Famous for a Living

I couldn't put this book down! I loved every second of it. Fergusons writing is unlike any other and I honestly can't wait to read more of her books. the characters are well fleshed out and I never wanted it to end.

I have read a couple of the author’s other books, Meet Me In the Margins and Cul-de-Sac Wars. This is by far my favorite. The growth Cat shows in the book is believable and relatable as is the subject matter. I love that the author used the novel to bring light to a very real problem. I have seen bits and pieces of myself in characters before but I have not connected with an issue the way I have with this book. I have never thought about my own actions and made a plan to change them. Thank you.

Another cute rom com with a unique plot! Love the way Melissa Ferguson weaves interesting locations and information into her stories. You walk away with a smile and knowing about new things. The romance always adds to the story. Ferguson has become one of my favorites. Definitely woth the read. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, and author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own.

This was a really captivating read, it reminded me a lot of "Funny You Should Ask", and if you enjoy celebrity romances, you should definitely check it out!

I absolutely loved Melissa Ferguson’s last book, Meet Me in the Margins (my favorite romance of 2022!) and was excited to get this ARC of her 2023 release. Famous for a Living is a sweet romance that deals with a heavy and timely topic - our society’s addiction to social media. Cat is a successful social media influencer who has a spectacular fall from grace and flees to her uncle’s remote home at a national park in Montana to recharge and remember what is important in life. She grows to love the slow pace of small town living and her quirky fellow co-workers, especially the stoic and handsome park ranger, Zaiah.

I loved so many things about this book - the realistic found family of the park rangers, especially her adorable roommate, the spectacular landscape descriptions, and the slow burn of the romance with Zaiah. He is truly the perfect man - strong yet sensitive, principled yet caring. Who wouldn’t fall for him?

The setting was perfect, especially since I had visited Montana several years ago and could mentally picture the breathtaking vistas and snowy peaks myself. I am similar to Cat, not a huge fan of roughing it, so I understood her reluctance at the beginning of her time there. I love how she grew as a character, from a shallow, vapid influencer always looking for her next “like” to a thoughtful, caring team player.

The ending fed into my general feelings about social media, how insidious it is and how it is negatively affecting our young people in particular. I wish every “influencer” could read this book and realize how much of life they are missing when they are glued to their phones. The storyline with Zaiah and Hannah hit very close to home as a mom of teens, the anxiety over “likes,” the constant checking of stats, etc. It’s all too much for kids, teens, and adults, and I hope through books like this, we can take back control of our digital lives.

I loved the characters so much that I wanted to learn even more about them, especially Uncle Terry and his special relationship with Cat. There was discussion of Cat’s terrible time growing up and how it still affected her, and I would have loved even more (What about Cat’s mother and Zaiah’s father? Where did he get that unusual name?). They were just such a fun group with great camaraderie and laugh out loud interactions, I could have read another 300 pages about them!

Overall it was a big win for me! A sweet romance that packed a moral punch in the best way possible! I’ll definitely be recommending this as a romance to read in 2023!

Typos noted for publisher:
Wrong name for Zaiah at 20% - after car rental, he’s called Eli

Wrong use of word “peak” (should be pique) at 31% (discussion of her coat)

Different spellings of the word “clingy” throughout

Another hit from @our_friendly_farmhouse … I adored the story in this book! Cat and Zaiah were great. They had amazing chemistry and I loved their interactions. I appreciated the fact that while Cat is a influencer from New York, she isn’t portrayed as being a stupid rich girl. She has depth and is very relatable when it comes to social media in everyday life. I highly recommend to everyone!
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Level: 🌶️/5 (a few innocent kisses)
I was provided this copy for free from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful book that managed to hit a little too close to home- and it would probably knock the wind from your chest, too! This is for anyone who finds themselves automatically looking at their phone when they have a second of downtime or anyone who scrutinizes over which picture to post on their socials. The story follows a social media icon through her darkest moments and, ultimately, her brightest.
This story was such a breath of fresh air and exactly what I needed to be reading at the beginning of the year. This book will have you questioning your choices and habits and it will inspire you to make healthy changes.
I truly thought I was starting a romance but I fell head first into a book that had me wanting to change my life. Is the romance there? Absolutely. And the romance is STUNNING and FULL and HONEST. Do I feel like that’s the best part of this book? Absolutely not. This author has gone above and beyond what is asked and the questionnaire and tips at the end were the icing on the cake.

(Review posted to Goodreads, Books-a-Million, and Barnes and Noble)

I loved Meet Me in the Margins and her newest book was no different.

Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson is a charming romance story.

I thought this was a light story. It was very entertaining. And definitely put a smile on my face.
The characters were believable, relatable, and the chemistry between them was phenomenal
Ferguson has delivered once again with her amazing characters who I deeply adored.
Her books are always fun and exciting and always has me up late at devouring every single page.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A fantastic book! It has a unique story line and great characters! I also LOVED the setting of Montana and have now put it on my bucket list! An honest look into the life of an influencer in today's world. A definite must read!

5 stars

Where Cat Cranwell learns to live her best life.

Watching me start the process of losing those first petals of my youth had been daunting. Terrifying. Until I met Zaiah. And Jax. And Mina. And Kevin. And Peggy. And went to live in a place where people were just too busy living life with the ones they love to worry about such a small thing as skin.

I wasn’t seventeen anymore. I was aging, gracefully albeit, and I was learning to accept it. And for those people who couldn’t, who would leave if I couldn’t meet their impossible standards, then so be it.

"You are without question the best person to cook for."

Initially, I expected this to be a 50% grumpy-sunshine rom-com with lots of witty banter and the rest being Cat's story adjusting in Kannery National Park after a very happening New York lifestyle. Boy was I wrong, in the most pleasant way. This book was Cat's metamorphosis and so fucking warming that I felt wrapped up in a blanket reading it.

Melissa Ferguson did a phenomenal job with the book's characters. Because I didn't only like the MCs but the supporting characters were perfection. Since the first chapter, I loved Serena. She was strong and had a way about her that made me wish to have a Serena in my life. I was a little sad at first to not have more of her in the book, but lo and behold! the author introduced Mina. She was a 180 when compared to Serena but feels like a cosy hug full of fierce loyalty. And I couldn't be happier with it. Mina made everyone's day brighter, including mine.

There is something about books set in small towns that gets me every time. Maybe it's the sense of togetherness and undying support. And even though I didn't realise it till later in this book, but it was all in the book. And most importantly, the message of the book does not only apply to influencers, but the whole generation. It was an eye-opener and healing at the same time and I feel so good after reading it all.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love Melissa And her writing so much. There’s nothing like an influencer going to Montana (I should know, I did it in college and I wasn’t even that influencer-y). I love a good opposites attract and she delivers with wit and charm and a good clean read. Instantly going to pre-order cause I need Melissa to continue to write books.

All the stars people!!!! Listen, I love me some Melissa Ferguson!!!!

All her books are like a COZY HUG to me. Her previous work Meet me in the Margins was a home run for me so I was a bit nervous going into this follow up. But Famous for a Living was just as cozy and fun to read!

Cat's growth in the book as she works through how social media is shaping her life was really well done and extremely relevant to today. It definitely has inspired me to think through boundaries with my social usage.

My favorite aspect of the book is the Cat's found family The romance was sweet, her uncle is endearing and the rest of the crew surrounding her are zany and loving.

Thank you NetGalley for providing an eARC copy of this book!

A fun rom-com between an influencer and a die-hard Park Ranger. Gives you all the cozy romance bibes ina luscious setting with two hooked on each other main characters. A fun read!

Another hit from Melissa Ferguson and it did not disappoint! Cat Cranwell needs to figure out how she is going to make it away from the big city and the comfort of her social media elite status. She really struggles as any woman would do when wanting to be fashionable and feel beautiful in single digit freezing temps. Melissa always does so well at giving her main female lead the doubtful and fun of despair internal monologue, when all they really want to do is succeed at small things in life. They always feel like they aren't good enough and yet they always prove themselves wrong by believing and just going for it anyway, even if they look ridiculous doing it.

I can see myself in her characters, Serena was the perfect balance of work/personal life for Cat and always reassured her that things would resolve themselves eventually. Cat's mental health is also Serena's top priority, which I found so sweet and I am definitely akin to her for being empathetic and supportive. All of the characters surrounding Cat gave her the benefit of the doubt and cut her some slack for not being native to Montana and I enjoyed seeing as they all fell in love with her and she grew to love them despite their wacky winter games. The whole Kannery team felt like a family and I really enjoyed reading their antics and dynamic between them. Kannery Park and Cades Peak were described in such great detail, I instantly wanted to go and see it for myself.

Overall, Zaiah and Cat provide us with so much insight into their troublesome past and how they rose above all of it, many real moments that my heart broke for them and ultimately made them such a great couple, really loved how they complemented each other. Thank you Melissa for giving us another great gem and I cannot wait to read your future works! Also, thanks to the Thomas Nelson team for the ARC.

This book was just so fun! Cat, a social media influencer, has her life blown up in the worst way & retreats to rural Montana to help out her uncle & hide away until things get better. I loved the cozy winter setting, the background characters & the sweet romance of this book. It left a smile on my face & made me think about social media in a different way which was refreshing. If you love sweet romances & cozy reads - pick this one up for sure! Melissa Ferguson, this might be my fav one yet!!

Melissa Ferguson has done it again. This was delightful! The plot was well-paced and captivating from start to finish. The characters were well-developed; complex, and intriguing. I highly recommend this beautiful telling of the power of love. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

I was so excited to get an advanced copy of this story, since I loved the last one by Melissa Ferguson (Meet Me in the Margins). This story was every bit as adorable as it looks! I enjoyed getting to know Cat, as her life is turned upside down and she heads to the wilderness to pick up the pieces of her life. I loved the glimpse into the life of an influencer, with it's glitz and pitfalls. The side characters are delightful, and I loved the small town/park feel. This book is the perfect Rom Com to pick up and enjoy! It's like Hallmark meets Parks and Recreation, in all the best ways. I had a hard time putting it down.

I received this book from Netgalley. This is my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Pub Date: May 16, 2023

This book is so cute! This story focuses on influencer Cat, her fall from social media favor, and her self discovery as she deals with fall and what she’s going to do next. I loved seeing what life “behind the scenes” for an influencer can be like. Cat is so likable and reading about her finding herself and what she really wants her life to be like while also finding new friends, family and love was such a breath of fresh air. The theme woven though the book about how social media can be so addictive, but can also be a good thing is very timely, and it definitely inspired me to set the phone down a little more. I inhaled this book pretty quickly. Melissa Ferguson has yet again written a fantastic story!

You’ll like this story if you enjoy
•grumpy/sunshine
•redemption
•personal growth
•found family
•sweet romance
•city and country settings
•feel-good stories

This book was too freakin cute! I loved it from the very first chapter! It’s sweet, funny, romantic, and will keep you hooked!

THIS BOOK! <3
This was my first Melissa Ferguson book and I immediately went and bought her others. Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this ARC!

This book explored overcoming social dependence and learning to love and be yourself and was hysterical. I loved how it was a little bit of a love story but really it was Cam learning she is more than her social media following and her likes. I think it is so interesting how Melissa writes about the social aspect, feeling the high from the likes which I think we can all fall victim to.

This book was laugh-out-loud funny, as Cam moves from city life to Montana to avoid public scrutiny after she had a deal go sideways. Now she traded in pumps for sneakers and explores the national park with her father figure Uncle Terry and her love interest - park ranger Zaiah. The plot also explores them trying to save their park from being absorbed into a bigger park and there is rivalry and so much banter from this.

Overall it was such a sweet book and I am excited for it's release!

Melissa Ferguson has produced another gem that delves into the very real world and pitfalls of social influencers. The juxtaposition of New York and Montana punches home the points of conflict that are inherent in Cat Cranwell's chosen lifestyle. As this heartwarming story unfolds we share in the growth of all the characters, and fall in love with a community of people who aid in this process. I highly recommend 'Famous for a Living'.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I can't get over these cute covers, they just draw me into a book for some reason. Loved the concept and love a girl who does social media for a living. Cute read overall, would recommend.

I loved this book! Another amazing read by Melissa Ferguson! Her books are always relevant yet fun and Famous for a Living didn’t disappoint!

Cat would be easy to dislike as she seems to lead a very privileged and unrealistic life but she’s as genuine as they come. She takes her role as an influencer seriously and is responsible in her work.

Zaiah is her polar opposite, even in geography, but they find a middle ground that betters them both. They compromise while also challenging each other to step out of their comfort zones.

I don’t want to give too much away but I highly recommend this book. Good from start to finish!

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I have read all of the books by Melissa Ferguson and enjoyed them immensely. This one was no different! I really liked the contrasting settings and lifestyles and loved the cast of characters.

I absolutely loved this book! Serena is the best friend every girl should have. Zaiah is just perfect and what I loved about him was that he wasn’t the average grump that we read about over and over again. I’m a sucker for small town settings but this was my first time in a national park and I loved every minute of it. All of the side characters were so enjoyable and really added to the charm of the setting this book takes place.
This is the bit where there is a spoiler so if you don’t want spoilers stop reading.
If I could change anything it would be just a bit more context to when they decided to part ways. It was a little abrupt and then we got very little communication and bamn they take a trip. With that said I would still absolutely recommend this book!

what a fun and delicious read!! this was amazing and wonderful and i'm so thankful to netgalley for letting me read this one early! what a blessing! i love reading!!!!

The cover and the author made my decision for me because I love Ferguson's rom-com. I wasn't disappointed at all! I always look forward to her books!
Cat was a girl who knew how to.make everything work no matter what life threw at her and for that I really admired her. She was my favorite character for that reason.
I really enjoyed this book and my favorite thing was the fun scenes from the characters! They made me laugh and they actually made my day!
I didn't put this book down until I was finished because I wanted to see where Cat's journey took her.
I highly recommend it! 5 stars!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I absolutely adored this book! It was so cute and funny and I couldn't get enough.
I just reviewed Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson. #FamousforaLiving #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Melissa Ferguson has knocked it out of the (national) park with her newest book, Famous for a Living! I absolutely ADORED this story that is so funny and so romantic, while also an incisive commentary on the pitfalls of cell phones and social media on our society. When social media darling Cat Cranwell finds herself accused of an embezzlement scheme she did not commit, she finds refuge at the small Montana national park ran by her uncle. This story is pure, unfiltered joy told with vivid descriptions and incredible vocabulary (hesperidium??? I love it). Cat finds herself rooting for every employee at Kannery National Park and working hard to help them maintain their status as separate from Glacier National Park. Amidst a colorful cast of co-workers, beautiful snow-covered hikes, and a social media rivalry with the "Glacier Boys," Cat also is drawn towards ranger Zaiah Smith. Zaiah is SO patient and their love story is SO gentle; basically, Zaiah is Ferguson's best hero to date. I absolutely loved his character. I smiled the entire time I read this story (the trash cans-ifkyk) and as much as I loved Meet You in the Margins, this was my favorite Ferguson book to date. She gets better and better with every book, and I can't wait to see what comes next.

Also this book really made me wish I could just move to a beautiful home somewhere in Montana (the "Do I Have a Problem Quiz" related so phones and social media was also very convicting for me).

Basically, run, don't walk to preorder this book so you have it when it releases on May 16!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Famous For A Living was my first read of 2023. I have been struggling to get back into reading for awhile, and I took it this would be a good start to the new year to help me get out the slump.

The first chapter immediately draws you in. It was so fun reading this book. The author kept with the modern times and made her main character to be an influencer. This book was so brave and so fresh... It was such an awwww, cute and cozy story. Melissa never disappoints.

Loved this quote "There is a pleasure in the pathless woods. There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes, By the deep sea, and music in its roar: I love not man the less, but Nature more . . ." —Lord Byron, 1788– 1824

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I absolutely loved this book. It hooked me and kept me turning pages until I was done. Finished it in two days! The character development was strong, and the premise was unique enough that it didn't feel like anything else I've read.

Absolutely adored this book! This gave me alllll the cozy, wintry vibes. I really feel like Melissa's writing just gets better with every book! This one deals with pretense, integrity, materialism and addiction to social media. I loved the romance which is slow burn and felt so authentic. Great job!

The only bugaboo I have is why the cover looks like this is a summer book when the whole book is covered in snow ;)

A unique fun read for anyone! I really enjoyed this novel. Cat is a famous star, but when a scandal threatens to end her career, she is forced to accept her uncle's job offer. That job takes her out in the middle of nowhere, working with the very irritating and handsome Zaiah. I mean the guy uses a flip phone for heaven's sake. Join Cat as she tries to find herself and save her uncle's beloved national park before time runs out. I loved every minute of this book! While this is not my usual type of book, I found myself sucked in. A lot of contemporary books nowadays are very sexual and crude. This was not the case and I loved it! I would absolutely recommend this book to any friends and family.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank you Thoman Nelson Fiction for the early copy!

This was my first book by Melissa Ferguson, and I was sad that I only discovered her books now! It was such a good-written book, and the message was so important. Cat was so genuine, you can't help but relate to her, feel what she's feeling and understand her actions. As someone who does not follow many influencers on Instagram, Cat is one of the few I would totally love to follow (espeacilly after that ending)! Zaiah was just amazing as well, and all the other characters, loved all of them. The reading flew by, I wish the book was longer! Could not recommend it more. Looking forward to read more books from the author.

I received an Advanced Reader copy from Netgalley for my honest opinion. When I started the story, I struggled to be invested in Cat, the influencer. Not a fan of big cities and social status, which is how the story begins. As Cat lost her brands, and needed a fresh start, I enjoyed watching her struggle and adapt to living in a National park. Her coworkers are genuine and bring out self discovery. Zaiah, Serena, and Mina are forces to be reckoned with. Uncle Terry is unforgettable! I couldn’t put the story down as Cat discovered true beauty! I would definitely read stories more by this author.

I thought I wasn’t going to like this one given that it was sent in influencer-land, but it was better than I expected. However, how many Gen Z’ers are reading romance these days? I’m not seeing them at our library.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I really enjoy reading books written by Melissa Ferguson. Her stories are all full of fun dialogue, crazy events, and wonderful romance.
In this story, we meet Cat (a city girl) who has her world turned upside-down and needs a restart, which might mean disconnecting from her phone. We also meet Zaiah (a nature guy) who loves the big outdoors. He has a real hatred for anything fake.
Can these two actually become friends and learn to support each other, or will they let their pasts keep them apart?
I had mixed feelings about this story because, on one end, I LOVED all the humor, fun, and crazy parts, but then on the other end, I was convicted about the uses of my OWN phone and how often I gravitate to social media. Wow! That was an eye-opener!
Melissa Ferguson has a wonderful way of writing that makes her characters so entertaining! She also did a fantastic job of dealing with some tough issues facing these characters, and things we all might face.
I LOVED the fun dialogue, the quirky characters, and the sweet touch of romance that makes up this book. The whole story moved so smoothly with moments of delight, but also with moments of pain as we feel all that the main characters feel. When we can put ourselves in the characters’ lives and understand the pains and joys, that is what makes a book great! This author has done that!
After reading a few of this author’s books, I know that whenever I hear Melissa Ferguson has a new book written, I’m going to jump right in and get it!
I highly recommend you pick this book up for a fun read!
I was given this book by the publisher and NetGalley which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5

In this cozy, low-stakes, and fun romance influence Cat has to flee the city after her online following has turned on her and her bank accounts have been frozen. Where better to go than to work under her Uncle as a Social Media Manager for a National Park.

Among the people who work at the Park Cat finds a delightful group of new and genuine friends. Between a number of fun group activities, she also tries to save the Park from being absorbed by a bigger National Park, which would result in all her co-workers jobs being lost and her beloved Uncle loosing the Park he holds so dear.

The romance between Cat and Zaiah, one of the park rangers, is slow but genuinely the right speed for this story. He makes no secret out of the fact that he hates social media and with his grumpy attitude they need some time to properly warm up to each other - but it’s worth it! I really enjoyed that these two felt like thirty year-olds, who were able to have mature conversations and gave each other grace in situations that easily could’ve been turned into dramatic misunderstandings.

Set, for the most part, in cold cold Montana this heartwarming rom-com has you feeling all cozy and warm.

This story has everything from big city to small town vibes, beautiful clothing, glamour and not so glamourous environments and activities. It has the always lovely grumpy/sunshine trope but with the sunshine having had some clouds in her past.

Cat feels real and a person you would want to befriend with her glamour and her street-smart.

The epilogue had a twist I was not expecting (although I should have) that I loved!

All in all, I found this story refreshing (literally lol) and oh so lovely! I really liked how it tackles the down side of being an influencer and, in general, the addiction most people have to cellphones.
I also liked how it illustrates the importance of always having a lawyer review the documents before signing them.

Pub date for this lovely book is 16 May 2023 and I truly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson is a lovely rom-com about an influencer who suddenly loses her job. The story revolves around Cat Cranwell, who is at the top of the world when her world starts crumbling down. Now, she needs an image rehab and is working at a national park in nowhere, Montana. She's hopelessly lost. But not everything is bad. She's getting closer to Zaiah, a park ranger. If only he didn't hate spoiled city girls like her...

Here is a hilarious excerpt from Chapter 1:

"One doesn't intentionally wear itchy, viridian-green jumpsuits to match the elaborate wainscoting on the walls around oneself. Did I know it would match?
Of course.
Was I aware it would look fantastic in pictures?
Naturally.
But to actually pick out my birthday-party-turned-surprise launch-party ensemble for the sake of matching the walls?
That'd be ridiculous."

Overall, Famous for a Living is a fantastic rom-com that will appeal to fans of Sophie Kinsella or Ali Hazelwood. First off, when I saw that the author of Meet Me in the Margins had a new book out, I knew that I had to read it right away! I absolutely loved Meet Me in the Margins. It was one of the best rom-coms I've ever read. So I came into this book with high expectations. Thankfully, the romance and wit was exactly what I expected.

Another highlight of this book is how heart-warming it was. It is like a warm hug in book form. Not many rom-coms focus on the background characters and plot beyond the main romance. Here, you get to know everyone who works in the national park office, and they're all integral to the plot. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of romantic comedies in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in May!

A few months passed between when I first read a synopsis of this book and when I started reading it. In that time I completely forgot what it was about. So when I began to read about Cat Cranwell, the big-city socialite media influencer, I was really bummed. I thought I was going to hate the book. Until Cat's uncle the park ranger showed up. I smiled and kept reading.

The big-city socialite and media influencer finds herself in the tiny Kannery National Park. There is this adorable found-family vibe as she connects with people so far removed from her previous life. Her roomie, Mina, is an aboslutely fantastic character. I'd like to hop on a plane and head to the middle of nowhere, Montana and meet her!

Full of lovable characters, a fun story, found family, and some opposites attracting, this book is just so much fun!

I read an arc of this book, compliments of #netgalley , in exchange for my honest (and very enthusiastic) opinion!

This romantic comedy was surprising because it was lighthearted on one hand, but on the other hand it had a message about the effects of social media on our lives that was thought provoking. I throughly enjoyed this book of Cat, a social media star, finding out what life is really like after she steps away from her phone.

Cat Cranwell in a second of time goes from being famous and loved to famous and hated. Given the opportunity to help her uncle at the Kannery National Park and escape scandal, Cat finds herself in a place she never imagined. The description of Montana in the winter was spot on and had me smiling as Cat is juggling all of her suitcases in her heated parka before she heads into a blizzard. “I can do this. I am a grown woman. I am thirty years old. I have dealt with far more technical things than dragging six suitcases through an airport.” She is used to luxurious penthouses and is quite shocked after a harrowing drive to find her cabin is “ a square house the size of my closet.”

The vulnerability and truthfulness of a painful accident that affected park ranger Zaiah made him a hero in my book. Working through his feelings of his past and his attraction for Cat made him my favorite character. He didn’t push Cat to change, but challenged her by telling her about his experiences.

The secondary characters were delightful and made this story seem like you were part of Cat’s story. Uncle Terry, Mina, and Serena were all supportive and her greatest cheerleaders. Sometimes family doesn’t have to be mom, dad, and siblings. Sometimes it is those who choose to be there for you.

There are questions and a social media usage guidelines from Cat’s perspective at the end of the book that you will want to be sure and read. It made me stop and think. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed this new (upcoming - May 16!) book by @our_friendly_farmhouse!

It takes all the evils and goodness of social media and lumps them into one book about a 30-something influencer, Cat. She’s hit with backlash after her manager indicts her in a scheme to sell user information.

She runs to the mountains of Montana to lay low and find herself while she’s waiting for her life and name to sizzle back in the big city.

I didn’t love it at first but ended up really enjoying it when everything hits the fan and she’s got to work her way out of the mess she’s in.

Thanks to @netgalley @thomasnelson and @our_friendly_farmhouse for the advanced copy.

A fun light-hearted romance that taps into our current generation of social media addicts. A social media influencer disgraced from society turns to escape in rural Montana with her Uncle Terry but finds a whole lot more while she is there. Cat is used to the hustle and bustle of NYC, but as time goes on, she realizes why people pack up and escape to Montana. The author does a great job describing the vast beauty.

I am typically a huge fan of fast paced thrillers, but love the occasional romcom, and this book did such a great job representing the quintessential romcom that we all love!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is out 5/16/23!

I keep going to dive into this book and getting terribly distracted. I will get to this soon and update my review. Thanks so much. P

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC of this book!
I am so happy I was able to read this book early. I really enjoy this author and haven't been let down by any of her books! Can't wait to see what's next! I loved the characters and setting of this book so much. The sweet romance is just up my alley!

FAMOUS FOR A LIVING is another most enjoyable laugh-out-loud romantic comedy by MELISSA FERGUSON, with a serious undercurrent of broken relationships, childhood abuse and the dangers of media addiction.
When Cat Cranwell finds herself no longer “famous for a living” and hated by her fans, she is forced to find who she really is when she goes to work for her beloved Uncle Terry in the Kannery National Park in Montana, literally in the middle of nowhere.
The ruggedly handsome “mountain man” Zaiah Smith is as opposite to her as anyone can be, hating all things media and cellphone related……
That is all I am going to tell you as I do not want to spoil things for you. Famous for a Living is a lovely read - a real breath of fresh air. I cannot recommend the novel highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Famous for a Living really captures the essence of working in a National Park! The characters’ have the earnest spirit and demeanor that you cannot help but root for. I fell I love with Kannery and its charm. Main character Cat Cranwell is all of us when confronted with real life vs. the perfect image of social media. Readers are sure to feel a little of Cat’s journey mirrored in their own experience, even if they aren’t influencers themselves!

Melissa Ferguson is a hit or miss for me as an athor and i wanted to give her another chance and im so happy that i did because this book was hands down the best one shes wver wrote. I love the plot. Loved the characters wittyness and was most definitely want a tomance book should be

Cat is a social media influencer living in New York City until a deal gone wrong puts her career in jeopardy. When she’s blacklisted, she takes up an offer from her uncle to try to get his National Park in Michigan on the map. There she meets Zaiah Smith, a ranger who is very anti social media (along with some other great quirky characters).

I was a little hesitant at first, imagining Cat to be very self centered and materialistic. But the more we learn about her, the more I liked her. Both she and Zaiah had difficulties in their lives that led them to where they are today. I liked how they also taught each other about some of the pros and cons in their own lives/personalities that they could each learn from. While the story portrayed some of the positives that social media can bring, it also did a great job portraying the dangers of social media and how to place some limits on it to protect your mental health.

This was a really fun read while also discussing some serious themes and in a way that helps the reader consider their own relationship with social media.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.* I loved this book. The characters were fun, the national park setting was amazing, and the storyline was perfect. The romance was just right and the character growth was spot-on. Melissa Ferguson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her writing is so easy to read and I love that she creates amazing romances with no spice. I'm definitely recommending this one to friends and family.

I was taken by Melissa Ferguson’s voice on the first page. It’s contemporary, witty, and drew me right in. I couldn’t wait to see where the story would lead and I was not disappointed. Each character is three dimensional, well-developed, and unique. She took a fish out of water and taught an important message wrapped in a funny package.

Cat Cranwell is a disgraced influencer who takes on a job as a social media coordinator for her uncle's small national park in rural Montana. Zaiah Smith is a park ranger in the same national park, and a critic of all things viral. Cat and Zaiah put aside their differences to draw visitors to Kannery National Park and help save their much smaller park from being absorbed into the larger Glacier National Park.

This was such a cute story! It definitely reads more like women's fiction with a side plot of romance because most of the novel is devoted to Cat's journey to find her true self outside of her carefully curated internet persona.. At times it felt like a Parks & Rec fanfiction (in the best way) because the supporting characters are delightful and all unique. There's Kevin who hates nature but somehow works for a national park; Serena, Cat's best friend and kickass businesswoman; Uncle Terry who is Cat's father figure and a Montana national treasure; Jax, the pretty boy; and Mina, with her endless golden retriever energy and Cat's nosy roommate. They even have a silly rivalry with the "Glacier Boys," who claim their national park is bigger and better. While it's definitely a rom com, there are some serious topics addressed, and the danger of social media addiction is a big plot point. There is no steam except for a kiss, but this story was a nice break from all my Halloween monster smut.

This book held such an accurate representation of today's Insta-age--much of which is the frantic need to know exactly how many people are engaging with your posts and following you. As an influencer, most of Cat's life has been about which "friends" can garner the best partnerships and deals. What are you supposed to do when everything you know and are familiar with is stripped away as scandal strikes?

The non-romantic relationships developed in the book are really great to see as Cat makes real, in-person friends at Kannery National Park, where her uncle works as a park ranger. It's refreshing as she takes a step away/back and just lives life. In those new experiences, however, she still uses her Instagram connections to help her real friends and family.

This is not a forget-my-entire-former-life book or even a book about self-discovery. It's about coming to value true friendship, camaraderie, and community. Even though the book explores some deeper themes, there's plenty of humor interwoven throughout.

I LOVED the "Instagram post" at the beginning of each chapter; it added such a fun dynamic to the book layout!

I really appreciated the fact that even though there was some romantic tension between Cat and Zaiah, they're not perpetually thinking about what it would be like to kiss the other (my personal pet peeve with romance books). They're coming to love/appreciate the other for the true person they are. While I do enjoy the immediate attraction, falling head-over-heels in love trope, there's something refreshing about discovering love with a close friend.

This is the first Melissa Ferguson book I've read and I'm so glad I discovered her! Many thanks to @netgalley for the ARC of this book. A positive review was not required; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a fun story to read! Cat Cranwell is famous for being famous. Today's sweetheart; tomorrow's villain! When her partner absconds with her partnership investment money, she takes a big fall for his deceit. To get away from all the negativity, she heads to the wilderness for time with her Uncle Terry. What she didn't count on was the menacingly cute Zaiah Hudson, who does not think highly of Cat's chosen profession. Can they put their differences aside to save Uncle Terry's National Park? Or will everything continue to fall apart for Cat?
I recommend this book for everyone!
I received an early copy of this book. My review is my opinion alone and I received nothing in return for it.

Cat Cranwell is a disgraced influencer who takes on a job as a social media coordinator for her uncle's national park. Our hero, Zaiah Smith is a park ranger and he is not a fan of social media. Although the two couldn't be more different, they come together to work to increase visitors to Kannery National Park becuase the park the small park is in danger of losing it's autonomy.

Cat needed to find out who she was off camera. Zaiah, unknowingly was on a journey to find out the same. Full of humor, rich supporting characters, snappy dialogue, and great description, Famous For a Living was a heartwarming and inspirational treat. I highly recommend.

As a social media addict/influencer living in the mountains of Idaho (near Montana) this one hit reallllly close to home! Melissa Ferguson has a tremendous ability to write relatable characters that are sweet, funny, and still somehow human! I loved the subtle romance and hilarious experiences shared by city girl gone to the mountains!

Famous for A Living is pure Melissa Ferguson in every best way. Never have there been such opposites as Cat and Zaiah. This book focuses on more than the romance and the stunning Montana parks, delving into the psychological effects of social media.
The secondary characters will make you laugh and the bonds formed between old and new friends will warm your heart.

I’ve been reaching for more lighthearted reads as life as been hectic and “Famous For A Living” really hit the spot. This story was a mix of romance, family and working through the hard parts of life. The addictive nature of social media and the grip it has on Cat’s life is easily relatable to today’s society. This book had you questioning your own habits and choices and the questionnaire/tips at the end capped off a perfect read!

I started Famous For a Living and simply could not put it down. Melissa Ferguson wrote an adorable, and timely, rom-com that deals with the very real out falls of cancel culture, and the influence social media has on our lives. It follows Cat, a disgraced influencer, as she heads out to hide out in Montana, where her beloved uncle runs a state park. The cast of characters is delightful and quirky and at times, hilariously funny. You can’t help but love Cat, and the main male character Zaiah. I kept my fingers crossed the whole time, knocking it would work out and then crying real tears at the end. This book felt like an unexpected gift, and I will absolutely catch myself up on Melissa Ferguson’s back list.

Special thanks to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson publishing for sending me an advanced reviewer copy in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

❄️🌲🏔️- famous for a living by melissa ferguson

I loved this book so much!! firstly, the setting!?! it sounded so beautiful and was so vivid it was like I was actually there- I enjoyed the the constant appreciation that Cat had for the landscape- even when 9/10 she surprised herself by how much she loved it. the whole towny feel at kannery national park honestly just added even more to the enjoyment of the book- they all felt like family by the end and you could see their individual personalities shining through with their own little quirks!

cat~ i honestly loved her… she wasn’t as whiny as I thought she’d be. she did grieve her reputation but I empathised… the woman was being vilified by the whole country for something she didn’t do and was trying to build her life back up. once the plan was made though she pretty much got on with it… you definitely saw her character develop throughout the story as she came to love the national park and the people that lived and worked there as much as the reader comes to love them. it was so enjoyable to watch her transformation and way her social media account reflected this change towards the end of the book!

zaiah~ I loved his character so much!! he was grumpy but not too much that he seemed like an asshole. and he had baggage but there was COMMUNICATION… even before they started a relationship.. he was so sweet with cat even at the beginning of the story (the hike + her boots *swoon*) he was just such a refreshing MMC from the last book I read *cough- magnolia parks*.

overall, I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in one night. the ONLY thing that would elevate this book even more is if i had a zaiah pov. but that’s just because I’m greedy for his thoughts 🫨

Famous for a Living is Melissa Ferguson’s newest stand-alone romantic comedy. It is a clean fish-out-of-water opposites-attract romance.

30-year-old Catherine “Cat” Cramwell is a New York City-based superstar influencer, living the high life. Advertisers provide her with free designer goods and she is treated to luxury accommodations and services. Her carefully curated life projects a false image of non-stop beauty, energy, and fun. In real life Cat is a high school drop-out with no marketable skills and baggage from a bad childhood. Her favorite uncle pops in for a visit when he is town for a business conference, and introduces her to his protégé, Zaiah Smith. Cat is appalled that Zaiah uses a flip phone!

Three months later Cat is caught in a criminal net due to trusting her business partner. She is on magazine covers and being disparaged online, having lost her sponsorships. Uncle Terry offers Cat a job to work with him at fictional Kannery National Park, Montana, where he is the Head Ranger. Cat realizes that she is out of her element when the plane lands in a blizzard in Montana. She immediately wrecks her convertible rental car in waist-deep snow because she refuses to ride in Zaiah’s old Park Service truck.

Cat is dumbfounded by the condition of the cabin that she is taken to, one of several that the Park Service provides for their employees. Then Cat discovers that she is actually sharing the cabin with a co-worker intern Junior Park Ranger Mena. Mena is an overeager socially awkward young lady who is anxious to become friends. Cat’s adventures in Montana are hilarious, especially the Polar Bear Plunge.

Cat uses her social media skills to help Kannery National Park remain independent from Glacier National Park. She creates interest in the natural beauty and drives up visitor numbers. It’s enjoyable to see Cat grow as a person and find her authentic self while she falls for the handsome Zaiah.

Famous for a Living is a clean romance with no profanity or sex. There are moral lessons as Cat confronts her addiction to social media. This story would make an enjoyable Hallmark-type movie.

I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I absolutely enjoyed this rom com! An influencer going to Montana. And opposites attract! Loved it! So cute and such an easy read! 10/10 recommend !

Such a wonderful read - I really enjoyed this book. I'm so glad that I got the chance to read it early and will definitely be recommending it to multiple people who enjoy these types of novels. I enjoyed the characters and especially enjoyed the writing by this author. I'm excited to see what the author comes out with next as I'll definitely be reading it! Thank you to the publisher for my early copy of this book

I loved this book so much! I really didn’t know what it was about when I started reading it, but I quickly was obsessed! The characters are well developed, and I couldn’t help but love them all!

Cat Cranwell, an influencer, falls from her social media pedestal she had been perched upon for so many years. Trying to remain out of the spotlight and let things die down, she travels to Montana to help her Uncle Terry. His current post at Kannery National Park is on the line. If visitors don't start showing an interest in this park, Uncle Terry could lose the post he has been at for his whole adult life. Cat in Montana is definitely a fish out of water. How will she survive this cold?! New York is cold but nothing compared to the cold of the wilderness. For someone who prides herself on survival, Cat quickly learns her survival skills would only get her out of the city limits and not past that. And of course, Zaiah, a park ranger working with Uncle Terry can't help but to get on Cat's nerves from day one. Who is this guy?! Zaiah has her convinced she will never make it here.
I am doing a terrible job of describing Famous For A Living by Melissa Ferguson. This book has it all; Drama, definitely some great comedy, and as if no story is completely without, a love story to boot! This book was written for a Hallmark screen! All the elements that we ladies have come to adore from the Hallmark channel are wrapped up here in this cute, adorable story! I will definitely be recommending Famous For A Living to all my book loving friends and will be looking for other works by Melissa Ferguson! (Did I just find a new author that I love?!) Special thanks to NetGalley, Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. The only negative thing I have to say is the e-book format that had "Thomas Nelson Fiction" with their logo on almost every page of my e-book. It was definitely a distraction but I still loved the story! I will not put that against the story itself; that seems more like a publishing/ format problem than something to put against the author. 5 stars for me! #HallmarkAreYouListening? #FamousforaLiving #NetGalley

I can now say I am officially a fan of Melissa Ferguson! This book had everything I could have wanted in a romantic comedy and I already know I'm going to need a physical copy so I can reread this one later. If you liked The Only Game in Town by Lacie Waldon, you will really enjoy this one.

If you can't get behind social media influencers, Brawny-esque men in flannel, or quirky small town living, this book may be a pass for you. But if you can get behind all three of those, you'll find an endearing read with wonderful characters you can't help but root for. I loved Zaiah immediately, despite him being a man of very few words. His chemistry with Cat was just SO GOOD! I mean, if you want a romance in a national park, this is it!

All that being said, I do wish they dove a bit more into Cat's past with her family. There are mentions of domestic abuse, but you kind of get left feeling like her past was just briefly mentioned. I think we could have really understood her relationship with her uncle (and aunt that passed) if we had more back ground. Also, this book had zero spice. I'm talking, they only kiss about 3 times and that's it. Now, I really didn't care because the story was so cute, but I want to give a heads up to those who are thinking of reading this one and like a little more spice to their books.

Despite a couple hold ups mentioned above, I'm still giving this one 5/5 stars. I really enjoyed this one and it may be my favorite romance I've read this year (so far)!

A sweet, charming romance about an influencer whose life comes crumbling down around her due to a terrible business deal that puts a serious dent in her reputation, and the national park ranger she meets and falls in love with at the small, remote park managed by her uncle where she retreats to lick her wounds and rebuild her life. Excellent supporting cast of characters, believable conflicts, character growth and steam.

Another wonderful Melissa Ferguson novel! I devour these in about 24 hours, and I love every minute of reading them. This one dipped into a larger, relevant social issue (social media) as The Dating Charade did with addiction, and I really appreciated that. While Meet You in the Margins was fun and funny, I enjoy Ferguson's writing even more when she approaches one of these relevant social issues and uses the story to examine and reflect on it. This one also had more twists and turns, which I love. The story moves well, the characters are relatable and wonderful to spend time with, and there's always hope in the ending. I can't wait for her next book!

This was a fun, sweet Hallmark-esque story about Cat Cranwell, a very famous social media influencer trying to escape from a partnership gone wrong by working with her uncle at Kannery National Park in Montana.

I love all the national parks, so I was intrigued by that, the social media plot point, and because it was published by a Christian publisher.

It’s not a Christian-themed book or plot, so if you don’t necessarily want that but do want a clean book without bad language or any spicy romance scenes, this is a good book to try out.

I wouldn’t really consider it a rom-com like it’s labeled, but more of Cat’s journey in realizing that there’s more to life than social media, being on your phone, and the dangers that come with being extremely absorbed in online life/presence than a romance or rom-com. It was a book with a little romance, but not a book where romance was the main feature. It was definitely endearing and the people were interesting and funny, but rom-com…maybe not.

This would also be a great book if you enjoy small-town plotlines (which I’m always a sucker for). The little Instagram posts at the beginning of each chapter were cute and a nice touch.

I enjoyed all of the characters. They each brought something great to the story. I’d have loved to see a little more with Uncle Terry and maybe a little more background for Cat and Zaiah both, but nothing to make me take down my rating.

While Cat was super famous and pretty rich, she wasn’t shallow or stuck up. She was open to the experiences and people she met at the park, she was willing to grow as a person. I really appreciated that.

Overall, I enjoyed it a lot!

If you want a clean read with a small-town feel in a national park, personal growth, and a touch of romance, you might like this one!

—

I listened to the audiobook when I was doing things around the house and when I had some downtime, I read the book interchangeably.

I am not really an audiobook fan mostly because for some reason the narrator’s voices always bother me. Especially when it’s a female doing a male voice and vice versa. I was pleasantly surprised that this narrator’s voice wasn’t annoying to me at all. I thought she did a great job. Of course, I’m sure that’s subjective to each person’s own ears.

Famous for a Living comes out May 16th, but you can preorder it on Amazon now!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, and Melissa Ferguson for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Loved this one! Loved the meaning behind it and it makes you take a look at your own cell habits too. Very fun and well executed book!

Famous for a Living by Melissa Fergusan is a great read. Cat Cranwell is a famous influencer who has made an incredible life for herself by being famous. Until it is not so amazing and she decides to work for her uncle in Kannery National Park, Montana. How does a city girl deal with living in a small cabin with a roommate, critters, blizzards, moose and a handsome anti-technology park ranger named Zaiah.

This delightful character driven story was filled with wonderful lessons, sweet romance, and very funny moments. It also challenges you to reflect on your phone usage and your virtual identity. I enjoyed walking through life with Cat both in NY and in Montana. The secondary characters were so well crafted and added to the story. So many funny scenes that made me laugh out loud.

I thoroughly enjoyed Famous for Living and highly recommend it.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

I really didn't want to put this book down so much so that I was up half the night reading it. Very well written and a real pleasure to read. Everything about this book needs to be read by everyone. 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

Cat's lack of education and experience in the workforce has never been a big deal. She's been quite successful as an influencer and has loved the limelight. A partnership goes up in flames and her popularity dives right along with it. Her Uncle Terry offers shelter and Cat finds more than she bargains for in Montana including social media hater, Zaiah.
Melissa's writing makes me wish for a new subgenre - comedic women's fiction. It takes the funny from rom-coms and the heart from women's fiction, blending into something else. This is her best book to date. I loved the setting and full cast of characters. While I didn't find Cat necessarily relatable, her lifestyle and social media addiction is something we are surrounded by these days. I loved the big city girl awkward stumbles along with her genuine desire to help.
Thank you to Uplit Reads, Thomas Nelson, and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

This was such a wholesome book that I can't stop thinking about it. There's something about Melissa's writing that brings out both vulnerability & humor in the story.

Cat & Zaiah's banter was amazing, especially the airport pickup scene. I just loved them together; very subtle, soft, and romantic.

The side characters were whole, another level of quirky. I loved Mina so much & honestly would give anything to have her own book. And not to forget Uncle Terry, that man was too pure for this world & I loved his & Cat's relationship.

PS The graphics of the insta posts at the beginning of each chapter stole my heart completely.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've enjoyed all of Melissa Ferguson's books, but this one is my favorite! "Famous for a Living" is just the book I needed to start off my summer reading (somewhat ironic because the book is mostly cold and snowy). It's light, fun, well-paced, and with just enough tension and drama.

First, all hail a queen who gives us a romance without a miscommunication trope OR an outrageous third-act break-up. Second, these characters are all so fun. I hope we see them again (preferably in a book where Mina finds love (or maybe Uncle Terry)). I feel like for every person in this book, I know a real-life equivalent.

The settings are also putting in work here. There was no bashing of New York over the simple life; it was talked about from both characters' perspectives, which was really interesting. It was easy to understand why the main character would feel pulled to New York with the food, glamour, best friend, and other attributes. Equally balanced were the descriptions of Montana. After reading this book, I'm itching to visit both places.

I recommend this book as well as Ferguson's other work. They're delightful closed-door romances with funny characters, but she also tackles an issue in each book. For this one, it was the pitfalls of social media, which I found oh-so-relatable.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Genre: Romance, RomCom, Sweet Romance, Clean Romance
Spice Level: Low (kissing & references to previous relationships)
Language: Low-none on swearing
Representation: Disability rep with secondary character, possible ADHD too

I feel like Melissa Ferguson's book are a secret—that every romance lover needs. Her books are so compelling and absorbing to read. The cover threw me off a bit because she arrives in winter—as in so-much-snow-that-the-world-is-white type of winter. I can't even imagine Montana in the winter. It must be close to a Canadian winter—and so, so miserable!

In this one, deals with the negative side of social media and how it can take over your life. While trying to maintain her life, Cat's posts tank. She's being painted as the villain, and she must escape the pressure of New York, her fans, her former business partner, newspapers, stares, and even her best friend who won't leave her alone to quietly curl up into a corner and mourn the loss of everything she's known. On top of everything else, she can tell she's aging. Yikes for an influencer.

Chime the bells (possibly cow bells) for her to land in Montana in the winter, renting a a car that's more luxury than tires that will actually keep her on the road. Thankfully, Cat's uncle sent Zaiah—a man with a broad no-nonsense line running right over his eyes. Yep—he sees nothing other than the beauty of Montana and the wrongness with the world of social media.

When these two meet, there are sparks, but more of the electricity-is-dangerous way than the I-want-to-kiss-you type of reaction. However, Kannery National Park is only a few hundred miles of wilderness, and they can't escape each others' company. I enjoyed the ongoing gaffs of Cat—she really doesn't understand what the wilderness is all about (but she does love to ski). Zaiah is so fun to try to read through Cat's observations. It's just such a joyful read.

This is a fun, light-hearted, sweet romance with kissing.

I'm recommending this book (and this author) to everyone because everybody will find someone to relate to. Seriously, this is one of my favorite authors for romance.

Happy reading to you!

From Park Avenue to Parks department, social media star, Cat's life changes in a moment. After a partnership goes wrong, Cat moves to her uncle's small-town park in Montana. With the help of her skills, she helps revamp & attracting tourists to the park with the help of a few quirky colleagues & a very handsome but judgmental, Zaiah.

This was such a wholesome book that I can't stop thinking about it. There's something about Melissa's writing that brings out both vulnerability & humor in the story.

Cat & Zaiah's banter was amazing, especially the airport pickup scene. I just loved them together; very subtle, soft, and romantic.

The side characters were whole, another level of quirky. I loved Mina so much & honestly would give anything to have her own book. And not to forget Uncle Terry, that man was too pure for this world & I loved his & Cat's relationship.

PS The graphics of the insta posts at the beginning of each chapter stole my heart completely.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I devoured this adorable romcom with timely themes around social media use and the influencer lifestyle. Ferguson brings us another adorable romcom with all the swoony chemistry between the two main characters that we love - and a very relatable, timely message around the downsides of phone use and the new lifestyle influencers of our generation.

Set in both New York City and a fictional National Park in Montana - this delightfully, sweet romance is just the escape into a great story that I needed this weekend. I loved both characters and the depth she gave them with their backstories and lives that they've created despite their childhoods.

This book was honestly more of a chick lit type book than a romance book. There is a romantic aspect with the main character Cat and park ranger Zaiah. She goes from being a beloved social media influencer with millions of followers to a nobody. After a bad partnership with an app she is shunned by the social media influencer world and loses her followers.
I'm a big fan of the slow burn type romance and this book did not disappoint on that aspect. It was definitely a great book and made you think about the dangers of social media. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

I absolutely adored this story! I couldn’t stop reading. I think this is the author’s best work so far. Such a wonderful message too.

If this wasn’t the the most delightfully entertaining read, I don’t know what is!

I’m a sucker for books set in small towns and close communities. Especially when the MC is reluctant to end up there. Zaiah and Cat were opposites in every sense of the word. But that’s what made this book oh good! I loved getting to know the real Cat behind the influencer Cat. Her fierce loyalty to her family and her growth throughout the story won me over! And can we talk about amazing side characters?! Serena, Uncle Terry, Mina. . . Oh my goodness, I fell in love with them all

Thank you for my copy to review

I am happy to write a review for Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson. This is a delightful romantic comedy that will have readers laughing out loud while also tugging at their heartstrings.

Melissa Ferguson has created an irresistible story that is both funny and heartwarming. The characters are well-drawn, and readers will find themselves rooting for Cat and Zaiah as they navigate their differences and the challenges they face. The book is also filled with hilarious moments that will keep readers laughing throughout.

What I love most about Famous for a Living is how it deals with important themes such as self-love and acceptance. Cat's journey to rediscover herself and find love beyond the realm of social media is both empowering and inspiring.

Overall, Famous for a Living is a five-star read that I would highly recommend to fans of romantic comedies. Melissa Ferguson has once again delivered a top-notch story that will leave readers with a smile on their face.

I enjoyed “Famous for a Living”. It seems pertinent in today’s society. Cat is an influencer who through no fault of her own has to leave New York and her lavish lifestyle to go to Montana in the middle of winter. She’s a bit out of place in Kannery National Park. Her uncle has hired her to help increase the attendance at the park. Since social media is her life, she quickly gets people following the Park’s website. Zaiah who also works at the park becomes close to Cat. He talked about his former girlfriend who wanted to become an influencer and also became addicted to social media. Unfortunately her addiction changed her life and as people’s lives. Cat realizes she is also addicted to social media and knows it is time to change. Throughput the book, Cat is discovering what and who are important to her.

This book delivered on all my expectations. Reinventing yourself? Epic best friend? Check. Handsome bearded man? Check. Found family? Check. Laugh out loud moments? Check. I could go on, but I digress. The story was full of heart. I smiled through the majority of it. And bonus points to the author because now I know never to get too close to a Moose! The author did a fantastic job showing the MC’s growth in an organic way. Nothing felt forced or rushed. And that epilogue was the cherry on top! I love when we get a glimpse into the future that is done well and adds more depth to the story. Can’t wait to see what Melissa Ferguson published next!

This was my first Melissa Ferguson book, but it will not be my last! I adored this book. I thought the plot was super unique, I loved the character development, I loved the chemistry between Cat and Zaiah, it was just all around a huge win for me.

I can't wait to read more by Melissa! Thank you so much for an advanced copy, it was such a joy to read.

This book was so good! It's well written and was a joy to read. It's a sweet romance that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. This is a book you don't want to miss!
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson--FICTION via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Such a fun read. This book has the right amount of descriptive language that keeps it interesting and appealing.
I have read every book by the author, the tone and rhythm she sets always lends itself to a delightful read. Great characters help as well as interesting settings.
Likeable main characters, endearing supporting characters, delightful banter. A strong cast.
A romance that is witty is a winner. This book is a definite winner.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
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What to expect:
Opposites attract
Small Town Romance
Social Media Influencer
Forced Proximity
Cast of Characters

I loved this sweet and funny romance novel. It had a good cast of characters. I enjoyed the slow burn romance with the love interest and I kept waiting for the kissing scene so good! The tension and pining kept growing.

The story follows Cat a social media influencer who looses her credibility. She then has to leave her fabulous New York City life and move across the country to a small town with her uncle who hasn’t been completely upfront with what she’s getting into. She is uncertain about what the future holds and goes through her own personal journey about the life she lives online and the real one.

She has a great friend Serena who helps her navigate the social media mess she’s in. It was refreshing to see someone taking a topic like social media with the distractions and repercussions that having a smartphone and an online presence can bring to a person’s day to day and yet give us a romance story between two people who are complete opposites.

Even though I already know a romance novel is going to have a happy ending it was nerve wrecking thinking about how the story was going to unfold. No SPOILERS but I’m so happy with the ending it was the perfect ending for me.

Definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to add a physical copy to my shelf!

I know I can count on Melissa Ferguson to give me a story filled with both clean comedy and romance. Famous for a Living did not disappoint! I LOVE Ferguson's prose, sarcasm, and ability to create endearing, quirky, and relatable characters. This story drew me in from the start, and I quickly devoured the entire book. Ferguson is one author I never miss, and I am confident this book will become a favorite of many.

I received this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A very timely read filled with important messages on social media usage and how we connect nowadays. A fun slow burn romance with important character growth.

This was a 5 ⭐️ for me! I really enjoy Melissa Ferguson books (if you want another rec - Check out Meet Me in the Margins)! With her books, I can anticipate something is coming but I usually can’t put my finger on what exactly it will be!

I also appreciated the way the book pushes you to find your balance with your connection to your phone / use of social media and living the life in front of you.

Thank you to @Melissaferguson @thomasnelson and @netgalley for the ARC!

Cat Cranwell was a famous social media lifestyle influencer living the high life and showing her millions of followers what they need in order to be in the know. Unfortunately, she collaborated with an unscrupulous business partner and now she has been scorned and canceled by her followers and the general public. She fled to Kannery National Park, Montana at the invitation of her park ranger uncle in order to clear her head and provide the park with needed assistance in her area of expertise, social media engagement and promotion. There she met Zaiah, an intriguing and extremely low tech (think flip phone) park ranger who fascinated her. I loved their opposites-attract relationship which both made me think about the issues they dealt with and also made me laugh out loud on occasion. I was challenged in a gentle way to consider the benefits as well as the pitfalls of using the technology we now have access to through our phones, tablets, computers, and smart phones and to avoid becoming addicted to it. It would be a fantastic book club pick as it would generate lots of conversation. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

I really enjoy Melissa Ferguson's clean romantic fiction and this book did not disappoint. When scandal breaks for social media influencer Cat Cranwell, she accepts her park ranger uncle's offer to go work with him (as a social media strategist of course) at Kannery National Park. Cat is way outside of her comfort zone in all the snow and rustic conditions. Park Ranger Zaiah is very much against social media, but naturally ends up being the one to show Cat the ropes in regards to park living. A cute, funny book filled with lots of banter and wonderful characters.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Wonderful story! The writer is very talented; this is my first story and I enjoyed it. This isn’t just the basic story you read for fun, it depicts our reality.
“Here we are. In the middle of ab-so-lutely nowhere. I clasp my carry-on and stare at what Uncle Terry described over the phone as my “cozy cabin.”
This, though. Whatever this was, was not cozy. Or even, a cabin. I look at the single cutout window that’s smaller than they use at prisons. A hole in the floorboards of the porch is so big it threatens to swallow my foot whole. Not really a tiny home. Not a shack. More like, if the three little pigs went into business but were hurried because the bank was getting tetchy about the building deadline for the construction loan and a wolf was on their tail, this would be a very realistic end result. A square house of logs the size of my closet. I tilt my head. No. This had to be smaller. I inhale. It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter. Because no matter what, even if it were two sticks propped up against a tree, there is no way I will do anything after this whole road experience except look at this structure as if it were exactly what I am expecting. And I’m just thrilled with it. Just. Positively. Thrilled. In fact, I’m going to smile now.”
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.

“𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙙, 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙝 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙?”

Famous for a Living was one of my most anticipated reads this year and it didn’t disappoint! Cat’s journey was such a beautiful one and the message behind it is so important. I think this is a book that all social media influencers can learn a lot from in a positive way!

The beginning of this book reminded me so much of the beginning of Into the Wild by KA Tucker. City girl heroine goes to small town in the middle of nowhere and is met by the broody, indifferent hero. Cat and Zaiah (like Isaiah without the I) were complete opposites and I absolutely loved this dynamic. It created the best banter and delicious tension and it made the build up to their first kiss 🔥🔥🔥. The romance that follows is so so sweet.

The secondary characters in this story were top notch. From bossy Serena to mother hen Mina, I was cracking up at the antics. You also can’t help but fall in love with the small town charm of Kannery National Park and the rest of the staff. I loved Cat’s relationship with her Uncle Terry! And one of my favorite parts is when Cat and Zaiah learn each other’s backstories and finally understand the people they’ve become. The Instagram posts at the beginning of each chapter were a fun addition to the story. I can’t recommend this sweet, small town romcom enough!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for an advanced copy. My thoughts are my own.

Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson is a sweet story with a great message about social media. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of it and I really related to Cat. The opposites attract trope works so well and I was swept up in this story. Zaiah is a worthy love interest. His calmness and personality made him a great book boyfriend. If you are looking for a funny, clean romance, this is a wonderful option.

Melissa Ferguson does it again! This book is perfect for today. Her relatable characters draw the reader in to a familiar perspective and a somewhat startling reality of too many. Add this to your must read pile for the summer.

OPPOSITES DO ATTRACT!

Melissa Ferguson writes extraordinary romantic comedies! Her latest release, Famous for A Living, is proof positive that, against all odds, opposites attract. Ferguson has created the two characters of Cat Cranwell, a mega influencer, and Ziah, a Montana National Park Ranger, that are as opposite as any two people can be. She has built a spectacular plot around why Cat has relocated from the glitz and glamour world she is accustomed to and is now attempting to blend into the work of the National Park. Ferguson takes readers on a delightful journey that shows the emotional growth in Cat’s life – whether she is ready for it or not! I love Ziah! He is “a man among men” and just what Cat needs even when she does not recognize it.
Ferguson makes her point with readers and gets them thinking about the time they spend on their iPhones, computers, iPads, and social media and the effect this has on every aspect of their real lives. It made me assess my own iPhone/iPad usage and the things I neglect or only partially participate in because I'm reading on my Kindle app, watching a sporting event on the ESPN app, shopping on Amazon, or checking emails.

This was exactly the cute rom-com I was expecting and hoping it to be—no disappointment here! Big city influencer culture mixed with small town charm, and the characters (at least the main couple) had some actual depth and backstory that made me really appreciate them, their similarities and their differences. As a fan of both city living and the great outdoors made this story so much fun to read—and made me want to travel somewhere! I do think it’s interesting to read about the effects of social media and our collective addiction to our phones and devices—and a little ironic that I did so on a Kindle (better than on my phone, I suppose?). It highlighted both good and bad that can result from the use of technology and social media, a balance that we probably all need to work on in our own lives.

Following Cat Cranwell's journey was very entertaining! As an influencer Cat has all eyes on her following her every move. But when she trusts the wrong people her followers begin to turn on her and that is when she turns to the only person she has every really trusted, her Uncle Terry.
Cat trades her exciting city life for a quiet, sometimes uneventful life in the mountains with her Uncle Terry and his co-workers. It is here that she finds out who she wants to be in life.
I truly loved each character in this book but Cat's roomate, Mina, may have been my favorite! They each were unique and fun. People I would love to be friends with if given the chance.
The storyline was a true journey of self-discovery for Cat. She thought she had the world in her hands, until she found out that her followers were just that followers. She found out that true friends were the ones who mattered in her life and the social media followers were just a way to make money.
This was a carefully crafted story that had so many laugh out loud moments mixed in with heartwarming moments. I loved this book from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this very entertaining book. I am extremely grateful to Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a digital copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.

I love it when a big city girl meets a mountain man and has to learn to adapt in a new environment. It was fun watching her experience a totally different life complete with a polar plunge. Zaiah and Cat seem so opposite but Zaiah comes to appreciate Cat's strength of character. She's not as frivolous as he imagines a social media influencer to be. They had great chemistry and their banter was fun and delightful.

The only thing wrong with this book is that it's a standalone novel. I want a series. There are great secondary characters like the over-protective Mina or nerdy Kevin that just beg for a book to be written about them.

An unexpected side to this book for me is the information on the dangers of social media. It made me think about my own habits to see if there's anything I need to change. It is thought provoking and would make for a great discussion.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book was such a fun read! The relationship dynamics between Cat and Zaiah were so cute and I enjoyed watching them grow and develop throughout the course of the story. The plot felt relevant and Cat's struggles with her dependence on social media were very relatable.

BOOK REVIEW - Famous for a Living - Melissa Ferguson - 5/5 Stars

THE STORY
I have a new-to-me author to share with you all! Famous for a Living is the first book by Melissa Ferguson I've read but it won't be the last! The story follows Cat Cranwel, who is one of those characters that you don't necessarily like from the start but as you get to know here and watch her character change and grow, I hope you'll come to love her as much as I do! The quirky side characters were like something from a sitcom and so lovable. And Zaiah *sigh* he's one of those men that single readers wish were real....

THE ROMANCE
This story combined some of my favourite tropes - Grumpy/Sunshine, Opposites Attract and a little bit of Enemies-to-Lovers with a nice slow burn romance. It's one of those books that even though you really want that first kiss, the build up and getting-to-know-each-other is so sweet that you don't mind the wait.

THE TRUTHS
I loved how this story took the middle ground on technology and social media, pointing out both its flaws and its benefits in such a thoughtful way. It is a refreshing reminder to live your whole life to the fullest, rather than spending all your time trying to capture the perfect moment. God blessed us with so much; family, partners, friends, experiences and material possessions, and He wants to see us enjoy them all. By all means share about your blessings with others through social media but just don't let your life become social media. Unplug and enjoy when you can!

This book just made me happy.

I guess I need to say more so what I like about this book for me is that there is no spice, that it made me laugh out loud, that it had an entertaining group of secondary characters (whether they were the rich and famous or the junior ranger variety), and that it had a sweet romance.

I think that my favorite part is that this book had characters in which life wasn’t always perfect but they made it perfect for them.

The main character, Cat, is a New York Instagram influencer that becomes down on her luck and has goes to work for her Uncle Terry. (The beginning of each chapter has a very fun IG post.)

She becomes the social media director for a very tiny Kannery National Park in Montana.

Cat lives a real different life in Montana. She tries some new activities like the Polar Bear Plunge and even participates in the 10th Annual Skijoring Race (go look that one up). There is also a ranger named Zaiah who is very different and yet also quite similar to Cat.

I enjoyed the energy of this book and honestly everything Melissa writes.

Meet Me in the Margins was one of my favorite books of 2022, and I was excited to get the chance to listen to Melissa Ferguson's latest novel, ⁠𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈. I am delighted to say that I absolutely loved it! Once again, Melissa knocked it out of the park! This storyline was so unique and had me hooked from the very beginning. It had me rooting for Cat, Zaiah, Kannery Park, and the sweet cast of characters. The characters are all so charming and lovable. I loved the opposites attract trope, and Cat and Zaiah embodied it perfectly! Cat is the epitome of social media queen, even though she has fallen from grace. Zaiah is her opposite. He is as anti-technology as it gets with his flip phone and a zero-tolerance policy for anything viral. The overuse of cell phones and social media throughout the plot rang true to life. Without being overbearing, it was an excellent eye-opener to how much time we waste scrolling through social media. It highlighted the real-life consequences of cancel culture and how social media can negatively affect our lives. The message was perfectly wrapped up in a hilarious romantic comedy with laugh-out-loud moments and a sweet, feel-good romance. And the ending…Oh, so perfect! I highly recommend this book to my romance-loving friends!

The cover of the book and title originally got my attention. The fun story and sweet romance kept me sucked in. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this book!
The book was inspiring and motivational! Makes me want to rethink my attitude towards life and goals for sure!
I loved Kat and Zaiah! They had cute chemistry! I loved the forest setting! It was very relaxing and enjoyable!
I highly recommend this book! It was positive, funny, charming, and a great quick read!

Famous For a Living by Melissa Ferguson is a wonderful women’s fiction novel. The idea for the book hooked me from the start. The characters themselves were intriguing in their idiosyncrasies. I love this author’s writing and this book is no exception. Beyond the sweet romance and funny scenarios, this book has a really important message for today’s social media obsessed society. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This book is: Grumpy vs Sunshine, Small town vs Big City, forced proximity and very thing I love about romance. I was lucky enough to not only be send the ebook but the audio as well and let me tell you neither of them disappointed. I will say this is a great funny romance that would be fantastic as a beach read.

Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson

Cat Cranwell is living the social media influencer life dream in NYC until a deal goes wrong and she is blamed for it all. Cat decides to go work for her Uncle in the small Kannery National Park until the dust dies down. Will she be able to help the struggling park while also fixing her own social image? Read this book to find out!

This was such a cute romance and it was well written. I love that it makes you ponder your phone habits and social media usage. I really enjoyed this story and recommend you give it a read.
#FamousforaLiving #NetGalley

Great book with a good point that sometimes the best things come when you stop worrying about the tech in front of you and start pausing to appreciate life around you. What happens when your life is built a bit to much on social media and it all catches up to you? You have to slow down and pivot. This book takes a look at how life's lemons can really turn into lemonade, that appreciating life doesn't mean sticking to only one thing all the time and sometimes you can be good at more than one thing. The book builds slow and at first the main character seems slightly shallow if not a bit predictable in how their fall will come but you still appreciate how they overcome the circumstances they are dealing with and enjoy the turn of events to realize what is actually important to them.

Cat Cranwell is an influencer who has it all, until her business partner is accused of crimes, and she’s been implicated as well. To avoid the scandal, Cat accepts her Uncle Terry’s invitation to work for him in Kannery National Park, Montana leaving the glitz and glamour of the big city behind.

Used to living in luxury, Cat’s new accommodations involve living in a basic one-bedroom cabin in the woods where she also has a roommate. The cast of characters in her new surroundings make her daily life interesting and invoke humour into her life in a difference sense than she’s used to. Cat takes over the social media outlets for the park in order to get more followers and entice people to visit.

Life is different when she’s promoting scenery and not having to be worried about her image that is portrayed to the world. She’s living a simpler life than she’s used to and finds herself falling for Zaiah Smith, a park ranger who continues to teach her lessons she didn’t know she needed.

This novel had me constantly laughing, wondering what predicament Cat would find herself in next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel. #NetGalley #Famousforaliving

I stayed up late last night because I couldn’t put down this thoroughly enjoyable enemies to lovers, fish out of water rom-com! Melissa Ferguson always delivers a well-developed story with delightful characters and this one is no exception. It was a joy to follow Cat on her journey of growth and redemption. Snag this one today for a deeper than you might think sweet romance.

FAMOUS FOR A LIVING
By Melissa Ferguson

Famous For a Living is about Cat Cranwell a million follower influencer shunned by the social media community after an app has gone wrong, making an escape to Montana to let this all die down. This is an absolutely charming story that warmed my heart. I really enjoyed this cozy story with one of the best character arc I have read recently.

With topics that are current and relevant, the themes in this story is sure to wow many readers.

After seeing this one everywhere, I had to check it.oir. and that cover! It's so cute. This was such a cute, lighthearted fun little book. I thought the characters were great, and the storyline was engaging. This book had alllll the witty banter I wanted 🥰

This was an interesting story. Fast paced and modern. It was well written as well. I’d never read from this author before but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it for someone wanting a fun read!

Another fun story from Melissa Ferguson! Loved the idea of a social media star getting stuck in Montana! And the romance was just swoony (per the norm for a Ferguson book!)

Favorite Quotes:

I don’t know what it is about him, but he makes me feel like my hand is always caught in a candy jar.

I’m pretty sure that if I wanted to even get on Zaiah’s radar— really be on his radar— I’d have to throw away my phone, makeup, 99 percent of my clothing, take up making deer jerky and canning on the weekends, and start going on long walks while reciting Thoreau.

My Review:

This is a sweet and humorous tale with considerable insights about social media addictions and influencers that gave me pause and something to ponder.  The main and secondary characters were uniquely endearing and inhabited story threads that were engaging and entertaining as well as informative and thoughtfully contrived. I enjoyed the breezy writing style as much as the main character’s journey and transformation.

This was super super cute! Closed door romances aren't usually my cup of tea, but the story was so fun and unique that it had me hooked right away!

I received an advanced reader copy of Famous for a Living in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this opportunity The cover is what got me with this one love a good outdoorsy type book. So with that being said when I saw this cover, I had to request my own copy to review. This is one of those cute haters to lovers romance taking place in a national park. Books was a five star for me as I am a sucker for a good romcom light read.

Cat Cranwell is an influencer who has to find a place to lie low instead of her Manhattan penthouse. Her partner is caught up in a financial scandal which has brought her down as well. Her uncle asks her to come to Montona and work at the National Park to bi her time. She agrees and once there she finds herself finding things to do right away. She also is revamping their website which starts to bring in more people right away. The other people around seem to like her and once the scandal is over she has to decide to stay or go back for she has found herself liking Zaiah one of the rugged Park rangers and since they had spent a lot of time together now what does she do? A really good story with very good characters.