As a homeschooling mother of four, I looked forward to reading Curtain Call. I loved getting to know Hadassah, daughter and sister in a large homeschooling family and aspiring actress, and Griffith Williams, an aspiring director. The two come together to help bring the community’s Christmas play to life. Both individuals struggle to live up to the expectations of their families.

Add in a bunch of rowdy siblings for Hadassah along with meddling parents along with their interfering best friends along with the friends’ son, and this book caused me to enjoy this book and want to stamp my feet in frustration at Byron and his pompous, arrogant ways. As stage manager, Byron sets his sights on marrying Hadassah, and creates a courtship that only exists in his mind and their parents’s desires.

But when God gives someone a calling both professionally and in terms of a soulmate, no amount of interference can change that course. I loved seeing how Griffith’s friends and Hadassah’s sisters work to the two successfully pull of the play and overcome all the obstacles Byron tries to throw in their way.

I loved reading this book and getting to know the characters. In many ways, I would love to read a book about Byron where God works a change in his heart and life and he encounters his own soulmate. I also would love to read more books about Hadassah’s younger siblings.

So if you enjoy reading books centered around Christmas, Christmas plays, and find your calling and your soulmate, check out this book for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

This story brought up some great memories of when I directed the church play every year for the children. It was so fun to see how each child was excited to be part of the play. You could feel the tension as the time came to go on stage. One thing I always made sure of was that every child who wanted in the play was a part of it. Reading this story reminded me of all the responsibility Griffith has taken on.

It’s funny how Griffith has been waiting for the right moment to hopefully get his chance to get noticed and direct for a living. He has always been in the shadows of his siblings but now maybe his chance to shine has come. Being asked to direct the community play excited him but there is a little catch. They are doing a play that Griffith has written. How unexpected that was for Griffith. Talk about pressure, wow.

Hadassah has always watched children. Being in charge of homeschool for her siblings leaves her little time for herself. She would love to be married with a family of her own, but she has too much responsibility overseeing her siblings to have time to date. Working as the lead in the play may bring her out of her loneliness. Getting to spend time with Griffith helps both of them become more confident. I like that both characters are searching for their calling and want to do what God has planned for them. What is your passion? Are you still searching for your calling?

Byron comes off as an arrogant person who wants to take over the play. He acts like he is helping Griffith but I think he has plans of his own. He also has his eyes on Hadassah. Byron has an agenda to win Hadassah over and does everything he can to make Griffith look like he doesn’t know how to direct a play.

There are a few moments in the story where disaster tries to strike but God was watching over things. I love how Griffith was able to have a good and honest talk with his parents about his mission. We each have a mission whether it be sending cards to shut ins, bringing food to the sick or directing a play that brings people together to encourage them and give them hope. Don’t miss the author’s notes at the end of the book. It will give you hope and challenge you to never give up.

“Calling is where your passions and the world’s brokenness meet.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )