Review & Author Interview: “The Engagement Plot” by Krista Phillips

Today I’m thrilled to welcome author Krista Phillips to the blog to talk about her new small-press release, The Engagement Plot. It’s a contemporary romantic comedy depicting the aftermath of a reality TV show gone wrong — think what could happen after “The Bachelor” but with humor and an important inspirational thread. I’m sharing my review today AND Krista has answered some of my questions about the story and herself.

Six months ago, William stole Hanna’s heart and shattered it in front of millions of people on a reality TV dating show. And now the big-wig CEO is back on Hanna’s home turf in Minnesota and wants her to forgive him? Fat chance of that. But life is swirling around faster than snow in a blizzard, and despite her objections, teaming up with William seems like the only option to rescue her reputation.

William has never regretted anything more than the day he gave that ill-fated interview for the reality show, The Price of Love. But while he can’t change the past, he’s determined to fix the future. He just needs to convince Hanna to forgive him—and pretend to be engaged with him. Simple, right?

When the media erupts with even worse accusations, teaming up and pretending to be engaged seems to be the only way to salvage their reputations. Despite the media frenzy that swirls around them, an attraction neither of them can fight off begins to surface. Could this love run deeper than a scandal, or will old wounds tear them apart once and for all?

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The Engagement Plot was at once hilarious, sweet, and emotional. I wanted to hug or high-five the characters sometimes (especially the supporting ones like Carly & Harrison, oh my!). Their vibrancy on the page made them instantly relatable… except for Will, of course 😉 , because I was on Hanna’s side! Seriously though, I was totally willing to hear him out. Sometimes I did want to have a heart to heart with him about his choices. Once I realized his true feelings, I liked him all the more. Their back-and-forth banter and clash of personalities was so funny to observe!

The spin on a reality TV show aftermath was a fresh plot (pun intended) and quite entertaining. Krista used this pop culture context to delve deeper into emotions and beliefs, though, as Hanna’s faith and commitment to standards of morality were contrasted with a secular worldview. The best part about this setup was the way GRACE was presented in story — through forgiveness and a little learning time, Hanna and Will each learn to let some things go and grasp tightly to the truths that matter.

I would be doing you all a great disservice if I failed to mention the swoony ROMANCE of this story! Will and Hanna had a fun affinity for messy kitchens. It’s all sizzling, sweet, and clean, but blunt when necessary in dealing with some real-world stuff. I loved it, and I look forward to more of Krista’s stories in the future (my TBR is growing!).

Thank you to Krista Phillips and the publisher, Shiloh Run Press, for the complimentary review copy. This is my honest review.

Krista Phillips writes contemporary romance sprinkled with two of her favorite things, laughter and Jesus. And sometimes chocolate for kicks and giggles. She lives in Middle Tennessee with her husband and their four beautiful daughters, and is an advocate for congenital heart defect and organ donation awareness. Visit her online at www.kristaphillips.com.

 

 

 

 

Thank you, Krista, for joining me today and answering some questions about your new book!

What inspired you to write The Engagement Plot?

Watching The Bachelor is slightly my guilty pleasure. That and drinking Dr. Pepper. I was inspired by all the brave souls who “confessed” their virginity on the show much to the shock (and sometimes disgust) of the fellow contestants. I also wondered what happened AFTER contestants left the show.

What spiritual message or theme do you want to communicate to readers with this story?

I don’t go into a book trying to put a certain Spiritual message into it. But my characters are Christians and so their journey always ends up including their spiritual growth as well. In The Engagement Plot, there are quite a few, actually. Forgiveness. Not judging people based on the media or rumors. Loving your enemies. And that it is never too late to turn back to God. He loves you no matter how far you’ve fallen. Coming back to him isn’t always this snap of the finger thing, but a journey.

What was most challenging about writing a story in this setting?

For The Engagement Plot, it was juggling the 4 different states the story was set in. It starts off in Minnesota, moves to Tennessee, then to New Jersey, then to New York, then back to Nashville and Minnesota. Phew. Lots of traveling!

As a reader, it’s always fun to “visit” new places! I really liked the contrast of the locations — almost like the contrast between Hanna and Will :).

Which character was your favorite to write?

Yikes. That is like asking me my favorite kid! I love them all for different reasons. My favorite ASPECT of writing them, though, was the banter between Will and Hanna. Goodness that was fun!

The banter was SO fun! Laugh-out-loud moments, for sure.

Just for fun: Do you have any hobbies?

Reading… Playing Cookie Jam on my phone…. Honestly, I have 4 kids and don’t have a lot of time for hobbies outside of writing and reading, but we DO love playing family games and I love a good game of Euchre!

If you could live in any other time period in history, which would it be and why?

Every once in a while I think the Victorian era would be fun… but then I remember corsets. Then I think maybe the roaring 20’s… but then I remember how it was quickly followed by the depression. I’m honestly content right where God put me!

Hahaha! Yes, corsets and no indoor plumbing would be problematic for me, too.

What are you currently reading?

I’m in between fiction books. Just finished Karen Witemeyer’s Heart on the Line, and have Angie Dicken’s My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah up next on my TBR pile. Non-fiction wise, I’m reading Uninvited by Lysa Terkeurst and oh my goodness, it is just SO GOOD. Every Christian author needs to read it. Goodness, every Christian woman needs to read it!

Oooh, yay! More to add to my TBR! Thank you again, Krista! This has been so fun!

Your turn, readers!!! Do you have any comments or questions for Krista?