Fifteen Minutes

August 26, 2013
Inspirational fiction superstar Kingsbury considers the cost of fame in her new novel, which puts under the microscope the singing competitions that fill television airwaves. Zack Dylan wants to save his family’s Kentucky horse farm and sing for Jesus; competing on Fifteen Minutes seems like the answer, but he must leave his family and girlfriend Reese behind. Zack quickly learns that the price of success may be more than he anticipates. He’s romantically linked with fellow contestant Zoey Davis, asked to eliminate references to his faith, and sing songs that contradict what he believes. But straight talk from judge Chandra Olson, who paid a steep price for her fame, and hard words from his girlfriend Reese begin to open his eyes. What will fame cost him? Will the price be too high? Can he ever go back? Kingsbury wrings much emotion out of her tale that is sure to cause tears and also force readers to consider their own parts in elevating entertainers into the impossible stature of idols. Agent: Rick Christian, Alive Communications.

October 1, 2013
Christian novelist Kingsbury offers a faith-based look at an American Idol-style show and the inherent spiritual risks placed upon the contestants. Zack Dylan loves a few things intensely: Jesus, his girlfriend, Reese, the family horse farm and singing. When creditors threaten the family ranch, Zack sees Fifteen Minutes, a popular television singing competition, as a way to earn the big bucks and also let the world know about his faith. Zach is a gifted singer-songwriter, and there is little doubt that he could win, but no one wants him to enter the competition. Reese is worried it will strain their relationship (they were college sweethearts), and Grandpa is afraid that celebrity will weaken his commitment to God. Apparently, no one can exit the celebrity sawmill unscathed. Two of the show's new judges are testaments to the dangers of the spotlight: Chandra Olsen was a previous Fifteen Minutes winner, but since her win, a crazed stalker killed her parents, her fiance left, and she lost her faith. Kelly Morgan, nearing 40, is the daughter of a preacher and the wife of a faith-based movie producer, but stardom has made her vain and shallow; she wants to divorce her (perhaps cheating) husband and take up with a young reefer-smoking pop star. Ignoring family concerns, Zack auditions in Atlanta and meets beautiful cheerleader Zoey Davis. The two make it through the auditions, and as she begins crushing and tweeting about Zack, the show's producers immediately create a Romeo and Juliet narrative for the season. Zack is outraged and worried that Reese will misunderstand, but he is increasingly committed to winning and hopes that when he does, he can use his new platform to tell the world about Jesus. But he changes, as was feared by all, and it is up to Chandra and Kelly (recently renewed in their faith) to help Zack. Though Kingsbury's writing is serviceable, Zack's interior life, which is consumed by guilt, worry, shame, reticence and insecurity, becomes a drain on the novel's momentum.

COPYRIGHT(2013) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 15, 2013
What is the cost of fame? Megastar Chandra Olson would say everything. When she agrees to be a celebrity judge on the singing competition show Fifteen Minutes, she hopes to use her appearance to warn would-be stars about the consequences of celebrity. Zack Dylan is firm in his faith, his relationship with his college girlfriend, and his future. When the opportunity to be on Fifteen Minutes comes his way, he leaps on it, reasoning that it will be a platform to share his belief in God. But as Chandra warned, temptation strikes quickly. Will Zack be able to stand strong? Readers will especially relate to his family back home in Kentucky, as they worry over his changes and cope with their own complicated lives. Best-selling author Kingsbury (The Chance, 2013) drives straight to the heart of her characters as always in this excellent tale of desire and faith, digging beneath the surface of her plot to fuel an emotionally driven story set within the exciting world of reality TV.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)