Kait Mae

Just by chance, I was at Target and looking for a new romance that I hadn’t heard of. And this one book was so cute…I judged a cover and bought it. A few months later, I read the book and found a new favorite author – that book happened to be Lease on Love the day after it was published. And since then, every time I get my hands on a Falon Ballard novel, I devour it and love it. So, as I do with several of my favorite books, here is how I would adapt her novels currently out if given the chance.

They’d Be Movies

You heard me. They’d be live-action movies. And I’d stick close to the books, while still being reminiscent of the filmmaking styles of the popular romcoms of the 90s and 2000s.

That said, Change of Heart would be more Hallmark-esque because the description literally says the protagonist has been swept away to a “small town straight out the Hallmark channel.”

What Are Falon’s Books?

Falon Ballard is a romance author with (as of publishing this article) five contemporary romances out currently with a romantasy book coming out in October. But, if you’re new to her work, let’s go through the published books that I’ll be casting.

Her debut was Lease on Love – not to be confused with the 2022 movie of the same name. It follows Sadie Green after her entire life spirals, she ends up becoming the new roommate of Jack and starts a floral business.

Next was Just My Type. This novel follows Lana Parker having to work with her high-school ex Seth Carson. Through their project, she’s challenged to enjoy being single while Seth has to try to be in a committed relationship.

Her next novel was Right on Cue, which follows Emmy as she steps into the spotlight after writing romcoms and tragedies for a very long time. She’s already nervous – but now she has to star opposite Grayson West, the man she holds responsible for her first movie’s downfall.

Following that is All I Want is You, Falon’s currently lone holiday book. Jessica has been writing romances to make up for her disastrous breakup from Nick. But what happens when they’re stuck together over the holidays in the same small inn?

Most recently, she published Change of Heart. In it, Campbell is a no-nonsense lawyer with her eyes solely on making partner at her firm. One day, she wakes up magically transported to a Hallmark-esque town and has to complete three tasks (including falling in love) to get back to her real life.

Who I Would Cast

To start, I want to make a note that I am casting just the two protagonists. And I’ll be doing so based on the cover photos and descriptions from the book. Now, let’s get to my casting (in book publication order).

For Lease on Love, I knew who I wanted while reading the book shortly after it was released. AnnaSophia Robb has and is the perfect pick for Sadie, and that was solidified when I saw her in Grosse Pointe Garden Society. As for Jack Thomas, I went back and forth on several actors, but I think she and Brenton Thwaites would have the perfect chemistry for this project.

Up next, for Just My Type, I felt so close to the characters that I have to do it justice. First up, for Lana, I went with Jessica Barden. I haven’t seen much of her work, but from what I have seen, she’d be great. As for Seth, I went back and forth looking for someone that looks the right age to be believable – and that’s how I got Sam Corlett (I know him from The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina).

Now, we’re on to Right on Cue. I went back and forth on several combinations of actors. Then I landed on Luke Benward and Rose Williams…it feels right. Am I deadset on this pairing? No, I’d be okay subbing one out if a new actress/actor comes about that’s better for the role. But right now, I’m sticking with it.

Up next is Falon’s Christmas novel, All I Want is You. And for that, I wanted to switch things up a tiny bit. First and foremost, I went with Josh Swickard because he’s been in at least three holiday movies – he knows how to do it. But the twist is casting Barbie Ferreira as Jessica. I just think she’d kill it.

Lastly (for now), it’s time to cast Change of Heart. For this, I wanted a pairing that felt like they’d fit in together in a Hallmark movie even if they hadn’t been in one before. So, after several swaps, until I found the right duo, I’ve settled on Aimee Teegarden and Tyler Hoechlin as Campbell and Ben, respectively.

That’s it for my hypothetical adaptations. Who would you have cast? And which of Falon’s books is your favorite so far? Mine’s Just My Type.