A
small town girl that can’t wait to leave for the big city and the boy who could
win her heart that doesn’t want to leave. From the minute I heard the pitch of
this book I was hooked. What reader doesn’t have a little bit of both
characters in their heart? And how does that get reconciled when the whole plot
of the book is centered smack dab in the middle of the romance genre?
“Here
to Stay” is charming. Witty. A pure pleasure to read. And characters that will
live on the screen of your mind, jumping off the page to invite you into their
world. That is what I felt like: I had been invited into Autumn’s inn while
Blake pounded away at whatever needed fixing. I felt like I was a friend experiencing
their lives with them—that alone makes this book one for the keeper shelf!
I
could relate to both characters in this book. Blake’s pull to stay in his
hometown and Autumn’s desire to feel some different dirt between her toes—particularly
the kind on French shores. But one thing after another after another keeps
happening to this poor girl’s inn. Almost to the point of comedic. I appreciate
that Autumn could see the humor in the moment.
From
great kisses to snappy dialogue to characters that become friends, I give this
book a thumbs up!
This
review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
More about the novel...
Witty and Heartwarming Contemporary Romance by an Up-and-Coming Author
Blake Hunziker has played nomad for five years and landed in his fair share of trouble too. But now he's finally returning to his hometown--the Lake Michigan tourist town of Whisper Shore. Counting on a not-so-warm welcome, he's surprised at not only a positive reception but also a job offer. Determined to settle down and prove himself responsible, he agrees to the catch that comes with the job offer--coordinating the annual Christmas festival--even though he has no idea how he'll pull it off.
Autumn Kingsley, inn owner and experienced organizer of the Christmas festival, has always dreamed of traveling the world. Now she has a job opportunity in Paris and a surprise potential investor coming to town who just might take on her family's inn and finally leave her free to go. The only problem is that she has just two weeks to whip the inn into shape.
Their families have a long history of not getting along, but when Blake comes to Autumn for help with the festival, she actually agrees...in exchange for his help with the repairs to her inn. They may have struck a simple deal, but complications are quick to pile on when the guy who's had enough of running away and the woman who can't wait to leave join forces.
I had the pleasure of 'meeting' Melissa at an online Bethany House Book Banter last night. She is approachable, kind, and very interesting. I have this book on my tbr list as well as her first book, and her upcoming novella. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review, Casey!
Great review, Casey - agree 100%! This was a definite "thumbs up" read. Cannot wait for Melissa's stunning next boo, From the Start. It promises more awesome-ness. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Casey! I couldn't agree more. :) This book is definitely a favorite that I'll be reading again & sharing with friends. :)
ReplyDelete