollywood, and I absolutely loved this story!
The characters are amazing, just like the first novel, each so unique and genuine. The cozy family feel of Mission Hollywood extends into this story and to all who are near the Shaws. They are such an amazing example of God’s love and mercy. And yet, they are not perfect either, which makes them even more loveable and relatable!
I loved Hannah’s prodigal story, and the redemption she gained by turning her life over to God. The inspirational themes of forgiveness, redemption and mercy are prevalent and fantastic. I had tears of in my eyes during more than once scene as I was in awe of the power and grace of God. Michelle Kenner knows how to write a powerfully touching story. One that every single one of us can relate to in one way or another.
I hope we get to see more of the Shaw family as well as Kate and Chris in another book! I will be impatiently waiting! I love this series!
If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction, you will love this book! I would recommend reading the first novel, Mission Hollywood before reading this one as Made in Hollywood picks up where the first book ended.
Happy reading!
I was given a copy of this book by Celebrate Lit with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Wow. First, not a book I’d give to my daughter. But wow. It’s a good one for sure. Lots of hard hard topics and such as suicide and exotic dancing in this novel.
It took me a little bit to get into this book but once I did I didn’t want to put it down. This is the second book in a series though you don’t have to read them in order to have them make sense. Each can be read as a stand-alone title. I have read the first book in the series though and it’s a good one about hard topics too.
If you have issues in your past life that might make sex or exotic dancer give you a trigger then don’t read this book. If not, you might get more from the book than you bargained for.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Made in Hollywood is the first book I have read by Michelle Keener. It is, also, the second installment from her A Red Carpet Romance series. Even though it is part of a series, I feel as though it can be read as a stand alone. I did not feel like I was missing anything that was covered in the first book, Mission Hollywood. However, I do plan on going back to read that one in the near future.
I really liked Made in Hollywood. It My favorite character was Hannah. I felt connected to her. She was so broken and lost. I am sure many readers would be able to relate to her. I was so glad to see that she was rescued by Noah. I enjoyed watching the two learn how to grow and learn to have faith.
Made in Hollywood four and a half stars. I look forward to reading more from A Red Carpet Romance series. I definitely have to read the first book, Mission Hollywood, to see what happened previously. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy a clean romance with relatable and true to life characters. It is most definitely worth a read.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
This is a “new to me” author and I was blown away by this book! I loved everything about it! The characters are flawed and real, the story was so gripping and the feeling when I finished the book was so inspiring! I wanted to go out and help the world! I definitely wanted to help every young woman who is caught up in the same thing that happened to Hannah. Noah is a wonderful young man who lives with his father, a preacher, and helps out at the church in the “seedier” side of Hollywood but his main job is driving a limo for the rich & famous. He doesn’t quite know what direction his life should take. He’s reached the point where he needs to make a decision. His sister is about to get married to a found movie star and he can’t keep living with his dad. One night Hannah is dumped on the church doorsteps, barely alive. It’s obvious she’s in big trouble and he gets her medical help. As Hannah begins to recover, Noah’s family invites her into their home. However, they know she is keeping big secrets. Hannah loves Noah’s family and begins to heal for the first time but she can’t possibly tell them about the life she’s been living. Also, she’ll never be good enough for Noah. The beautiful redemption of Hannah is a wonderful part of the story as she finds her faith and her worth. I loved this book!
A beautiful story of redemption
I was so touched by this wonderful story! Several moments moved me to tears. Not a sappy Christian romance, it is a deeply moving story of changed lives with a touch of suspense. The writing is compelling and beautiful.
Hannah was a prodigal. She knew the truth but had always rebelled against the things her parents strove to teach her and ended up in a terrible place – left for dead from a drug overdose! Her experiences had humbled her and yet she felt that she could never go home. Her shame over the life she had lived overpowered her. I loved Hannah, though. She was sorry for what she had done and was striving to live well. Her broken heart was full of kindness and she loved to serve! Though she gave her life to the Lord, her growing affection for Noah had her fearful to share her past – she was certain he would turn his back on her if he knew the truth. . .
And, oh, Noah! I loved him in Mission Hollywood and came to love him even more here! Filled with grace and mercy even when he was unsure about his calling, he served the people of the church with his whole heart. I simply adored his reaction to hearing about Hannah’s past – the way he listened and yet didn’t force her to share. He simply accepted her as she was.
When unsavory elements from her past discover where Hannah is, things get interesting! Good versus evil. Faith versus fear. Hannah learned to trust God despite watching her world crumble around her!
This is a story that will stay in my heart for a long time. And I can’t wait to read the next one. Is there hope for Kate to have a happy ending? I’m hoping her story is next!
Read my review of Made in Hollywood by Michelle Keener at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
This is a wonderful inspirational story. It is well written, full of emotions and holds your attention. It will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Make sure you have a box of tissue handy because you will need them.
A tear-jerking, amazing and touching story of God’s grace that finds us lost and brings us back home.
I love the Shaw family. It was exciting to read about Ben and Lily again. The 1st book Mission Hollywood was their story.
Reading Noah(the sweet and protective elder brother) and the kind Hannah was a wonderful thrill. I loved how their story played out. I loved reading about how love conquered all and how God’s grace won again and again.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.