‘Keep Holding On’: Wit, Wisdom and Winsome Charm

by 

STORY: Beckett Walker spends his life, in some form or another, running away. During his mother’s illness, he struggled to face facts and deal with the severity of his tilted world head on. He left his small town of Maple Valley in pursuit of corporate law, leaving under the most complicated of circumstances. One of those complications is Kit Danby, the best-friend-turned-love-of-his-life. When feelings changed, Beckett left Kit behind for Boston as she left to pursue a life in London. But know both are unexpectedly back in Maple Valley with a second chance in front of them. But what will they make of it?


KEEP HOLDING ON, BY MELISSA TAGG | BOOK REVIEW


‘Keep Holding On’: Wit, Wisdom and Winsome Charm. A review of the novel by Melissa Tagg. All review text © Rissi JC

For anyone who has been searching for the kind of romantic comedy novel that challenges and delights, look no further than Melissa Tagg’s brand of happy. Inside her novels lies a place that’s as cozy as your favorite oversized sweater. The characters will envelop you in the comfort of a warm hug as will the setting and emotions that stem from that center. The third in Tagg’s popular Walker family saga follows Beckett Walker, and it does not disappoint.

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Beckett’s story is an enigma (of the pleasant variety) after another. From the opening sentence to the subtle hints that follow, it’s clear this story is holding more than one surprise. As the story evolves and slowly reveals them, the reader continues to find delights galore as we are welcomed into the lives of the boisterous and warm-hearted Walker family. Beckett’s story is, perhaps, the most compelling male characterization from Tagg to date. There are layers to his personality, and each one that is peeled back is like another glimpse into his mindset and heart. Then there’s Kit. Though she’s more “settled” than Beckett, she too struggles with honesty (with herself) and finding “home.”

I loved so many explainable and inexplicable (fangirl moment!) elements of this novel. I loved its adventurous soul (roundtrips – yay for some armchair travel!); the heart and soul of this story which emphasize family; and of course, last but NOT least, the dreamy-eyed, swoony romance (I mean look at that cover, people) between the leads. Readers will delight in catching up with characters from One Enchanted Christmas, and one of my favorite aspects was all of the secondary characters. Why? Because the curious reader nature in me wonders: will they someday see their own story?

Step inside the world of Keep Holding On. Inside these pages lies, quite possibly, Melissa Tagg’s greatest novel yet. It’s smart and witty, yes, but also wrestles with challenges, important questions on what you want your life to say about you and who you want to be. The messages we take away from this story as a result as beautiful. So settle into your favorite reading nook, fix a cup of mocha and grab a copy of Keep Holding On. It’s predisposed to sweep you into its swirl of autumn leaves and charismatic characters.

About the Book:

Author: Melissa Tagg
Publisher: Larkspur Press (Indie)
Source: Author Provided
Publication Date: 2016
Find the Review elsewhere: Goodreads | WordPress
Add the Book: Goodreads
Series: Walker Family, Book 3
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5

Sincere thanks to the author for providing a complimentary e-copy of this book for reviewing purposes.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

10 comments

    1. Thanks, Heidi; I think you'll REALLY enjoy this one. :) This is Melissa's first foray into Indie publishing. She talks more about it on her website MelissaTagg.com, and if this novel is an indication, she's going to be fabulous.

  1. Hello Rissi! Another Awesome Review!!!

    I must admit, here and now, I can't help it… I always first judge a book by it's cover, and I loved this one from the moment I saw it with your post, and I'm even more intrigued after reading your wonderful review and the story synopsis! You pulled me right in! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

    God's Blessings, Net :)

    itsawonderfulmovie.com

    1. Net, hello! Always great to see you over here. Thanks so much for the kind words and for reading. :)

      I'm 100% a cover snob. So yeah… I always judge a book by its cover too. ;) I'm so glad this one interests you – I think Melissa's novels would make ideal Hallmark channel scripts, so if you ever read this one, let me know what you think.

      As always, glad you visited! :)

    1. YAY! I hope you enjoy them, Lindsey. They're delightful from first page to ending. And if you like perfect meet cutes, Melissa is a master at writing these scenes. So cute. :)

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