Action/Adventure(829)
Allegory(342)
Amish(5,042)
Biblical(972)
Children(850)
Classic Fiction(321)
Contemporary(9,212)
Drama(1,236)
Fantasy/Science Fiction(2,231)
Historical(3,410)
Poetry(12)
Prophecy & End Times(1,059)
Romance(15,748)
Biblical(130)
Contemporary Romance(3,983)
Historical Romance(9,202)
Suspense & Intrigue(1,490)
Westerns(847)
Short Stories(173)
Suspense & Intrigue(9,291)
Teens(952)
Westerns(897)
Shop Now At Christianbook.com
Shop Contemporary Romance or
Choose a Category
- Academic
- Accompaniment Tracks
- Advent
- Adventures in Odyssey ™
- Audiobooks
- Bible Accessories
- Bible Covers
- Bible Studies & Curriculum
- Bibles
- Blooming Bargains
- Books
- Catholic
- Children
- Christian Living
- Christmas
- Church & Pastoral
- Church Supplies
- Closeouts
- Clothing & Accessories
- Crafts & Recreation
- DVDs
- Download
- Easter
- Education
- Fall
- Family
- Father's Day
- Fiction
- Focus Magazines
- Focus Resource
- Focus Reviewed
- Focus on the Family
- Gift & Home
- Graduation
- Homeschool
- MP3 Music Downloads
- Mother's Day
- Music
- New Release
- Patriotic
- Pre-Order
- Radio Theatre
- Slightly Imperfect
- Software
- Spanish
- Spring
- Subscriptions
- Sunday School
- Teens
- Thanksgiving
- VBS
- Videos
- Winter
- eBooks
Most Popular Products
Top-Rated Products
Customer Reviews for Revell Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Revell Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Athena Pappas is the head writer on one of the most popular sitcoms in television history. But when Vegas comedian Stephen Cosse is brought in to beef up the show's suddenly sagging ratings, she starts to worry about her job. Sparks fly as the competition--and attraction--between the two writers heats up. Athena has never had a problem scripting the romances of her characters. So why is her own love life so hard to script?
Average Customer Rating:
(16 Reviews) 16
Rating Snapshot (16 reviews)
5 stars
8
4 stars
7
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
16 out of 16100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Review 1 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
Love on a Script
Date:July 5, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a Hollywood sitcom writer? In this second book of Janice Thompson‘s Backstage Pass series we meet Athena Pappas, head writer of the wildly popular Stars Collide sitcom. What she can’t figure out is why, when the show has won major awards, the manager has hired a new writer for the team. Doesn’t the current team’s record stand for itself? When Athena learns that the new writer is a famous Vegas comedian, Stephen Cosse, she begins to fear for her job.
Stephen has been a single dad for several years and is looking for stability for his young daughter. The Pappas family, owners of Hollywood’s hottest Greek restaurant, show him what a real Greek extended family is like. The cousins pull his daughter into their circle and Stephen himself is drawn to Athena, who is not only the Pappas’ youngest daughter but his boss.
Janice Thompson’s books are always filled with humor. One of the things I enjoyed the most in Hello, Hollywood, as a writer myself, was Stephen’s determination to learn about writing sitcoms (as opposed to solo routines). During the novel he takes a course on the Hero’s Journey and keeps Athena informed as to which stage of the classic storyline their relationship is currently at. I got quite a few laughs out of this!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
Sweet Romance with Big Laughs
Date:June 27, 2012
Diving into Hello, Hollywood!, the second installment of the Backstage Pass series, I found that I liked this book even better than the first. Athena Pappas, the talented screenplay writer, was introduced in the first book and the focus of this book. Simultaneously attracted to and threatened by her new co-writer Stephen, she's not sure what to think. Her big Greek family is convinced they are made for each other, but it will take more to overcome past hurts than a handsome face.
I thought the book started off a tad slow, but once I got into it, it was a great read! In reading "part two," I think I figured out what bugged me in the first book. It seemed like every character, struggle, and situation was a complete extreme. The more I read, though, the more I realized that the extremes were what made the book so funny! Think of your favorite TV sitcom, and you'll see what I mean.
I loved Athena and Stephen. Athena's family added a new dimension to the story as well. Plus, it was nice to catch up with Kat and Scott from Stars Collide. Hello, Hollywood! is another funny, romantic story from Janice Thompson. I think the whole series makes a great summer read—or anytime read. [4 stars]
I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library. I was not asked to review it. All opinions expressed are my own.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
Got it all....romance and humor!
Date:October 9, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Girls, I have another recommendation for you! You've got to read this book. It has not only romance, but humor as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and found myself laughing out loud in certain parts.
28-year-old Athena Pappas is the main writer in one of the most popular television sitcom shows, Stars Collide. Athena is able to be funny, but when the show hires another man, Stephen Cosse, to help write on the show, her job starts to feel a little unsafe. You see, Stephen is a Vegas comedian....who might be slightly funnier than Athena because it comes a bit more naturally to him than it does to her. Considering that these two are always focused on the little details, what will happen when these two start to feel attraction towards each other? Just how far will they go to "script" our their love life?! You can start to imagine how this might go!
This is a book that is definitely worth reading. I'm going to have to go and check out her first book in the series now.
_______________
Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
The plot thickens!
Date:October 9, 2011
Janice Thompson combines her personal experience as a screen writer and her talent for writing romantic comedies to create Hello, Hollywood!, a fun and sweet story of two Hollywood sitcom writers falling in love. I love how Janice infuses her stories with cultural elements, this time Athena, her close family and even a crazy dog called Zeus, hail from Greece, which adds interest and depth to the tale. The screen writing elements are interesting although the many references to the Dick Van Dyke show fell flat for me as I didn't ever watch it. Strong families ties, single parenthood, addiction and job security issues are all part of what makes this story more than just a funny story. Athena and Stephen's romantic relationship kicks off a little too quickly for my liking but true to form, Janice provides an upbeat and engaging story and her readers will adore.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
Date:October 8, 2011
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
This story made me smile from the halfway point to the end. It was a bit slow in building for me even with the dreamy Adonis (AKA Stephen) introduced in the beginning. What really touched my heart was Stephen's story and his love for his daughter. Her desire for a family was downright heart-warming. And the chemistry between Athena and Stephen was...wow. Their first kiss was a real heart-stopper...or make that a pulse-pounder. I loved how she was so into the moment, but then would drift into scripting. That was pretty funny.
The author has a knack for heart-warming romance and sizzling attraction that never leaves the sweet zone. While the kisses are delectable, they are always tastefully done. This just gels the authors consistent style with the tender way she writes her romances. There are always issues, but they never overwhelm the story. Thompson is one of the few authors whose sweet romances can actually get my heart revving. Every time. Yep.
As I said, a bit of a slow start, but definitely worth the read. Stick with it and you'll get to the memorable stuff. I enjoyed the slapstick humor and the crazy dog stuff, but what really worked for me in the story was the deep and abiding theme of people needing each other and children needing stability and families to thrive. Well done!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
2nd in Backstage Pass series is fresh & faithful
Date:October 8, 2011
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Hello, Hollywood by Janice Thompson is the second book in the Backstage Pass series about the people working on a sitcom called Stars Collide. In this novel Athena Pappas is comfortable as the headwriter for the show, enjoying her rich life with her Greek family, helping out at her family's restaurant, and her friendship with Kat, the female lead of the show. But when the show's producer hires a new writer, Athena is sure that her job is on the line. She's even more shaken up when the new guy, Stephen Cosse, turns out to be an Adonis that gets her pulse pounding. Stephen and his daughter, Brooke, quickly fit in with Athena's family, but she has a hard time trusting him enough to really let him in, especially when it seems he has betrayed her. When you are reading a Janice Thompson novel, you know that you're going to find families overflowing with love and quirky personalities, descriptions of food that will leave your mouth watering, and a sense of humor and love of life that will have you smiling with every turn of the page. Her books are always entertaining and filled with a deep faith. I am a huge fan.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
What Fun to Read!!!!
Date:October 7, 2011
slglankow
Location:Stewardson, IL
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Book two in the Backstage Pass series is a keeper. Athena Pappas is the head writer of the sitcom Stars Collide. Coming from a very large Greek family, Athena is used to craziness, fun, and love. But when Stephen Crosse comes to town to join the writing team, Athena's heart does some tumbling. She is concerned for her job, but also for her heart! With a funny Greek dog, Stephen's daughter, and the wonderful Pappas family and their diner this Chrisitan comedy will fill your heart with warmth, family, and laughter!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
Date:October 7, 2011
BaronBookReview
Location:Gilbert, AZ
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
I’m definitely a Janice Thompson fan—her Weddings by Bella series was great and I enjoyed each and every book. I even read and reviewed her first Backstage Pass book, Stars Collide, and enjoyed that one. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as enamored with her latest book in the Backstage Pass series, Hello Hollywood! (sorry Ms Thompson!).
Although I enjoyed the scenes where the writers brainstormed and the antics that went with it, so many of the ideas came from the old Dick Van Dyke (which I still watch!) and I Love Lucy shows. It just seemed a little too much repetition and recycling of ideas. As Hollywood writers, there should have been more original ideas. There was also quite a bit of repetition of the “great stories are built on conflict” and the plotline discussions. I actually grew kind of bored with those sections.
Each of the characters had their own “moments” and I enjoyed their stories of how they came to be at this point in their lives. It’s also a treat to see such a family oriented environment. The way the family interacted at home and at “Super Gyros” really touched me. And I loved how the writers included the older “former starts” in the show—the older generation still has a lot to give. I think my favorite character in Hello Hollywood! had to be Leona. Her failing memory and illusions is so typical of Alzheimer’s and I’m glad Ms Thompson brings that awareness to her readers.
The romance between some of the characters (don’t want to spoil it!) is always part of Ms Thompson’s books and I enjoy that part. Who doesn’t love some romance?? And, as usual, the inclusion of faith is one of the reasons I read her books. I like seeing the characters living their faith and not just talking about it.
All in all, Hello Hollywood! was an okay read. It was easy to get through but I was disappointed that it wasn’t up to Ms Thompson’s usual standards. I still look forward to not only the next book in the Backstage Pass series, I look forward to all of Janice Thompson’s books. I give Hello Hollywood! 3 out of 5 stars as just an average read.
Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
I received this book free from Revell as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
Hello Hollywood!
Date:October 5, 2011
KeliZ
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
What a wonderful book! Janice Thompson really knows how to set the stage! My favorite character is Athena Pappas! She is writer for a sitcom that I learned about in Janice’s first book in the Backstage Pass series “Stars Collide”. This is a must read book! It is clean cut, humorous, family oriented, Godly book and it so fun to read!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
Hello, Hollywood! Hello, Fun!
Date:October 4, 2011
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Sometimes it's hard to be funny, even if you have an natural talent for humor. Athena Pappas knows just how important it is to be able to produce humor on demand. As head writer for Stars Collide, a television sitcom with sagging ratings, she is is determinded to introduce a new spark that will put Stars Collide back on the up and up. When Stephen Cosse, a Vegas comedian, is hired on the writing team, Athena's job suddenly seems less secure. Stephen is confident, creative, and handsome. As the attraction and competition escalates between Athena and Stephen, they must relinquish control and combine their efforts in both the plots of Stars Collide and their personal lives. They just might find that sometimes the best things in life are unscripted.
Hello, Hollywood! by Janice Thompson is a lovely contemporary romance and the second book in the Backstage Pass Series. Although it works well as a stand-alone novel, I enjoyed it so much that I plan to go back and read the first book in the series, Stars Collide. Thompson's experience as a screenwriter shows through in the setting and plot of the novel. I felt like I was getting a “backstage pass” into what a screenwriter's life is like. I have to admit that I've never watched the Dick Van Dyke Show, so I didn't quite understand all the references to it, but I enjoyed the scenes, nonetheless. The characters are fun and authentic. The Pappas family was definitely humorous and enjoyable. However, under all the fun and merriment of the outer layer of the novel, Athena, Stephen, and several of the supporting characters have some very serious issues and situations to deal with. The inner layer of depth was what really made this novel successful for me. I recommend Hello, Hollywood! to fans of Christian romance.
Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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."
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
Date:October 4, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is a crazy love story that Athena and Steve have going. It’s very interesting to see how a screen writer’s mind works - even to the extent of mentally plotting out the steps during a kiss.
Athena and Steve might be the main characters but, we have lots of old friends here, too. We’re also making some terrific new ones.
Janice always has a way of making me want to move to a new city to be with these friends. I’m already looking forward to her next book.
When are we going to see more of that Hollywood hunk we met in the Weddings by Bella series?
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
Greek Fun!
Date:October 3, 2011
The story is told from the viewpoint of Athena Pappas, a twenty-eight year old, unmarried, head writer of a hit television sitcom. With much of the activity centering in Athena's parents' Greek sandwich shop, the reader learns many things about Greek tradition. Athena helps every Saturday, by making baklava, a delicious honey-nut pastry. Love flows freely and all are happy, happy, happy.
As the plot unfolds, humor is interwoven with romance. Although the storyline is predictable, I enjoyed the read. However, the conclusion is disappointing as it winds up too quickly.
The novel made me long for some Greek food. Fortunately, I live in Florida, close to Tarpon Springs, a Greek city. I plan to get a gyro and some yummy baklava soon!
Thank you to Donna Hausler at Baker Publishing Group for my copy. Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
Hooray for "Hello, Hollywood!"
Date:October 3, 2011
Regina Merrick
Location:Marion, KY
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
You had me hooked when the main character redecorated her writing room to look like the writing room from the old "Dick Van Dyke Show!"
Athena Pappas is the head writer for "Stars Collide," a fictional popular sitcom, and is worried when tall, good-looking Adonis, er Stephen Cosse, is hired to join their writing team. Why would they bring in another writer? Wasn't she getting the job done? And who says he can make traditional Greek Baklava as well as she can? Thus starts Athena's conflict, which ranges from a wacky inheritance from a distant relative to the inevitable sparks that fly when two writers find they have more in common than not.
Read "Hello, Hollywood!" This book tells us that you CAN be a Christian and function in the "real world" of Hollywood!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
Thompson is a master of comedy!
Date:October 2, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Comedic timing is an art form, and Janice Thompson is a master. Her romantic comedies keep getting better and better. I laughed all the way through Hello, Hollywood! The story is reminiscent of the old Hollywood sitcoms – the days of I Love Lucy and Dick Van Dyke. If you like to laugh—and who doesn't?—treat yourself to a rollicking good read. Novel Rocket and I give it 5 stars. A must read!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
Cleverly Written
Date:September 12, 2011
Brooke
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I love Hello Hollywood. It is very clever, funny, and well written. Athena Poppas ia a girl we can assocaite with.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for Hello, Hollywood!, Backstage Pass Series #2
Overall Rating:
A delightful read full of family, fun, & frolic.
Date:September 12, 2011
cherri71
Location:Houston, TX
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I thoroughly enjoyed, from cover to cover, reading this humorous tale of plots and scripts that weave themselves from the printed page into real life for Athena Pappas, the head writer of a popular television sitcom. Athena’s path crosses unexpectedly with Stephen Cosse, a very good-looking Vegas comedian, who at first seems her nemesis. As the plotline develops for both of them, they find themselves caught up in a Greek love story complete with family, fun, feasts, and frolic. The characters are fresh and interesting. The conflicts among the characters make them easy to relate to.
Since I have always been drawn to the glamour of Hollywood, I was intrigued with the back stage peak into the makings of a television sitcom and the interactions of those who make it all come alive on the screen. This novel did not disappoint. A great read that teaches us the greatest script of all is usually one totally out of our control.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.