 Praise for One Little Secret
Endorsements / Reviews
"Bottke’s latest provides a glimpse into the dedication it takes to place love of family above personal aspirations. The characters are believable and interesting, and this well-written tale reminds readers that you’re never too old to follow your dreams." -  from the August 2007 edition of Romantic Times!
"Allison Bottke paints a realistic picture of a marriage that, although far from perfect, is based on God and therefore built on solid ground. She deals with the theme of long lost dreams and how they can be restored. She helps the reader learn that God’s gifts are to be treasured and used, not ignored or buried. Bottke takes her readers into exhilarating, heart-palpitating moments where one has to remember to breathe. The story is one wonderful ride." – Vasthi Acosta, Christian Book Previews.com
"The creative force behind the God Allows U-Turns series has taken a different turn with the release of her first novel. Allison Bottke chooses a Hollywood setting and the glamour of the music industry to introduce two main characters whose paths cross and are forever changed. It's evident that Bottke has done her research on the trappings associated with Tinseltown yet she keeps suburban housewife Ursula Rhoades rooted in her faith. The story line follows how Rhoades' long-ago, barren dream is reignited with the help of rock star Nik Prevel. Bottke's fast-pace style includes a little suspense and surmises that the ultimate act of love is giving up a dream so another's dream can live." - Spiritled Woman Magazine
What Blog Tour Hosts Are Saying ...
"The scene in One Little Secret leading up to Ursula going on stage - I've never, ever gotten stage fright from a book before (and speaking in public paralyzes me) but the tension was so tight I was literally shaking under the covers. It was fast reading, and I just could not put the book down. Your characters are so real to me, they'll live forever in my brain now as 'real people.' Excellent job!
- Pix-n-Pens Newsletter,
Hosted by: Tracy Ruckman,
Blog: www.pixnpens.com
"I really had fun working together on your blog tour, and wish you all the
best with this book and your many exciting projects." - Fallible, Hosted by: Katy McKenna, Blog:
www.fallible.com
"We have a fabulous interview with author, Allison Bottke of God Allows U-Turns, about her writing, her new book One Little Secret, and some other creative writing tips. We've also included a top secret recipe from the Red Lobster. Did we really? Uh huh. Come have some fun learning about the secrets Allison uses to succeed at attaining her dreams and encouraging others to do the same. You'll find the interview at http://writingbyfaith.blogspot.com. - F.A.I.T.H. – Following-Always-Intently-Trusting-Him,
Hosted by: Angie Breidenbach,
Blog: writingbyfaith.blogspot.com/
"I've just finished Allison's second book, One Little Secret. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. The minute I finished her second book, I ran out and bought her first one, A Stitch In Time. Again, I'm having trouble getting anything else done. I want to keep reading her book." - nettie-fudges-world, Hosted by: Janetta Messmer, Blog: http://nettie-fudges-world.blogspot.com
"I will let you in on a secret, the day that I received the book and opened it, I did not put it down until I finished it. I have become a fan of “Boomer-lit”. This is the first time I have read “chick-lit” and I could not put the book down till I finished reading it." Hill Country Thoughts, Hosted by: Paul E. Dawn, Jr. , Blog: http://coffeecupministry.us/hillcountrythoughts/
"Christian chick lit in Hollywood? Yep. Allison Bottke’s One Little Secret is all of it, wrapped in wit and faith. If you’ve only seen the book, you have to buy it just to experience the cover! Clever, clever, clever.I wondered, honestly, could someone like small-town, school teacher, grandmother (who barely looks like one) me find anything relatable in the high-powered, glitzy facade of L.A. that’s the setting for this book?" Read the entire review - Christa, Hosted by: Christa Allan, Blog: http://cballan.wordpress.com/
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One Little Secret is not only an entertaining story about a sacrificing mom finally chasing after her dreams, but a wonderful tale of faith, commitment and family.
An invitation to record a CD with a hunky, young pop star?
It’s the stuff dreams are made of…right?
For Ursula Rhoades, a suburban wife and mom,
one little secret is about to change her whole life.
Definitely begs you to pick up the book and read.
Allison Bottke weaves a wonderful tale of dream chasing and family dynamics. She covers family extremes in One Little Secret from the perfect family to the ultimate dysfunctional Hollywood family. Though most everyone reading will see their family somewhere in the middle, Bottke shares some wonderful truths about forgiveness, sacrifice and following your dreams in a larger than life setting!
The character of Nik Prevel jumped off the page and found his way into my heart. In my opinion, he is the one that did the most growing in this book, and it’s a good thing. He really needed to!
I found it interesting to step inside the life of a Bel-Air mom who, on the surface, I had nothing in common with. Her life seemed perfect with wonderful children, designer clothes, beautiful home, and no real worries in the world except a husband who works to much. (Okay, I can relate to that.)
For me, it was hard to relate to Ursula who enjoyed being “just a housewife” and putting her family first. I just didn’t see myself in her, and admired her for her devotion, wondering what really made Ursula tick. I kept reading to find out and wasn’t disappointed by the ending. I realized how much I really was like Ursula. A woman who loved her family, and sacrificed her dream for them! Who questioned the timing of pursuing her dream and struggled with the thought of her family sacrificing for her.
If you’re someone with a dream, you’ll find yourself cheering Ursula on, and maybe feel your own dream coming to life!
Portrait of a Writer...Interrupted, Hosted by: Gina Conroy, Blog: http://portraitofawriter.ginaconroy.com
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"I consider myself an avid reader of Christian fiction. In fact, one of my favorite things to do is for my son and me to each grab our favorite book and read awhile. I was introduced to Allison Bottke through a friend who gave me a copy of Allison's first book A STITCH IN TIME (which I passed on to a friend!) I love the way she writes. The characters are personable and it is easy for me to relate to them. So, as I picked up ONE LITTLE SECRET, I knew I would not be disappointed. And, I wasn't. In this novel, Ursula Rhodes is given "an invitation to record a CD with a hunky, young pop star. It's the stuff dreams are made of. . .right? For Ursula Rhoades, a suburban wife and mom, one little secret is about to change her whole life." I encourage you to pick up your own copy.." - Coffee Chat, Hosted by Sandra Stanford, Blog: http://blog.sandrastanford.com/
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book for several reasons. As a Boomer Babe who is starting to see her dreams come to fruition, I love reading about women who realize their dreams in their mid-life. In many ways, I identify with Ursula. And in other ways, Ursula’s dream opened my eyes to a world I’ve never followed very closely. The reminder that God gives us the desires of our hearts when we delight in Him was a timely one for me. Allison has subtly woven several biblical principles of marriage, sacrifice, commitment, and love into her story of realizing dreams—ones we all have, ones I believe are God-ordained. As I read, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a quote my husband loves: I’ve dreamed many a dream that were gone at the break of dawn. But I’ve realized enough of my dreams to make me want to dream on." - The Writer's Tool, Hosted by: Marjorie Vawter, Blog: http://www.marjorievawter.blogspot.com/
What Readers Are Saying...
"Whether you are on vacation or you need a vacation, One Little Secret is the book to take with you in your tote bag! It is the perfect read...entertaining, inspiring and fun fun fun! I couldn't put it down." - Tracy Klehn, author of Prayer Starters for Busy Moms and Growing Friendships (Bethany House, Fall 2007)
"This was an engaging story about a housewife named Ursula who accidentally gets thrown into the Hollywood 'starlet' life when pop star, Nik Prevel, discovers her amazing singing talent. Forever afterward, Ursula's life is changed... as is Nik's!
Otherwise, I really liked Ms. Bottke's ability to draw you into the story, constantly making you wonder what's going to happen next, and leaving you wanting to know more.
I think that the character's lives were portrayed fairly realistically, and the descriptions of the music were so moving that I was almost in tears! I also loved that the family-life portrayed by the author was what everyone --I'm sure-- dreams of having, so that is a big pull.
Overall, a very good book that I didn't want to see end. Highly recommended! - Jenn Simpson, villagecafe.blogspot.com
"What happens when a self absorbed pop star meets a family-oriented christian stay-at-home-mom? When Nik sees Ursula for the first time singing classic songs with her sons band, he's convinced she is the one to team up with to do a classic-style CD. They have the talent, but what about the working chemistry? Ursula is used to making sacrifices for her family, but in the end, taking on the opportunity that Nik offers may cause her to sacrifice that very family. Is there ever such a thing as a "little" secret? Set straight from today's tabloids, and peppered with an insatuable appetite for giving details, this book will keep you interested until the very end. Hard to put down, hard to forget once you've read it, One Little Secret crosses the barrier between Christians and non-believers, showing that you really can be in the world, but not of the world. Avoiding unbelievers won't get the message of salvation across. It is in caring enough to cross into their world that we make a difference. Bottke's well written fiction leaves you looking for her next work. She is an author you definately want to keep your eye out for. I really did enjoy Allison's style of writting and look forward to reading A Stitch in Time also." - Mary, www.marysworld411.blogspot.com
What's Being Said on the Hollywood Casting Call Contest Ballots...
"I think anything that Ms. Allison Bottle has been involved in is wonderful. She has gotten me through a very rough time with all the books that I have read. I thank her."
"Exciting, complex, layered."
"I loved it sooooo much, I never wanted it to end! I live for the day to watch it on "Big Screen"! Give me more of the same!"
"I really liked it, I love fairy tale endings. It is only my second chick lit type book I have read and I think I am starting to like those types. I do think it would make a great movie."
"Entertaining reading, should make a cute movie."
"Loved it. I'd love to see it as a film!"
"Loved it! Everytime they mentioned a song, I started singing it in my head. I love all of those old tunes, (and I'm a boomer babe, myself!) I also loved Ursula's strong convictions, and that she so gracefully lives 'in the world' but never becomes 'of the world'."
"The story line and characters kept me turning the page. Thoroughly enjoyed it."
"LOVED IT Thought it was brilliant and I instantly pictured the characters in my mind."
"Awesome book. A true encouragement for all wives and moms who sacrifice so much - dream big, and go for it when the opportunity arises!"
"LOVED IT! Being represented in today's fiction is a rare thing. This book has snappy lines, a character who knows how to dress is something besides t-shirts and khaki and discovers it's not to late to follow your dream. "
"Love the contrasting characters and their dilemmas."
"It was great! It has all the elements to represent many families in the world. Every family has a secret of some sort and to bring things out in the open truly helps all involved. Some things hurt but at the same time, heals."
"Sounds like it's made for Hollywood!"
"Why absolutely a great read and a great story written by a great writer. :)"
"I love it. The characters are endearing and the pace is fast."
"Can't wait to see it on the big screen! I like your cast of characters and the storyline sounds intriguing! I need to read the book."
Vote Now for Your Dream Team Cast!
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