Borrowed Sunshine

by Ivy Emerson

I've always wanted people to like me…
I craved their approval...
Now, I am tangled in a mess, with no idea how to escape…
Everything feels better at the beach...
So, I steal away for a two-week vacation on Hilton Head Island…
Except... he is here.

I've always wanted to be alone…
I've seen firsthand how cruelly life can snatch away those you love…
I would rather stay alone than endure another loss…
My plan is Stay single and avoid making new friends…
My plan was perfect…
Except... she is here.

Borrowed Sunshine is the second book in a clean Christian romance series that delicately weaves an inspirational love story with themes of resilience, forgiveness, and healing. This book can be read as a standalone.
Fans of Brooke St. James, Emma St. Clair, Courtney Walsh, Becky Wade, and Annah Conwell will undoubtedly enjoy this wholesome contemporary romance novel.


Grumpy/Sunshine
Small Town Romance
Redemption
Opposites Attract

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2023

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75! I really liked it! It was super cute and good recovery after reading a sad book! lol!

[Lori Colwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet wholesome love story

“Borrowed Sunshine” is a sweet wholesome love story. It stems from two individuals with emotional scars, neither believing that they are worthy of true love but finding it in one another. I loved that it wasn’t shy to use Christian teachings and themes throughout the book. A definite recommendation for any reader who loves christian romance❤️ and craves a happily ever after.

[Moni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 2 in the Hilton Head Island Series but can be read as a standalone. The book's blurb gives you an idea of what to expect, and be sure to read the author's note for the content warning. Borrowed Sunshine is told through Becky and Weston's pov and is a beautiful story about two fractured hearts healing.

This is a Christian romance so faith elements play an important role in the development of Becky and Weston's characters. Even if you aren't a believer, as long as you don't have negative feelings towards God, then you can still enjoy their story.

Becky's upbringing has caused her to depend on the validation of others and, therefore, make some unwise decisions. Getting away from her life in Atlanta was a way for her to avoid thinking about those problems head on yet being at Hilton Head Island and near Weston allow her to rethink the way she had been living. Like Becky, Weston is also haunted by his past but he chooses to close himself up as a way to protect his heart. Having Becky and her sunshine nature near him isn't ideal yet, the harder he tries, he can't deny that he is drawn to her.

Because of Weston's grumpy attitude, their romance was a slow burn with a slight, one sided, enemies to lovers vibes. Weston didn't actually hate her but he wasn't very friendly towards her. However, he didn't cross any lines and felt remorse whenever he rejected her acts of friendship. I loved how Becky didn't let his behavior stop her from wanting to become friends and how her sweetness won him over. I enjoyed seeing Weston open up to her and seek her company. Their romance is a clean one consisting of only kissing and no foul language is used. While the story touches on some difficult subjects, the story has a positive and inspiration feel to it. I loved Becky and Weston's own personal journey as they found their way back to trusting God. It was a beautiful and heartwarming story that will touch the hearts of readers. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait for the next installment in the series.

[BookishInTheHeartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy Emerson is a refreshing, new voice in the contemporary Christian romance scene. Borrowed Sunshine is the second book in the Hilton Head Island Series. We meet Weston and Becky who are opposite in so many ways. Becky is desperate for acceptance and Weston thrives on keeping people at arm’s length. Their traumatic pasts dictate their choices until they can’t deny the spark between them. The character development was beautiful. I literally had to wipe away tears reading parts of Becky’s POV. If you’re looking for a book that’s fresh and heartwarming in the Christian romance genre give this series a try.

Quote: “Broken girls didn’t get fairy-tale endings.”

Tropes:
•Grumpy + Sunshine
•Forced Proximity
•Small Seaside Town

[Audra Christianson · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd book in the series. I figured this relationship would be the next book after seeing the two of them meet in book 1. I really liked the challenge both of them faced. Especially Becky. Not only her past, but the main struggles she had to work through during the novel were very real and I loved seeing Weston come out of his shell for her. A very good sequel. And again, I’m so glad to find a good food with real faith-filled storylines.

[T.N. Traynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational Christian Romance

I loved this very touching, Christian Romance.
The slow burn romance between Becky and Weston is hindered by her struggles with debt and his all-consuming grief. Despite that, it somehow manages to blossom.
Very touching story about learning to let go of grief and lean on God and others.
Lovely happy ending.

[Venus · Rating 4 out of 5]

well done

This is a sweet and well written love story. And a great continuation in the series. I’m looking forward to seeing more. Although I liked the main characters in the first book a lot better, this one is relatable, although you will find yourself wondering what some of the characters are thinking at times.

[Moriah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet, wholesome Christian romance.

I liked the characters and storyline better in this than the first book, far less cheesy-ness and more internal conflicts.

My only gripe was that forgiveness came a little quicker than I’d have liked, but that’s also me wishing this book was longer.

Language, none. Spice, very low- some kissing and hugging.

[Lindsay Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this sequel a few months after the first book and really appreciated that it was completely standalone. You don’t necessarily have to read the first book in order to follow along. The book was really sweet, and romantic, but did seem to move a little too fast. That said, I enjoyed it and would recommend.

[Erica Simone]

Sweet Romance, Solid Plot

The slow burn romance of two people who were not looking for love. Becky and Weston are very likable, despite him starting out a bit of a grump. I loved the way they both grew as individuals as they came together as a couple. Good read.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this.

Sweet wholesome romance. Giving highs and lows in relationship baggage. Also bringing in Christian faith and introspect about the relationship with God and perspective relationship with new found love.

[Robyn Flint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian romance

Christian romance focusing on trusting God, healing, and focusing on bettering the relationship with God. As the characters focus on bettering themselves and their relationship with God, they fall in love and help heal each other. Enjoyed storyline.

[Michaela Gruber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very sweet story that kept my attention the whole way. Weston and Becky have a lot of emotional baggage they are carrying, but I love how they push each other to be better and be closer to Christ.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

ADORBS!!! So so cute!!! Had all my favorite tropes:
Grumpy/sunshine
She takes care of him
He takes care of him
Nicknames
Faith content
The romance 🔥
If you are looking for a fun Christian contemporary romance, make sure to check this one out!!!

[Teddy G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Christian novel that felt very genuine.
We all have a past, things we have to work through. The best kind of relationships are the ones where you both can work on yourself but together!
I felt like this book was a celebration of that.
I’ve enjoyed both books in this series so far.

[Dasneves · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written

Enjoyable Romance!characters in is very interesting and beautiful romance ! I really like because Weston and Becky's story is just so real and relatable. Nicely done

[PottWab Regional Library]

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[Wynter Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ I didn’t love it as much as her sisters story but it was still good! I just felt like it dragged on just a touch too much for me!

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new favorite!

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very clean. This does flip back and forth with the ever changing POV's. Rather a blah read.

[Laura Linder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the sunshine and triathlon aspect!

[Corine Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. I only with the first one in the series was on kindle unlimited. (📱)

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the initial interactions that Weston and Becky had in Kayak Girl: A closed-door contemporary romance novel, I knew they would end up being a great couple that would challenge each other to become better people. Am I ever grateful that I didn't have to wait long to read their story! In fact, having both books about these sisters back-to-back made for a special reading experience. There are elements that are discussed in both that provide an amazing picture into their sisterly bond and how they care for one another, despite the unique challenges that they face. With Becky's story, it's refreshing to have her seek the best for others while working through her fears and financial issues. I love that she and Weston aren't afraid to sharpen each other out of love and that they continually point to God in their interactions.

While Ivy doesn't shy away from the difficulties of life, such as grief, abuse, and family pain, she is skilled at painting a picture of hope for readers. I found that each chapter grabbed my attention and had me reading non-stop to see how Weston and Becky would grow in their faith and understanding of God. This book excels at communicating the truth of our identity in Christ and infuses gentle humour along the way. Readers will enjoy the spiritual transformations that take place and the supporting characters that play a part in this heartwarming story. One of the signs that I'm immersed in a good book is that even if I don't have much in common with the characters (I'm definitely not an athlete), I can still picture myself having a conversation with them. Although I'll have to wait a little longer for the next book in this series, I know that it will be worth the wait!

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

[Jessica Ulery · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one didn't seem as realistic as the first one. The romance was clean, but it didn't feel like there was as much chemistry between the two MCs.