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You are here: Home / Beautiful Mind / Home Matters by Julie N. Ford Review

March 20, 2014 By Cassie 45 Comments

Home Matters by Julie N. Ford Review

Provided for Review Affiliate Links

Home Matters Blog Tour on southeastbymidwest.com #bookreview

About the Author

Julie N. Ford on southeastbymidwest.com #bookreview

Julie is a forty-something, dangerously close to becoming a fifty-something, graduate from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science. In addition, she has a Masters in Social Work form the University of Alabama, which has only made her better able to recognize the unhealthy, codependent relationship she has with writing. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a marriage and family counselor. She is the author of four women’s fiction novels, including Count Down to Love, a 2011 Whitney Award finalist. When She’s not writing she entertains delusions of being a master gardener, that is, when she’s not killing the unsuspecting plants in her yard with her good intentions. She lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, two daughters, a Betta named Bob, and a Scottish fold kitten, Ardweal.

Julie can be found at her website, Twitter, and Facebook.

Book Information

Home Matters by Julie Ford

Publisher: HEA Publishing

Publication Date: March 10, 2014

Genre: Romance

Purchase: Amazon

Book Synopsis

Home Matters by Julie N. Ford Review on southeastbymidwest.com #bookreview

“According to her mother, Olivia Pembroke was born to be a star. But how is she supposed to be famous when she can’t even get a decent acting gig? Her lucky break comes when she lands an audition for a wildly popular home improvement show. Even though she has no design training and has never held a power tool, she refuses to let that stop her. She’s confident that her destiny is finally within reach.

When her affection are torn between her heartthrob co-host and the irritating, yet somehow endearing lead contractor, does she continue to reach for the stars? Or does she deign a new happily ever after? One that leads not to the fading lights of fame and fortune, but to a love that will burn forever.

The Ripple Effect Romance Series

“Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different coursse — one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love.”

Home Matters is the first book in the Ripple Effect Romance Series. Come back in exactly two weeks for a review of Silver Linings and then every two weeks after that I will review the other books in the series. I will link the list below with all the reviews as I release them if you’d like to bookmark this page for future reference!

Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford

Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin

Book 3: Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson

Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White

Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver

Book 6: Immersed by Jennifer Griffith

My Review

Home Matters is a novella, a shorter novel, and is the first book to kick-off the Ripple Effect Romance Series. Home Matters follows Olivia who is a budding actress who just got her big break, a starring role on the hit reality show Home Matters. However, once she starts filming she quickly realizes that things are not as they are portrayed on TV. Olivia is expected to just sit back and be the face to Eleanor’s, the head designer, designs…even if the designs go against what Olivia knows are the home owners wishes.

In her personal life, Olivia falls for her co-star William and the two start a whirlwind affair. However, Olivia feels a pull, that she quickly dismisses, towards Pete, the carpenter for the show. Olivia tries to ignore the pull that she feels towards Pete, and forces herself to invest in the relationship with William. Olivia has a hard time deciding if the pull of her heart for design and Pete are worth what she would give up by going with her head which says acting and William.

All-in-all this was a great kick-off to the series, and the main character from the next book makes a small cameo in this story. The characters of Olivia, William, and Pete were all really well developed and while I knew what kind of person William was going to turn out to be I wasn’t expecting what actually happens with him. My only complaint with the book was that I felt the ending was a bit rushed, I would have actually have preferred for this to be a full novel instead of a novella. This has me waiting in anticipation for the next novel in the series.

Rating

4 out of 5


Cassie

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About Cassie

I started Southeast by Midwest back in 2012 as a lifestyle blog. After a few months I felt a pull towards beauty so I rebranded as a beauty specific blog. Over the years I've grown my knowledge and love of beauty products to the point that I am currently in Cosmetology school. If you'd like to know more about me contact me on any of my social media channels or at southeastbymidwestblog@gmail.com

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Comments

  1. Julie N. Ford says

    March 20, 2014 at 8:14 am

    Thank you SO much for taking the time to read and review Home Matters! I really appreciate your support =D

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 20, 2014 at 12:59 pm

      It was a great read. I can’t wait to go and find more of your books to read 🙂

      Reply
  2. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    March 20, 2014 at 11:42 am

    I don’t have that much time to read, so if I do, it’s usually a novella. This one sounds like one I would really like to read.

    Reply
  3. Isabella Grey says

    March 20, 2014 at 11:47 am

    Sounds like an interesting book. I’m still working my way through A Song of Ice and Fire series, so this might be a good read once I finish that!

    Reply
  4. Chelsea says

    March 20, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    This sounds like a good, easy read that I would really enjoy! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  5. Shell says

    March 20, 2014 at 2:17 pm

    This sounds like such a cute read. Thanks for the review!

    Reply
  6. brett says

    March 20, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    I like the sound of this! romances are fun for reading 🙂

    Reply
  7. Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? says

    March 20, 2014 at 2:47 pm

    This sounds like a super cute book. Reminds me of Trading Spaces.

    Reply
  8. Terin Garrett says

    March 20, 2014 at 3:04 pm

    I’ve been looking for good books to take on vacation with me- this sounds like a hit! Thank you!

    Reply
  9. Amy Desrosiers says

    March 20, 2014 at 4:00 pm

    I love the whole “torn between two people” type of deal. Gosh, somedays I’d love to live these characters lives to see what it feels like.

    Reply
  10. Virginia @thatbaldchick says

    March 20, 2014 at 4:12 pm

    Sounds like an interesting read, my sister would enjoy it.

    Reply
  11. Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says

    March 20, 2014 at 4:18 pm

    I can’t help but play this novella out as in the show “Tool Time” from Home Improvement…. Tim and Al competing for the love of Heidi 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 21, 2014 at 1:22 pm

      I seriously thought that at one point while reading it!

      Reply
  12. Kim Delatorre (@shopwithmemama) says

    March 20, 2014 at 4:37 pm

    Sounds like a good book. I wish I had more time to read, dang it!

    Reply
  13. Janel C. says

    March 20, 2014 at 6:19 pm

    This sounds like a very interesting read! I will have to check it out….thanks for your review!

    Reply
  14. Melissa says

    March 20, 2014 at 6:28 pm

    I like series where I can continue with the character. Sounds like a great read!

    Reply
  15. Karen says

    March 20, 2014 at 8:00 pm

    This sounds like a great book! Thanks for sharing your review!

    Reply
  16. ROSEY says

    March 20, 2014 at 8:26 pm

    I admit I laughed out loud about the Masters helping her know even more of her relationship woes with writing. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  17. April says

    March 20, 2014 at 9:30 pm

    This sounds like a really good read! I’m going to check out all of her stories.

    Reply
  18. Jaime says

    March 20, 2014 at 9:34 pm

    This sounds right up my alley. I definitely want to read it (and probably the whole series!)

    Reply
  19. Jenni says

    March 20, 2014 at 10:03 pm

    This looks like a pretty good book series. I love how the covers aren’t over the top but still show romance.

    Reply
  20. Laura MyNewestaddiction says

    March 20, 2014 at 10:15 pm

    I love easy reading!

    Reply
  21. Debbie L. says

    March 20, 2014 at 10:36 pm

    The book sounds like a very good read. Adding them to my list of summer book to read. I read by the pool in the summer time!

    Reply
  22. Janeane Davis says

    March 20, 2014 at 11:12 pm

    This sounds like an interesting read. I will check it out for my teenie bopper.

    Reply
  23. Lisa says

    March 20, 2014 at 11:26 pm

    This sounds like a great series. Good for beach reading!

    Reply
  24. Jenny says

    March 21, 2014 at 7:04 am

    sounds like it’s a pretty nifty book. definitely something people would enjoy. i’m not really into romance though.

    Reply
  25. Tracey says

    March 21, 2014 at 8:26 am

    Been loving all your book reviews lately!

    Reply
  26. Carly says

    March 21, 2014 at 8:54 am

    I love that you’re sharing all these books…..this one looks AWESOME!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      March 21, 2014 at 1:24 pm

      I thought at first that reviewing book on a beauty blog might be a bad idea BUT it seems to be going over well 🙂

      Reply
  27. Toni says

    March 21, 2014 at 9:13 am

    Thanks for the review. This is another book I am going to have to add to my to read list.

    Reply
  28. Jamie Rippy (@MamaMommyMom) says

    March 21, 2014 at 9:39 am

    The cover is cute, but it doesn’t seem very”romance novel” to me. It’s probably not one I’d pick up. I have so little time to read these days, I have to be very selective with my time and a lot of time the cover art is the make or break for me.

    Reply
  29. Christina S says

    March 21, 2014 at 10:15 am

    Now this looks like a book I would read! I love reading about people that seem real.

    Reply
  30. Jamie says

    March 21, 2014 at 11:25 am

    I love series and this sound like it would be a good read!

    Reply
  31. Dina says

    March 21, 2014 at 11:26 am

    I like the looks of this book. I hate when I think a book is a book and it turns out to be a novella. But I know this up front about this one!

    Reply
  32. Krissy says

    March 21, 2014 at 11:46 am

    I love a good romance novel! I will have to check this out, my daughter and I are constantly looking for a new book series to read

    Reply
  33. Krystal says

    March 21, 2014 at 12:45 pm

    I novellas! It’s about all I have time for nowadays. Looks like a great read.

    Reply
  34. Desiree M. says

    March 21, 2014 at 2:41 pm

    What a great read! I’m always a fan of a good romance novel.

    Reply
  35. Catherine L. says

    March 22, 2014 at 5:06 am

    I love to read and this sounds like a fun series with well developed characters.

    Reply
  36. Kenda Smith says

    March 22, 2014 at 7:22 am

    Another great review – I always look forward to hearing your suggestions. My reading list is getting longer and longer!

    Reply
  37. Felicia says

    March 22, 2014 at 8:12 am

    This sounds like one to add to my collection. I really need to find more time to read.

    Reply
  38. Melinda@LookWhatMomFound...andDadtoo says

    March 22, 2014 at 10:35 am

    i judge books by their cover and I like this cover. i like indulging in a little romance reading.

    Reply
  39. Stefani says

    March 22, 2014 at 11:34 am

    This sounds like an interesting read. I will have to keep it in mind the next time I am looking for books to add to my reading collection.

    Reply
  40. Paige says

    March 24, 2014 at 6:57 am

    I always find novellas too short! Lol! I’m like “GIVE ME MORE!”

    Reply
  41. Jennifer Bullock {MommyBKnowsBest} says

    March 24, 2014 at 9:50 am

    My husband and I will probably be doing some small renovations in our next home, don’t know how romantic that will be since we’re already married and will probably argue more than kiss.

    Reply
  42. Courtney Pies says

    March 24, 2014 at 10:42 am

    I absolutely love romance novels, so Home Matters sounds like my kind of book! I will be adding it to my to-read list!

    Reply

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Southeast by Midwest is dedicated to bringing you truthful, unbiased opinions on some of the most popular makeup products and brands today. As Southeast by Midwest is not on most PR lists, if you would like to help support our efforts by clicking through these links when you shop at these stores it would be greatly appreciated. Shopping via these links doesn't cost you anything extra; just a percentage of your total will be shared with Southeast by Midwest to go towards purchasing new products!
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