Life on the Porcelain Edge

This book was humorous yet had a great plot I loved the interaction between Tessa and Ryland they were awesome. I wouldn't have wanted the ending to turn out any other way!

Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..This book was fun and all over the place, how well we have lol moments, tear moments and chaos moments.. So we meet Tessa was a ghost writer, but unfortunately someone broke into her files and outs her and she loses her livelihood. Then to top that off her dad has a heart attack and she has to go home to care for him where she runs into her old classmate who always had a crush on her but she felt he was a bully. When you think that she and Ryland have something about to happen here comes Joey, and just what is it with him..Anyhoo true entertainment.. Enjoy!

Not only does the cover make you laugh but the book is an amazingly, realistic novel. It portrays the very real, ups and downs of every day relationships and life and the pursuit of God. Not your typical love story. Would recommend for all.

Life on the Porcelain Edge is a lovely and sweet story of romance and faith--sometimes light and funny but at times, more serious. Tessa Tarrington is working as a ghostwriter in New Orleans writing personal stories of celebrities. Unfortunate events in NOLA and her father's heart attack have her going back to her hometown in Ohio to help him recover. While her life is swirling out of control, she is able to get a job as a substitute teacher at her old high school where she is teaching with an old classmate, Ryland, now a single father of sweet little Emma and a coach after a short career in the NFL. She doesn't have fond memories of him but he has loved her since they were six years old. It was fun to watch the two banter and get to know each other again. The characters are genuine, well developed and likable and will have you pulling for them. Another classmate and Ryland's best friend, Joey, is a professional baseball player, who is in town for a while. He is a funny and charming guy but with his own issues. Tessa had a huge crush on Joey in high school and his attention is a balm to her soul. Her two best friends, sorority sisters Ella and Lily Mae, especially Lil, adds some lighthearted fun to the story. They will all need some faith, trust, love and forgiveness to get them through the issues that life throws them. I really enjoyed the bantering and interactions of the characters and how the author deals with overcoming the problems that crop up with the characters.
I received a complimentary copy from the Pelican Book Group through NetGalley to read and review. The opinions are mine only.

I found Hilbert's depiction of Tessa to be so relatable, I always say if I didn't have crap luck I'd have NO LUCK & man did I feel like Tessa was somewhat parallel to myself in many ways. Granted, I haven't moved back into my childhood home, been fired & thankfully my parents are healthy but none the less I've had my fair share of hurdles professionally, my own health & with my kids ( one with special needs) & have felt that my life too was circling the drain lol! This book incorporates faith, love, humor with a dash twist and turns. Overall what brings me back to an author is a book that is not only enjoyable but relatable & I look forward to indulging in the other work C.E. Hilbert has to offer.

A big thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. I didn't notice that this was a Christian romance, but it was soon obvious. This is Tessa and Ryland's story. Will she forgive him for his previous behaviour starting in Kindergarden?? It was an okay story, but I thought Tessa could have been more open minded at first. This was not my cup of tea. I have it a 3. Many romance readers will enjoy.

What’s it like to be twenty-six and feeling like you’re stuck in a Panini press set on high? This New Adult Christian romance used likable characters, an interesting plot and Christian wisdom to answer the panini question.

As is often the case, misunderstandings and miscommunications can make one “miss out”on important friendships and romances, and other opportunities. Main character Tessa had plenty of problems when the book started, but as her story progressed she learned that, “Since she was six years old, her desire to blend into the background had driven nearly every decision she’d ever made.” She needed to stop hiding from what had God created her to do.

Here’s what I liked about the book. Tessa had an interesting career-as a ghostwriter. This added some zing to the plot. Tessa’s two love interests were well-rounded and appealing characters. Emma, the daughter of one of the young men, stole the show. She was a cute and creative young girl and how she and Tessa got to know each other was delightful reading. Part of the story was set in Ohio and part in New Orleans. Both were described well with warm and realistic details. I also liked the examples of Christian living.

And because this book portrayed the Christian lifestyle in a positive and welcoming way, that is the reason I didn’t like the cover and title. I felt the toilet imagery didn’t fit at all. However, what was between the covers was a good read!

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC. This is my honest review.

Tessa and Ryland have a long, awkward history going back to kindergarten. Now a decade after high school, with both of them recovering from their lives' lowest points, can a relationship blossom, or will old hurts get in the way? This Christian romance far from the usual track. The characters have flaws and behave like actual people. Although their lives revolve around their faith and impact their decisions, the whole book isn't preaching at you. It is an honest romance with Christian values, and realistic dialogue. I enjoyed it highly. My only criticisms are excessive use of similes in general and the specific terms shuttering and fluttering in reference to eyes. And I found the "mystery" of the thief to be very obvious. Overall, it was a good book and I would recommend it to those 15yrs and older.

Although there are many typos in the e-book version, this is a fun and enjoyable inspirational read. You'll relate well to Tessa's life struggles and ups and downs. Through it all, her faith does sustain her in both the pleasant and difficult times. She is able to obtain some healing and closure from the teen years as well.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

Zum brüllen komisches Buch mit einigen sehr ernsten Themen und Lektionen des Lebens. Munter erzählt, merkt man gar nicht wie die Zeit vergeht. Wirklich gute Unterhaltung.

C.E. Hilbert has penned an enjoyable  story with a well conceived plot . This is a fun read with well developed, interesting characters. 

 There were moments that I laughed out loud and I was grateful that I wasn't in a public place and there were moments that were more emotional. It really is a roller-coaster of a story and was different from my usual tastes (as it featured religion) however despite this I am glad that I read this story because I genuinely enjoyed accompanying Tessa on her journey through disasters, sadness and happiness.  I feel that the balance between humour and more serious moments was well balanced and well combined.

I will be completely honest and say that had I realised just how religious this book was then I would have given it a wide berth. However lovers of Romance, humour and religious fiction will love this story.

I was given a copy of this book by the Publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Really enjoyed this story. I did not expect to because the title and the cover put me off. However this story led you through the path of their lives, how small things that happen when you are younger can affect your whole life.

Great relatable story about life. I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest review. Very true-to-life story with all the emotions. I found this book to be well-written and a fun read.

This book was a quick read for me. I finished it in one sitting. Likeable characters and good story. Would read another book from this author.

Ever have times of your past life which you'd love to just forget?
That's the struggle for Tessa.
Only, it is by being thrust back to her alma mater where her 'mortal enemy' is found that she discovers what she thought was true really isn't.

Fun romance to read which may have you pondering your own high school years.

This book had so many layers to it that it was like peeling an onion but a lot more pleasurable.
Yes, this is a religious book, in fact, at any time the character may stop and offer up a prayer of hope, thanks, or ask for guidance. It is not about religion but of faith. It does not beat you over the head either.
I will tell you it is a very funny story with a lot of heart too. There is a great deal of family, friends, and community conflict to keep this story moving.
You see at the ripe old age of six Ryland Jessup falls in love with the new girl in town Tessa Tarrington the preacher’s daughter. She has long blonde hair she wears in pigtails and the greenest eyes you ever saw.
The first day he saw her after school he ran all the way home and told his mom he found the girl he was going to marry. He has loved her since forever. She was going to was going to have her sixth birthday party and they were all invited. He asked all his friends what he should get her. He settled on his best friends’ advice.
Joey said, “The two best things he loves are his baseball glove and my superhero under ware.”
He said because they make him brave against the third graders that picked on them and steal his lunch. Give her under ware she’ll never be scared about nothin’. Then she’ll think of you seven days a week. So, he rides his bike four blocks all alone to a special store and buys them in a tube and everything. He was so excited.
The day of though, when she saw the under ware and the kids did and she was so embarrassed she tickled her panties. He thought he was being quiet and trying to help he said in a stage whisper, “PEE PEE, TEE TEE.” All the kids started laughing and pointing and that became her new name and the next thing he knew his mom was dragging him out of the party.
After that, she wouldn’t look or talk to him. By junior high, her nickname got shortened to TT but she hated it. She was so glad when she went off to college and could leave the town and her nickname behind her.
But her dad has a heart attack and now she and Ryland are working at their high school together. Her being a Sub English teacher and him the football coach. After losing his wife and needing to raise his daughter he thought it was best to move home where he would have the support of his five sisters and his mom.
Once he sees her the feelings, he had for her that first day in kindergarten come rushing back. But for Tessa, not the same she is still holding on to her pain of being teased and lets him have it all guns a blazing. But being the football worrier of the NFL that he was he keeps bouncing back.
Yet, when she starts to show some interest, he gets spooked. Until his best friend Joey comes into town and he shows interest and even asks Tessa out. Turns out they both had a crush on each other. Ryland is not happy, it’s the case of the snooze you lose. But it doesn’t stop him from being around her at school. Causing her to have mixed emotions and seeing him in a different light.
See what has brought them back other than the obvious. If they can co-exist at the same teaching assignment, go to the same church, and both be concerned about her father who had a heart attack. Which causes them both pain and heartache.
I give this: 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.