False Start

An Assignment: Romance Novel

By: Barbara Valentin

Narrated by: Wendy Rich Stetson

Mattie Ross is probably the last person who should be doling out good counsel to anyone about anything. Still smarting after being left at the altar two years earlier, she is strapped with debt, has sworn off men, routinely buries herself in her work, and despite her well-proportioned figure remains haunted by childhood taunts of "Fatty Mattie". But to her publisher at the Chicago Gazette, and listeners, she is their latest advice columnist, The Plate Spinner, a self-assured working parent to adorable fake children and multi-tasking savant. Enter Nick Derosa, the twin brother of Mattie's cold-footed fiance, who is trying to get back on his feet after his brother steals his identity and implicates him in an illegal investment scheme. But thanks to Nick's legendary running career, the publisher of the Chicago Gazette proposes a wager: If Nick can train an out-of-shape working parent in time to compete in the Chicago Marathon, he will contribute enough to help Nick launch his own non-profit running club for kids. Suddenly "Fatty Mattie" and Nick are thrust together as the most unlikely of pairs and under a deadline to put their trust issues aside and avoid another false start in their lives.

©2014 Barbara Valentin (P)2016 Barbara Valentin

Sweet Feel Good Romance

False Start by Barbara Valentin (Audio Edition)
Narrated by: Wendy Rich Stetson
Assignment: Romance #1

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ I quite enjoyed this story, and it left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. I listened to it pretty much all in one go, with exceptions for a few short pauses here and there. I felt the chemistry between Nick and Mattie right away which was great and I enjoyed watching Mattie change her outlook on life and herself for the better. The story was well written, the romance was sweet, there were some amusing bits and the characters felt true and honest. I had the thought after reading it that this could have easily been a true story. I have not read this author before, but I will check out her back list.

Wendy Rich Stetson delivered her narration well. She had a few different character voices, which made it enjoyable and easy to listen to.

* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *

My Musings

I received a request from Wendy Rich Stetson to listen to her latest recording. False Start is not my usual type of book, but since I have loved all the other books that Ms. Stetson has sent me, I did not hesitate. Wow! I’m so glad I did. Not only did I get to listen to another excellent narration, False Start is an awesome book!

Mattie Ross is left at the altar with a ton of debt for a wedding that never happened. She takes a position as an advice columnist at the Chicago Gazette. She has sworn off men and buries herself in her column, The Plate-Spinner.

When her publisher decides she needs to run a marathon and even hires her a personal coach, none other than Nick Derosa, her ex-fiance’s twin brother, she reluctantly agrees. But, how does an out-of-shape, supposedly overworked parent become fit for the challenge?

Nick and Mattie are thrown together and work toward a common goal. Can they unite to achieve that goal, and fall in love along the way?

False Start is fast-paced and kept me enthralled from the first page until the last. This book is very thought provoking and filled with all kinds of positive messages wrapped up in a delightfully funny story. False Start had me rooting for Mattie, hoping she could achieve her overwhelming goal and even find love along the way.

Mattie’s character is truly inspiring. This was a perfect book for me to read since I really need to keep active. I was doing great, but life has a way of throwing in curve balls to interfere. I’m hoping I can use Mattie’s character as an example to jump start me again. If Mattie can do it, anyone can make the life-style changes that will improve one’s quality of life. Mattie is so optimistic and determined, a character to truly admire.

Nick’s character is also inspiring. Even though, he was dealt a huge blow when he was arrested because his twin assumed his identification for his criminal activities, he does not let it get him down. He is determined to succeed with the opportunity given him. While he starts out helping Mattie because of the money, he truly wants her to achieve her goal and devotes his time and energy to help her make it happen.

I listened to the narration by Wendy Rich Stetson. She gives a stellar performance as I have grown to expect. She truly brings the characters to life. Her ability to give each character their own distinct voice is astonishing. She is one of the most talented narrators I’ve had the pleasure of listening to, and I listen to a lot of audio books.

If you are looking for a book that will lift your spirits and help you find inner-strength, then False Start is the perfect book for you. I highly recommend this book and the narration by Wendy Rich Stetson. Happy reading!

False Start

Which scene was your favorite?

I totally enjoyed this audiobook - a fun romance with lovable characters that you just want to cheer for. I This story had me cheering for Mattie as she faced her demons and searched for love. Enjoyed every minute of it.

This kept me listening!

This book is based on challenges. Although it's not legal to tell an employee that their bonus and promotion are based on training for a marathon, Ms. Valentin makes it work for this book. Mattie is desperate and says she'll do it, even though the trainer is the twin of the man who stood her up at the altar and the one she blames for it. Mattie is a woman who eats her sorrows away, so Nick has some major life style changes in store for her.
Nick has his own issues (also tied to his brother) and is trying to break free of the past and desperately needs the money he will get for training Mattie. He's also attracted to Mattie. In training her, Nick helps her transform not only her body, but her self-esteem as well.Along the (jogging) path, Mattie learns that most of what she thought of Nick may be incorrect. Can she let go of her hurt enough to let Nick into her life as more than her coach?
The narration by Wendy Rich Stetson was right on, as always.

Thoughtful and reflective

This was a really inner thought provoking book. It started off slow for me. But, then it hit it's stride. (Pun intended). This is not a steamy romance, though it does have an element of romance. This book is more about soul searching, finding inner strength. It sort of deals with overcoming self-doubt and hardships that almost everyone can relate to.

Nick and Maddy were very well developed characters that fought through difficulties life threw their way. They didn't come out unscathed, but they kept moving forward with maybe a few fits and starts. And, yet, this book is not highly emotional either. The book maintains enough of a light-hearted balance that keeps you from having intense emotional hills and valleys. I found it more reflective.

Lastly, specifically to the working out, eating right, etc. this book for me was right on time. Seasons are changing, it's getting cold, and I'd been struggling to try and stick to my regular workout routine. I was also having a love affair with pastries with my coffee. I'd hit a wall or was in a workout slump. And, listening to Maddie struggle, who was just starting her fitness journey, made me feel better about my own current struggle and pulled me right out of my slump. I listened while I worked out which kept me going.

Lastly, I am a huge Wendy Rich Stetson fan. She just always captures the essence of the characters. Maddie and Nick were already written great. Then, Wendy comes along and literally breathes life into them. Even the side characters are great. Really great story that will leave you feeling good at the end.