"Start With Me" by Kara Isaac

 



Lacey O'Connor looks like a ladder-climbing book publicist ready to seize a senior management position during her employer's merger, but inside she's the frightened small town Minnesota girl who managed to escape poverty after an abusive upbringing. With the head of her company pulling crazy stunts to find out who is management material, Lacey's survivalist background comes into play more than she would have ever imagined.

Recovering alcoholic and former philanderer, Victor Carlisle hopes to survive the British portion of his company's merger. When he's sent to the States for some shenanigans meant to test the character of various employees, Victor is struck by blonde and brave Lacey. She doesn't let people get away with anything, and she smartly maneuvers herself through the exercises. But there's a vulnerability beneath her veneer, which draws Victor more than her tough as nails business persona.

Lacey recognized Victor instantly. They'd met—and kissed—at a party years earlier, but clearly he doesn't remember her. Nor does he know about their other connection which will bind them together in the future. 

Family relationships, mistakes, and character take center stage in this release from Kara Isaac. I had a little trouble getting into this book because the business world is not my realm of expertise, but once we moved into the Minnesota wilds and the English countryside, I was fully on board. There was a lot of deep stuff to unpack, questions to ponder, and a beautiful ray of faith shining through.

Life is messy. And complicated. And we don't know what will be thrown at us next. But relying on God and knowing He is for you will make all the difference in how our stories play out.

I received my copy of the book from JustReads Publicity. All thoughts in this review are my own.