BOOK REVIEW: The Celebrity
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by: Vickie McDonough
Dancing Word Reviewer
Title: The Celebrity
Author: Robert Elmer
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
ISBN: 1-57856741-6
Genre: Inspirational/Contemporary/Fiction
As the most sought after pop star in the world, Jamie D. Lane has it all-money, prestige, adoring fans-but when his ailing mother dies before Jamie can fulfill his promise to her, he feels a sudden, desperate need to escape. Traveling incognito as Joe Bradley, he cuts and dies his trademark curly blonde hair and disguises his blue eyes with brown contacts then takes his mother's ashes back to her hometown.
Jamie plans only to stay a day or so in the small town of Riverdale, WA, and then he'll return to his hectic lifestyle, much to the relief of his frantic manager. But when Jamie realizes he can walk the streets without a deluge of paparazzi flashing their cameras and screaming fans begging for his autograph, he decides to stay longer. He's quickly accepted by the friendly townsfolk and meets some interesting people, including several monks, a donut shop owner, and a pretty school teacher. If only for a few days, he hopes to live a normal life.
Anne Stewart will never be normal again. A devastating car crash left her with a permanent limp and memory and speech problems. Still, she's determined to not let her disabilities keep her from teaching school, which is her heart's desire. She's not too sure about the stranger her father has hired to work in his donut shop, but as she gets to know Joe Bradley, he seems harmless enough.
When Joe offers to help Anne organize the school play, she is caught off guard. Before long, she her feelings for Joe begin to grow. Is it possible that he actually sees her as a normal person and not a woman with limitations?
With the help of a homeless dog and a wise monk, Jamie begins to see that God truly cares about him, and just maybe He has all along. Soon, Jamie also realizes he's falling for Anne. But what will she say when she learns he's been lying to her?
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed The Celebrity by Robert Elmer. Right off the bat I felt sympathy for Jamie, even though he lives the life most of us only dream of. He's a man worn out and lost and totally pressured by his insensitive manager to continue his frenetic schedule of concerts and public appearances. He only wants a little time to himself to regroup.
You can't help but feel for Anne, a highly capable woman who had the rug pulled out from under her when a drunk driver rammed into her car at fifty-five miles per hour. She works hard to overcome her problems, even if it means having to make detailed lists to remember minor things.
I would have liked to see Anne and Jamie meet earlier in the book, since this is a romance, but I guess The Celebrity could also be considered men and women's fiction, since both the hero and heroine grow quite a lot. The plot moves along at a steady pace and never drags. The town of Riverdale comes alive with its sometimes quirky residents and speedy gossip mill, typical of Small Town, America. Take the time to sit down and read The Celebrity for a heart-tugging story of romance, faith, and coming home.