by Victoria Colotta
Genres: Women's Fiction
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Sometimes the hardest lesson you have to learn is that you can’t control everything. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and trust that it will all be okay in the end.
Camilla Valentini is a planner. Ever since she could write, she would sit down and compose lists of her daily to do’s, her goals, and her dreams. These lists have taken her through most of her life and served her well. She is living in the city that she loves, has a job that pays the bills or at least most of them, and has the best group of friends a girl can ask for.
However when her life gets turned upside down by a fire in her apartment building, she is left with no place to live, piles of burnt manuscripts, and more importantly only one pair of shoes! As far as she is concerned, things couldn’t get worse. Until she gets fired from her job as a copy editor. Apparently, it was a big mistake to not go on that date with the boss’s son.
Faced with some difficult decisions to make, Cami will have to take a close look at who she is and if she even likes that person. Because when it hits the fan, that is when things really start to get interesting and you can become who you were always meant to be.
When It Hits The Fan is the debut novel of author, Victoria Colotta. It shares the story of Camilla Valentini a young New Yorker with a plan. That is until she had the rug pulled out from beneath her and had to start redefining herself. Realistic, heartwarming and filled with friends and characters I would love to learn more about, this standalone novel delivered character growth, discovery and a touch of romance.
I met the author and fellow blogger through the Xoxperts advanced reader program and just had to try her first novel. When you read a book written by a friend, one is always a tad nervous, but I am delighted to say that I devoured When It Hits The Fan and enjoyed both the story and its characters.
In a lot of ways, I could relate to Camilla Valentini. All of her life, she had been a planner and list maker. While she was far more outgoing than I will ever be, Colotta brought her struggles to life and had me rooting for her. The story began with Camilla doing an interview for a television show where she was asked questions about her personal life. I loved how the author took us back five years and shared Camilla’s answer.
Colotta brought her character’s journey to life by sharing the bumps and discoveries that redefined her. In one fell swoop, Camilla lost her home and the job that was all part of her ten-year plan. You would think the story would have depressing tones to it, and while Camilla faced some dark moments, there was light from within and from her friends. The story had a realistic feel to it, and I enjoyed seeing Camilla begin to piece herself back together. It was refreshing to see a woman find her own path.
Her friends were genuine, and we were introduced to two men who had a positive impact on her life. Don’t worry folks there wasn’t a triangle here, but there was a sweet romance served as a side. I loved their interaction, banter, and chemistry. Even though the romance wasn’t the focus, it only added to the story and was just one thread in Camilla’s move to redefine herself on her own terms.
When It Hits The Fan offered a well-developed story that provided a nice balance of humor and heart. Well done Colotta, well done!
When It Hits The Fan by Victoria Colotta a delightful tale with character, humor, and heart Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia Roach
I really love the idea of this one being what it is. I especially was hooked by the title, and then knowing it is a book by a fellow author makes me want to read it all the more. I’m all for supporting fellow blog mates <3
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you pick it up. I am excited for her. I think she will do well in women’s fiction.
Naomi Hop
I’m glad you enjoyed this one, despite knowing the author. Sounds like Camilla had a tough time, but I’m curious about the romance too…
Debbie Haupt
I love your personal history with the author Kim and yes how hard it is to be reading something by someone you have a relationship with. Great review and I’m putting this on my wish list I mean humor and heart is a great combo you hit the nail on the head!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Debbie.
Tyler H. Jolley
Burnt manuscripts, that is literally my worst nightmare. Already hooked. Nice.
kimbacaffeinate
Can you imagine? Thanks Tyler.
Ethan
I’m always particularly nervous when reading a book by a friend. Thankfully it sound’s like Victoria knocked this one out of the park.
P.S. I’m happy to see the light snowfall on your blog. Texas has yet to give me any sign of winter, so this will have to do for now!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo the snow is on…that is a feature through Jetpack plugin and it snows sometime between Thanksgiving and the New Year. I would gladly trade temps 🙂
The Bibliophile Babe
Fab review! It sounds like a really good read overall.
kimbacaffeinate
It was. I love when a story pulls you in and holds you throughout.
ShootingStarsMag
Oooh a fellow blogger! How nice. I’m glad you really liked this one. It sounds like a good read!
kimbacaffeinate
Right. She is also a designer, so very creative type. I hope you try it,
Lover Of Romance
oh I love it when you pick up those new debut authors and fall in love with their novel!!! Sounds like a treat. I really like the idea of this story even if the romance isn’t the main priority.
kimbacaffeinate
I love weaving in a few women’s fiction books each year, and I am so delighted to have read this one.
Melissa (Books and Things)
This is the kind of book I don’t often pick up but when I do (I swear I have the most interesting man in my head now…) I usually enjoy it. I don’t know why I don’t read more of these.
sherry fundin
I am a list person too, so I can relate to her.
kimbacaffeinate
Yep, I am a planner, list maker and neat freak.
blodeuedd
Humour and heart sounds good
kimbacaffeinate
always Linda <3
Angela Adams
I enjoy these “things don’t stay bad forever” premises. Definitely post-Holiday season reading. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
I had such a good time with it, and loved how relatable the character was.
Sophia Rose
Love it when a character is relate-able like that.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too Sophia.
Tyler H. Jolley
Great character growth/arc. I love when that happens.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too. We had flurries this morning Tyler…I am so not ready for winter!
Tyler H. Jolley
Oh man, that sucks. It’s been cold here, but dry. I’m thankful for that. My 16 year old is driving all on his own now, I’m not looking forward to the first day he drives in snow/sleet/ice.
Laura Thomas
I’ve walked in her shoes. This sounds fabulous!
kimbacaffeinate
Haven’t we all. in one way or another. I hope you grab this Laura
Laurel-Rain Snow
This one sounds like a book I’d love. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I can see you enjoying this Laurel.
Bookworm Brandee
I enjoy watching the character growth that happens when one believes they have everything together, organized, etc., and something occurs to knock their life right out of their carefully constructed box. This sounds like a great debut, Kimberly. I’ll keep it on my radar. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Brandee. I hope you get a chance to read it.
kindlemom1
Definitely sounds like one I need to read!
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed it and hope you do Ali 🙂
Danielle Nolan
I can definitely understand how it my be a bit nerve wrenching to review a title by a friend! It sounds like this dwbut title was spot on though! Lovely review as always
kimbacaffeinate
It was delightful.
Ailyn Koay
pretty review and cover! lucky she didn’t go on that date, how mean it is for someone to fire a good worker over missing a date? huh
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, especially if they are in a position of power.
RO
My goodness – what a well-developed story. Like you, I see some parts of me in the story, and that brings it close to home, making me want to read and find out how it all ends. Brilliant review. Hugs…
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Ro. Yes, I think we all can identify with her.
Kim
Great Review!
This sounds like an amazing book! I think I might have to check it out one of these days 🙂
Kim @ http://www.booksarelove22.wordpress.com
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do Kim 🙂
Lexxie
Oh yeah, I think this sounds like a great story, Kim! Sometimes, we need to regroup and re-evaluate things before we can move forward in the best way. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Right. I think that is a lesson we all learn as adults. Sometimes our lists and plans need to deviate.
Christy LoveOfBooks
I think most of us can relate to this at some time in our lives. I like that the romance is more of a side dish. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed. I think you would enjoy this one
Leona
This cover is calling to me, and your thoughts on its story is making it even more interesting. Thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
It was different and I devour it.. 🙂