Grace is a novelist who wants to have one of her stories on Broadway. She singles out a Broadway producer, Devin and tries to convince him that this novel will work on Broadway.

There are seasons where easy to follow, happy endings (even predictable ones) are just what I need to relax. This book was just that. I didn't figure out everything, but most, and it didn't change how much I enjoyed reading it. ( )

Kristen Heitzmann is one of my current favorite authors. Her books seldom disappoint. I wasn't so sure about this one when I started it, though I did enjoy reading about writers. I also didn't like one choice the main characters made and wished it hadn't been part of the plot, but overall, the characters grew on me to the point where I didn't want to put the book down, even when I was disappointed in the choices they made.

Grace is a romance writer who has built a brand around her clean romance books--even to the point of having themed wedding plans that correlate with her book characters available to her fans. Devin Bressard has a past that keeps him closed off to romantic relationships. When the two get together as a favor to a friend, sparks fly. ( )

I made the choice between four and five stars when I woke up the next morning and Told You So was still on my mind.

Kristen Heitzmann's first independent release teems with the sparkling writing and plot twists her fans know to expect. And new readers, come prepared. This story, funny and dramatic and poignant as it is, comes with a dark edge or three.

In spite of larger-than-life characters and high-wire situations that most of us will never face, the depths this novel plumbs are very real. Just as heroine Grace Evangeline's sweet & sassy romances carry messages of hope that Devin Bressard's brooding plays never could, Told You So finds the jagged edge necessary to speak to a certain kind of brokenness. Going much deeper than a simple "opposites attract" love story, it invites consideration that true and resonate art may sometimes require more than a single approach, and that in the synergy of such art, and of love, God's handiwork is evident.

For the sake of conservative readers, it bears mentioning that this story reaches beyond certain norms of Christian fiction.

As for me, I loved it. Told You So got some good deep belly laughs out of me, squeezed a few tears, and never skimped on the heart-clenchy and/or -melty romantic moments. The characters and the big thoughts they embodied got to me in the best way, and the story held me fast with all its riveting twists.

Also, no spoilers, but... I have a theory about one of the secondary characters. I'll be looking forward to Told You Twice to find out if I'm right...

I received a free copy of this novel for review purposes; my opinions are my own! ( )