Review of "Love Comes Calling"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Siri Mitchell takes readers on a fun 1920s adventure in "Love Comes Calling." It doesn't take long to discover that Ellis Eton is not your average heroine; she's vibrant, wacky, and trying to find her purpose in life.  With Ellis at the helm, any event can turn into a mishap or take on a life of its own in her imagination.  I appreciate Mitchell's divergence from the typical female lead character.  Ellis has enough energy to jump out of the pages, but sometimes her scattered ways and lack of focus leave me feeling scattered too.  Thanks to Ellis, some conversations take on a "Who's on first quality," which are comedic. 

Despite the humor, there are underlying issues of self-discovery, self-worth, and the corruption of the Prohibition-era.  Ellis really doesn't know her purpose in life and seems to use her penchant for acting as a front, which makes it more challenging to connect with her initially.  Mitchell exposes the less fun side of the 1920s - the speakeasies, police corruption, and debauchery that also defines the era.  As Ellis is exposed to the harsh realities of life, her true personality begins to show, making her less like a character and more like a real person.    

There are plenty of laughable moments in "Love Comes Calling."  The plot reminds me of fun movie from the 1930s and 1940s.  Ellis's relationship with Griffin is as unique as she is. Mitchell makes it easy to picture their interactions - his perusal and her efforts to avoid being "pinned."  Add in the complication that Ellis has another potential beau while playing the part of her friend, a telephone operator, and you are connected to a good read!

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Summary from Bethany House: 
A girl with the best of intentions. 
A heart set on Hollywood. 
An empty pocketbook.

That's all it takes for Ellis Eton to find herself working as a telephone operator for a look-alike friend. For Ellis, this job will provide not only acting practice but the funds to get her a start in the movies. She's tired of always being a disappointment to her traditional Boston family, and though she can't deny the way he makes her head spin, she knows she's not good enough for Griffin Phillips, either. It's simple: avoid Griff's attentions, work, and get paid. But in typical Ellis fashion, her simple plan spirals out of control when she overhears a menacing phone call...with her very own Griff as the target.

With an endearing heroine as her lead, Siri Mitchell takes readers on a madcap tale of love and discovering one's true desires!