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If you only Knew
Is the past about to destroy the future for Faith when she discovers her new boyfriend and her first love are in business together?
Would you have the courage to feel the fear and fall in love anyway...?
Faith owns The Coffee Pot in the outdoor adventure sports mecca of Derbyshire’s Peak District. She hasn’t had a man in her life for a while, as she has been too busy serving cakes to weary rock climbers and mountain bikers to find time for the complications of a relationship with the male of the species.
Then Zane and Matt arrive on the scene as the new owners of the Carrdale Adventure Sports Centre.
Dating Zane, she soon discovers he’s not the Mr Perfect she thought he was; and why is he so reluctant to talk about his past?
As for Matt – well, to Faith he isn’t Matt at all because he was a completely different person when he broke her heart all those years ago.
With her new boyfriend and her first love running Carrdale as business partners – Matt out to cause trouble and Zane keeping secrets – Faith struggles to keep the peace between them whilst trying to figure out how she feels about the two men in her life…
Would you have the courage to feel the fear and fall in love anyway...?
Faith owns The Coffee Pot in the outdoor adventure sports mecca of Derbyshire’s Peak District. She hasn’t had a man in her life for a while, as she has been too busy serving cakes to weary rock climbers and mountain bikers to find time for the complications of a relationship with the male of the species.
Then Zane and Matt arrive on the scene as the new owners of the Carrdale Adventure Sports Centre.
Dating Zane, she soon discovers he’s not the Mr Perfect she thought he was; and why is he so reluctant to talk about his past?
As for Matt – well, to Faith he isn’t Matt at all because he was a completely different person when he broke her heart all those years ago.
With her new boyfriend and her first love running Carrdale as business partners – Matt out to cause trouble and Zane keeping secrets – Faith struggles to keep the peace between them whilst trying to figure out how she feels about the two men in her life…
- GenresRomanceContemporary
315 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2014
168 people want to read
About the author
Zanna Mackenzie
40 books153 followersZanna Mackenzie lives in the UK with her husband, 3 dogs, a vegetable patch that’s home to far too many weeds and an ever expanding library of books waiting to be read.
Being a freelance writer and editor of business publications is her ‘day job’ but, at every opportunity, she can be found scribbling down notes on scenes for whatever novel she’s working on. She loves it when the characters in her novels take on minds of their own and start deviating from the original plot!
Formerly a travel agent and therapist (she has qualifications in clinical aromatherapy, crystal healing, naturopathic nutrition and herbalism) she loves walking the dogs and gardening – that’s when she’s not writing or reading!
Being a freelance writer and editor of business publications is her ‘day job’ but, at every opportunity, she can be found scribbling down notes on scenes for whatever novel she’s working on. She loves it when the characters in her novels take on minds of their own and start deviating from the original plot!
Formerly a travel agent and therapist (she has qualifications in clinical aromatherapy, crystal healing, naturopathic nutrition and herbalism) she loves walking the dogs and gardening – that’s when she’s not writing or reading!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 7, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive a copy prior to publication and I say lucky because I could not put the book down! In fact, I took the children to the hell-on-earth that is Monkey Business on Saturday afternoon just so they'd leave me alone so I could finish it - they couldn't believe their luck either! Call it chick lit if you must (I prefer contemporary romance), this is the story of Faith, Zane, oh, and Matt, or Aaron as he used to be called - a love triangle. I'm not going to tell you what it's all about, suffice to say it's good - really good. I love the fact it's centred round outdoor adventure sports, having indulged in a fair few of them in my time, so immediately my interest was piqued. I loved the characters, all of them (even bad boy Matt) - they were exceptionally well drawn and realistic too - everything that happens in the book you can imagine happening in real life, there's no 'yeah, right, as if...' moments. There's a gentle pace throughout I'd say (perfect for Saturday afternoon reading) and the romance is developed over time, not rushed into. All in all, a great book and a great find as an author, her other two books are on my Kindle already!
February 5, 2017
received a copy of If You Only Knew by Zanna MacKenzie in exchange for an honest review.
Faith has sworn off men since her last relationship ended badly and she focuses totally on running her coffee shop. Then one day, in walks Zane and all her convictions fly out the window. Everything is going well and then his business partner arrives and to the horror of horrors, Zane’s business partner turns out to be Faith’s ex, Matt, who she has tried so hard to forget.
What a mess this was, I did like Faith and to be honest I could totally relate to her distrust where men were concerned, and Zane’s erratic behavior did not make anything easier. Added to all this stress, Matt being back in town and being the confusing mess that he was, she did quite well keeping her head screwed on the right way. Everyone seemed to have a secret and did not even realize that they were their own worst enemy. Everything could have been so much simpler!
Kept me guessing to the end – who knew?!
Faith has sworn off men since her last relationship ended badly and she focuses totally on running her coffee shop. Then one day, in walks Zane and all her convictions fly out the window. Everything is going well and then his business partner arrives and to the horror of horrors, Zane’s business partner turns out to be Faith’s ex, Matt, who she has tried so hard to forget.
What a mess this was, I did like Faith and to be honest I could totally relate to her distrust where men were concerned, and Zane’s erratic behavior did not make anything easier. Added to all this stress, Matt being back in town and being the confusing mess that he was, she did quite well keeping her head screwed on the right way. Everyone seemed to have a secret and did not even realize that they were their own worst enemy. Everything could have been so much simpler!
Kept me guessing to the end – who knew?!
February 7, 2014
Loved the book cover. Sure wish I could rock a ponytail the way Faith does on the cover of the book. But I got to review an advance copy of Zanna’s novel in exchange for an honest review – so while my ponytail may look stale and limp compared to Faith’s, I’m still smiling from ear to ear.
Enter the world of coffee shop owner (and tea sipping) Faith, hot businessman Zane Ferguson, and his business partner and troublemaker, Matt.
While Faith, drawn to the attractive Zane within the first few pages of the novel, is suspicious of men and reluctant to fall in love, the reader learns why through Faith’s recollections of a previous love, a guy named Aaron.
The first chapter drew me in with what appeared at the surface to be two people destined for each other, if only it was that easy . . . Matt entered the story as the business partner of Zane – and, oh, by the way, he’s also Faith’s ex-boyfriend. As they say in Scooby Doo Land: “Ruh-roh!” Here lies one of many tensions within the novel.
All of the characters have previous relationship issues to resolve making this a complicated and juicy love story. There were times when I thought no one would end up together because they were all carrying so much baggage and they made lots of mistakes on their journey to that last page.
I really loved the setting. There’s a great night of camping and “hoo-ha-ha” (my term) and hey, if Faith finds outdoorsy men hot – I can understand why.
I also liked that portions of the story were told from a guy’s point of view with scenes completely void of Faith. I think this narrative choice increased the novel’s depth and strengthened the backstory providing support to the problems the characters had with each other. The guys are very competitive so this love triangle was wrought with complications from the start.
Three characters walked onto the page, each with their own story to tell and I really enjoyed the ways in which their lives intertwined. The dialogue flowed easy between cups of coffee served at Faith’s shop, The Coffee Pot. An enjoyable read, one that readers might like to savor with their own cup of Joe. Good news. This is Zanna’s third novel; there’s two more for you to enjoy.
This book review was first posted on my book blog, "Julie Valerie's Book Blog" at www.julievalerie.com
Enter the world of coffee shop owner (and tea sipping) Faith, hot businessman Zane Ferguson, and his business partner and troublemaker, Matt.
While Faith, drawn to the attractive Zane within the first few pages of the novel, is suspicious of men and reluctant to fall in love, the reader learns why through Faith’s recollections of a previous love, a guy named Aaron.
The first chapter drew me in with what appeared at the surface to be two people destined for each other, if only it was that easy . . . Matt entered the story as the business partner of Zane – and, oh, by the way, he’s also Faith’s ex-boyfriend. As they say in Scooby Doo Land: “Ruh-roh!” Here lies one of many tensions within the novel.
All of the characters have previous relationship issues to resolve making this a complicated and juicy love story. There were times when I thought no one would end up together because they were all carrying so much baggage and they made lots of mistakes on their journey to that last page.
I really loved the setting. There’s a great night of camping and “hoo-ha-ha” (my term) and hey, if Faith finds outdoorsy men hot – I can understand why.
I also liked that portions of the story were told from a guy’s point of view with scenes completely void of Faith. I think this narrative choice increased the novel’s depth and strengthened the backstory providing support to the problems the characters had with each other. The guys are very competitive so this love triangle was wrought with complications from the start.
Three characters walked onto the page, each with their own story to tell and I really enjoyed the ways in which their lives intertwined. The dialogue flowed easy between cups of coffee served at Faith’s shop, The Coffee Pot. An enjoyable read, one that readers might like to savor with their own cup of Joe. Good news. This is Zanna’s third novel; there’s two more for you to enjoy.
This book review was first posted on my book blog, "Julie Valerie's Book Blog" at www.julievalerie.com
November 13, 2020
Faith has lost hope in relationships. Sure, others might succeed, but after a bad break-up years ago, she hasn't really put herself out there. Instead, she's immersed herself in her business and her small town, so when a chance at love comes knocking, she's not exactly prepared or sure what to do.
Zane's got his own past to contend with, but he can't get his mind off the girl at the coffee shop. Taking advantage of a few chances to see her, their casual friendship soon turns into a tentative relationship, made a little stronger as they get to know each other better. He can tell she's been hurt in the past, too, but he's willing to give things a shot. And then her ex shows up.
Matt's the consummate womanizer, something Zane's seen plenty evidence of during the time they've worked together. At first, he's a little worried that Matt might take an interest in Faith, but that would be preferable to what's really going on. The shock on Faith's face when he introduces them lets him know something is up, and when he finds out that Matt is none other than Faith's ex, he expects nothing but trouble.
It took me a while to really get into the story, and I'm not really sure why. I love a slow build, but I think this one kept me hanging a bit too long. Or maybe it's just that nothing super-exciting was going on for a good while into the book. That's not to say it's a bad read; it just didn't hook me as quickly as I'd hoped it would.
I also felt a little bit of a disconnect with Faith. I liked her character well enough, but aside from her shop and her reluctance when it came to relationships, I don't feel like I got to know her very well. Normally, by the time I'm halfway into a book, I have a complete picture of not only the main character, but also her home, her car, her friends -- down to the color of the sofa, the magnets on the fridge, and where her TV sits. Those bits of description, while seemingly insignificant, let me "see" the story in my mind. But with this book, the picture was abstract and vague, and with all the time spent before even a first kiss took place, I would have expected some of these details to take shape.
Oh, and I guess I should point out that Americans should be prepared to stumble over a few Brit'isms, which I guess is to be expected when reading a story set there. While I've read tons and tons and tons of British lit, most of it is from centuries ago, so I'm not all that familiar with the current manner of speaking. There were certain turns of phrase that sent me to the internet for explanation, as well as some phrasing that just seemed odd. That's nothing against the book or the author; it's really more a reflection of my own ignorance.
If You Only Knew is a slow build, taking time to fully create the characters and letting them get to know each other before things get crazy between the sheets or anywhere else. Kind of a nice change from the usual fare, and it gave the relationship a lot more credibility.
Faith is fairly typical for a woman who's been hurt in the past and isn't sure where she stands in a developing relationship. However, the way her insecurities are expressed isn't overdone; it's just real. She's not down on herself or scared to death of what might happen, but she's cautious -- as she should be -- and constantly trying to read what's going on. Assuming you're over the age of twelve, she'll make perfect sense to you.
Zane is the ultimate nice guy, but not in that sort-of-good-looking guy-next-door way. He's tall and rugged and outdoorsy, but respectful and considerate and incredibly sweet. That's not to say he's perfect; he screws up, overreacts, gets jealous, and does all those other things guys tend to do, but at the end of the day, he's just a good guy, and even though he's not exactly forthcoming about his wreck of a relationship past, you can't help but love him.
What I like most about the story, though, is that it's not part of the drama competition. Yes, there are arguments and misunderstandings and all the usual fare in relationships, but it doesn't resort to melodrama and out-of-place bedroom scenes and needless angst to make a point. If You Only Knew is about a new relationship, about falling in love, and about the scrapes couples go through in finding their happily ever after. If you like your romantic reading escapes with a nice touch of realism, give it a go.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Zane's got his own past to contend with, but he can't get his mind off the girl at the coffee shop. Taking advantage of a few chances to see her, their casual friendship soon turns into a tentative relationship, made a little stronger as they get to know each other better. He can tell she's been hurt in the past, too, but he's willing to give things a shot. And then her ex shows up.
Matt's the consummate womanizer, something Zane's seen plenty evidence of during the time they've worked together. At first, he's a little worried that Matt might take an interest in Faith, but that would be preferable to what's really going on. The shock on Faith's face when he introduces them lets him know something is up, and when he finds out that Matt is none other than Faith's ex, he expects nothing but trouble.
It took me a while to really get into the story, and I'm not really sure why. I love a slow build, but I think this one kept me hanging a bit too long. Or maybe it's just that nothing super-exciting was going on for a good while into the book. That's not to say it's a bad read; it just didn't hook me as quickly as I'd hoped it would.
I also felt a little bit of a disconnect with Faith. I liked her character well enough, but aside from her shop and her reluctance when it came to relationships, I don't feel like I got to know her very well. Normally, by the time I'm halfway into a book, I have a complete picture of not only the main character, but also her home, her car, her friends -- down to the color of the sofa, the magnets on the fridge, and where her TV sits. Those bits of description, while seemingly insignificant, let me "see" the story in my mind. But with this book, the picture was abstract and vague, and with all the time spent before even a first kiss took place, I would have expected some of these details to take shape.
Oh, and I guess I should point out that Americans should be prepared to stumble over a few Brit'isms, which I guess is to be expected when reading a story set there. While I've read tons and tons and tons of British lit, most of it is from centuries ago, so I'm not all that familiar with the current manner of speaking. There were certain turns of phrase that sent me to the internet for explanation, as well as some phrasing that just seemed odd. That's nothing against the book or the author; it's really more a reflection of my own ignorance.
If You Only Knew is a slow build, taking time to fully create the characters and letting them get to know each other before things get crazy between the sheets or anywhere else. Kind of a nice change from the usual fare, and it gave the relationship a lot more credibility.
Faith is fairly typical for a woman who's been hurt in the past and isn't sure where she stands in a developing relationship. However, the way her insecurities are expressed isn't overdone; it's just real. She's not down on herself or scared to death of what might happen, but she's cautious -- as she should be -- and constantly trying to read what's going on. Assuming you're over the age of twelve, she'll make perfect sense to you.
Zane is the ultimate nice guy, but not in that sort-of-good-looking guy-next-door way. He's tall and rugged and outdoorsy, but respectful and considerate and incredibly sweet. That's not to say he's perfect; he screws up, overreacts, gets jealous, and does all those other things guys tend to do, but at the end of the day, he's just a good guy, and even though he's not exactly forthcoming about his wreck of a relationship past, you can't help but love him.
What I like most about the story, though, is that it's not part of the drama competition. Yes, there are arguments and misunderstandings and all the usual fare in relationships, but it doesn't resort to melodrama and out-of-place bedroom scenes and needless angst to make a point. If You Only Knew is about a new relationship, about falling in love, and about the scrapes couples go through in finding their happily ever after. If you like your romantic reading escapes with a nice touch of realism, give it a go.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2017
Loved this book, bought it a long time ago and couldn't remember what is was about. It was super cute. A good but quick read. Not sure if there's a second book to follow this but it would awesome if there was. I loved the characters both had a past which made them hesitant but in the end love prevails!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2014
I was given an ecopy of this book as part of the Fiction Addiction Blog Tour for Zanna Mackenzie's If You Only Knew in exchange for an honest review.
This book wasn't fast paced by any stretch of the imagination but peaked and troughs in all the right places along with the emotion and action. I was aware of every page for the first couple of chapters but the next time I looked I was a third of the way through the book. The more I read, the more I wanted to read and I did acquire a real empathy for each of the characters.
The story revolves mainly around two characters - Faith, owner of the Coffee Pot cafe who is just so lovely, sweet, kind and caring but at the same time you sense her vulnerability and Zane who comes into her life sparking an instant connection - he's a bloke, he's fit, good looking and the outdoorsy type - arriving in town to open an outdoor pursuit centre. That's all good but he's way too similar to Aaron an ex that hurt Faith badly so she thinks she should really give him a wide berth.
The characters are so well written you can feel the connection but Faith keeps telling herself to pull back - she doesn't want to get her fingers burnt again. At the same time Zane clearly likes Faith but keeps telling himself to back off as he has a business to set up and run - no time for a relationship.
Enter Matt, Zane's friend and business partner - everything begins to unravel, as an unexpected past connection with Faith emerges - let the battle commence! It is fair to say emotions run high, for all three and events and relationships in their past need facing before any of them can move on and form new, lasting relationships for the future.
This really was a good story that emphasises the need for loyalty, honesty, truth and forgiveness to enable a happy future. Zanna had me firstly rooting for Faith and Zane. I didn't want to like Matt but I did end up wanting a happy ending for him too. This was a real feel good book, the many situations and conversations felt true to life, nothing is ever as simple as it seems on the surface. As for The Coffee Pot Cafe - how I wish it was real, I could virtually smell the coffee, feel the warmth and friendliness and taste the moist, cake - a job well done there Zanna - I'm drooling again just writing this!
Zanna Mackenzie is an author I've not read before but I look forward to reading more from her in the future
This book wasn't fast paced by any stretch of the imagination but peaked and troughs in all the right places along with the emotion and action. I was aware of every page for the first couple of chapters but the next time I looked I was a third of the way through the book. The more I read, the more I wanted to read and I did acquire a real empathy for each of the characters.
The story revolves mainly around two characters - Faith, owner of the Coffee Pot cafe who is just so lovely, sweet, kind and caring but at the same time you sense her vulnerability and Zane who comes into her life sparking an instant connection - he's a bloke, he's fit, good looking and the outdoorsy type - arriving in town to open an outdoor pursuit centre. That's all good but he's way too similar to Aaron an ex that hurt Faith badly so she thinks she should really give him a wide berth.
The characters are so well written you can feel the connection but Faith keeps telling herself to pull back - she doesn't want to get her fingers burnt again. At the same time Zane clearly likes Faith but keeps telling himself to back off as he has a business to set up and run - no time for a relationship.
Enter Matt, Zane's friend and business partner - everything begins to unravel, as an unexpected past connection with Faith emerges - let the battle commence! It is fair to say emotions run high, for all three and events and relationships in their past need facing before any of them can move on and form new, lasting relationships for the future.
This really was a good story that emphasises the need for loyalty, honesty, truth and forgiveness to enable a happy future. Zanna had me firstly rooting for Faith and Zane. I didn't want to like Matt but I did end up wanting a happy ending for him too. This was a real feel good book, the many situations and conversations felt true to life, nothing is ever as simple as it seems on the surface. As for The Coffee Pot Cafe - how I wish it was real, I could virtually smell the coffee, feel the warmth and friendliness and taste the moist, cake - a job well done there Zanna - I'm drooling again just writing this!
Zanna Mackenzie is an author I've not read before but I look forward to reading more from her in the future
May 14, 2014
*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Thank you Zanna for asking me to review your book, I’m so glad you did, because I LOVED it!!!
The cover of this wonderful story is beautiful. The colours play with each other, there are some adorable little details and it’s so girly and catchy. I like the title as well and I really think it fits the story perfectly.
Now, let’s come to the story and the characters. There is Faith, lovely and adorable Faith. I think it’s great that she fought for her own business and is now so successful with it.
Then Zane comes into town and opens his own business. The two of them get along really well and Zanna found a great way to describe how their relationship developed. So sweet, adorable and vivid, I loved everything about their scenes.
Zane is amazing, almost to perfect: athletic, smart, romantic, sexy, successful… I found myself another book boyfriend ;)
Unfortunately it turns out that he’s not that perfect, he seems to struggle with his past and cannot tell Faith about it and pushes her back, just when everything was so wonderful between them. Poor Faith…
Oh and then there’s Matt, Zane’s business partner and best friend and he’s also Faith’s ex, the ex that cheated on her!!! Zane doesn’t like the idea of that and when Matt starts flirting her, everything seems to “explode”. Zane not being totally honest with Faith, Matt having a weird plan to help Zane and Faith being confused about Zane and his feelings. The only thing she knows is that she loves Zane and misses him.
Matt has a secret and only Zane knows about it.
Only towards the end everything is revealed and solved and some things about their past comes out.
I could have punched Zane, when he was so cold to Faith and didn’t want to open up, because I that that they were perfect for each other. They had a real connection from the beginning, definitely meant for each other.
The sporty touch gave the novel another exciting level. I couldn’t put this book down, it’s so gripping and full of drama, emotions and real love described in such a vivid and fresh way. I couldn’t bare the two of them not being together so I read and read and read. Such a brilliant book, by a talented author. ♥♥♥
Sweet epilogue, actually calling for more I’d say.
Thank you Zanna for asking me to review your book, I’m so glad you did, because I LOVED it!!!
The cover of this wonderful story is beautiful. The colours play with each other, there are some adorable little details and it’s so girly and catchy. I like the title as well and I really think it fits the story perfectly.
Now, let’s come to the story and the characters. There is Faith, lovely and adorable Faith. I think it’s great that she fought for her own business and is now so successful with it.
Then Zane comes into town and opens his own business. The two of them get along really well and Zanna found a great way to describe how their relationship developed. So sweet, adorable and vivid, I loved everything about their scenes.
Zane is amazing, almost to perfect: athletic, smart, romantic, sexy, successful… I found myself another book boyfriend ;)
Unfortunately it turns out that he’s not that perfect, he seems to struggle with his past and cannot tell Faith about it and pushes her back, just when everything was so wonderful between them. Poor Faith…
Oh and then there’s Matt, Zane’s business partner and best friend and he’s also Faith’s ex, the ex that cheated on her!!! Zane doesn’t like the idea of that and when Matt starts flirting her, everything seems to “explode”. Zane not being totally honest with Faith, Matt having a weird plan to help Zane and Faith being confused about Zane and his feelings. The only thing she knows is that she loves Zane and misses him.
Matt has a secret and only Zane knows about it.
Only towards the end everything is revealed and solved and some things about their past comes out.
I could have punched Zane, when he was so cold to Faith and didn’t want to open up, because I that that they were perfect for each other. They had a real connection from the beginning, definitely meant for each other.
The sporty touch gave the novel another exciting level. I couldn’t put this book down, it’s so gripping and full of drama, emotions and real love described in such a vivid and fresh way. I couldn’t bare the two of them not being together so I read and read and read. Such a brilliant book, by a talented author. ♥♥♥
Sweet epilogue, actually calling for more I’d say.
June 2, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Firstly thank you to Shaz at Fiction Addiction Book Tours, for letting me join in on this tour. It's always a pleasure touring with you.
This book was great. It had a beautiful setting and such wonderful characters. The pace was perfect, faster in some places than others. I didn't find myself racing through this at the beginning but after I got around 40% of the way through I raced to the end.I couldn't put it down. The suspense in the book was spot on, not too long that you got fed up and not too short.
Faith is such a great character. She is quite stubborn but she is also determined and hard working. She built her coffee shop up from nothing. If that girl knows one thing its how to get what she wants. That is except a man. Faith has been pretty damaged since her relationship with her first love Aaron. She has never quite recovered from how it ended and has built quite a few walls around her heart.
Zane is a fully trained activities coordinator. He has moved to town to run/own the outdoor activity centre with his business partner Matt. Firstly he sounds HOT. Might have to get over my fear of climbing, do you think he will help me? Sorry sorry I got a bit distracted there. There is an instant attraction between Zane and Faith but both are pulling away. Faith because she doesn't want to get hurt again and Zane because he doesn't have time for a relationship and to run his business.
When they both finally give in and try to make a go of it along comes Matt and ruins the whole damn thing. He constantly causes trouble between Zane and Faith.
There was a whole host of excellent supporting characters in this book. I think my favourite is Zane's sister. I just loved her, she really made me laugh.
I would recommend any chicklit lover out there to pick this book up today.
This book was great. It had a beautiful setting and such wonderful characters. The pace was perfect, faster in some places than others. I didn't find myself racing through this at the beginning but after I got around 40% of the way through I raced to the end.I couldn't put it down. The suspense in the book was spot on, not too long that you got fed up and not too short.
Faith is such a great character. She is quite stubborn but she is also determined and hard working. She built her coffee shop up from nothing. If that girl knows one thing its how to get what she wants. That is except a man. Faith has been pretty damaged since her relationship with her first love Aaron. She has never quite recovered from how it ended and has built quite a few walls around her heart.
Zane is a fully trained activities coordinator. He has moved to town to run/own the outdoor activity centre with his business partner Matt. Firstly he sounds HOT. Might have to get over my fear of climbing, do you think he will help me? Sorry sorry I got a bit distracted there. There is an instant attraction between Zane and Faith but both are pulling away. Faith because she doesn't want to get hurt again and Zane because he doesn't have time for a relationship and to run his business.
When they both finally give in and try to make a go of it along comes Matt and ruins the whole damn thing. He constantly causes trouble between Zane and Faith.
There was a whole host of excellent supporting characters in this book. I think my favourite is Zane's sister. I just loved her, she really made me laugh.
I would recommend any chicklit lover out there to pick this book up today.
March 28, 2014
The original review is posted at This Chick Reads Book Blog:
http://thischickreads.wordpress.com/2...
Meet Faith. She runs her own business, a Café called The Coffee Pot at the outdoor adventure sports mecca of Derbyshire’s Peak District, her hometown. One day, Zane enters her life. He’s the new owner of the Carrdale Adventure Sports Centre, and the love sparkles are in the air. It had been a while since Faith’s latest serious relationship. But, she has no idea that Zane’s business partner Matt is Faith’s ex-boyfriend, and he is the reason that she doesn’t trust men. So, when Matt shows up in the Cafe, things are starting to complicate.
I loved Faith as a MC. Nice girl from the neighborhood, easy to be friends with. Disappointed in love, she puts everything she has into career, starting her business from a scratch. She’s a hardworking young woman that knows how to stand on her own feet.
The guys in the story are gorgeous. Zane is a sports trainer, handsome, good-looking guy, who loves outdoor activities. But as the story goes on, Faith discovers that he is far from Mr. Perfect. That doesn’t mean that he is a bad person, just also had a bad experience when it comes to love, just like Faith.
And there’s the triangle, Matt, or Aaron, is Zane’s business partner and best friend, but also Faith’s ex-boyfriend. He is too a sports trainer, and he looks amazing. He tries to seduce Faith again, even if he knows that she is with Zane now. He seems to be very good in telling a lie here and there.
What I really loved here, ever before stat reading, was the cover. It’s pink and the couple sitting at the Café looks so romantic. I totally loved it. I also fell in love with the book. It’s a lovely, romantic, little bit predictable but nevertheless enjoyable story. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with all the characters, just like I did. I totally recommend it to all romance fans.
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Meet Faith. She runs her own business, a Café called The Coffee Pot at the outdoor adventure sports mecca of Derbyshire’s Peak District, her hometown. One day, Zane enters her life. He’s the new owner of the Carrdale Adventure Sports Centre, and the love sparkles are in the air. It had been a while since Faith’s latest serious relationship. But, she has no idea that Zane’s business partner Matt is Faith’s ex-boyfriend, and he is the reason that she doesn’t trust men. So, when Matt shows up in the Cafe, things are starting to complicate.
I loved Faith as a MC. Nice girl from the neighborhood, easy to be friends with. Disappointed in love, she puts everything she has into career, starting her business from a scratch. She’s a hardworking young woman that knows how to stand on her own feet.
The guys in the story are gorgeous. Zane is a sports trainer, handsome, good-looking guy, who loves outdoor activities. But as the story goes on, Faith discovers that he is far from Mr. Perfect. That doesn’t mean that he is a bad person, just also had a bad experience when it comes to love, just like Faith.
And there’s the triangle, Matt, or Aaron, is Zane’s business partner and best friend, but also Faith’s ex-boyfriend. He is too a sports trainer, and he looks amazing. He tries to seduce Faith again, even if he knows that she is with Zane now. He seems to be very good in telling a lie here and there.
What I really loved here, ever before stat reading, was the cover. It’s pink and the couple sitting at the Café looks so romantic. I totally loved it. I also fell in love with the book. It’s a lovely, romantic, little bit predictable but nevertheless enjoyable story. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with all the characters, just like I did. I totally recommend it to all romance fans.
January 28, 2015
Review also posted on my blog http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...
If You Only Knew was a sweet love story with fab characters. It really put a smile on my face and had a lovely enjoyable story which gave me some great afternoon reading entertainment.
The story wasn’t that fast, it was more slow and well built up. I’m a fussy reader in the way that I want wonderfully developed characters and plot but at a fast pace. I guess I only got half of that wish with If You Only Knew but the development was great. It just took me a little longer to get into the story than I had hoped.
I loved Faith – she was a brilliant main character. She was lovely, hard-working and caring, just the kind of person you’d like to know in real life. Zane and Matt were great characters too; I was definitely torn between them. But regardless of which hunk I preferred, I just had to celebrate the fab characters Zanna wrote. I could connect with them all and these were some of my favourite book characters ever, because they felt real and believable.
The whole book, in fact, felt real. The Coffee Pot – I just wanted to be there. The sports center – I could picture it and I felt like I was being transported there whilst reading the book on a nice sunny afternoon. I love that – when an author manages to make you feel like you’re part of the story, I know they’re extremely talented.
If You Only Knew was just the kind of book I was looking for – easy, light reading with great characters and a setting you could just picture yourself in. Zanna Mackenzie has written a fab book and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
4/5.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
If You Only Knew was a sweet love story with fab characters. It really put a smile on my face and had a lovely enjoyable story which gave me some great afternoon reading entertainment.
The story wasn’t that fast, it was more slow and well built up. I’m a fussy reader in the way that I want wonderfully developed characters and plot but at a fast pace. I guess I only got half of that wish with If You Only Knew but the development was great. It just took me a little longer to get into the story than I had hoped.
I loved Faith – she was a brilliant main character. She was lovely, hard-working and caring, just the kind of person you’d like to know in real life. Zane and Matt were great characters too; I was definitely torn between them. But regardless of which hunk I preferred, I just had to celebrate the fab characters Zanna wrote. I could connect with them all and these were some of my favourite book characters ever, because they felt real and believable.
The whole book, in fact, felt real. The Coffee Pot – I just wanted to be there. The sports center – I could picture it and I felt like I was being transported there whilst reading the book on a nice sunny afternoon. I love that – when an author manages to make you feel like you’re part of the story, I know they’re extremely talented.
If You Only Knew was just the kind of book I was looking for – easy, light reading with great characters and a setting you could just picture yourself in. Zanna Mackenzie has written a fab book and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
4/5.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2014
I would like to thank Shaz (Fictionaddiction Book Tours @shazjera) and Zanna Mackenzie for send me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
As the blurb says Faith owns her own business in the small town in the Peak District not allowing herself to have a love life since having her heart broken by her ex Aaron. Until Zane walks in and she feels the flutter as they get to know each other.
Both Faith and Zane are easily likeable characters, despite them both having histories, Faith having put hers behind her. Zane hasn't put his past behind him, especially when it turns out Matt is his business partner is Faith's ex Aaron (now using his middle name).
The book explores all the things that go with someone's history and not being able to trust someone, even when you desperately want to and not let it destroy your relationship.
The book is really well written, exploring the characters range of feelings and showing that you really do have to put your past behind you before you move on to your future. Truth and honesty really are the key to happiness.
Matt as it turns out really is a good mate to Zane, even if his efforts to show this are a little screwed.
As the blurb says Faith owns her own business in the small town in the Peak District not allowing herself to have a love life since having her heart broken by her ex Aaron. Until Zane walks in and she feels the flutter as they get to know each other.
Both Faith and Zane are easily likeable characters, despite them both having histories, Faith having put hers behind her. Zane hasn't put his past behind him, especially when it turns out Matt is his business partner is Faith's ex Aaron (now using his middle name).
The book explores all the things that go with someone's history and not being able to trust someone, even when you desperately want to and not let it destroy your relationship.
The book is really well written, exploring the characters range of feelings and showing that you really do have to put your past behind you before you move on to your future. Truth and honesty really are the key to happiness.
Matt as it turns out really is a good mate to Zane, even if his efforts to show this are a little screwed.
March 25, 2014
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf as part of a Fiction Addiction Book Tour! http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.be
What an incredibly sweet love story! I really, really enjoyed reading If You Only Knew. The outdoor adventure sports center was an original backdrop for a 'classic' love story about trust and forgiveness. I really liked how Zanna took her time with it. Nothing felt rushed and the way Zane and Faith's relationship evolved felt very natural. There were times I felt very frustrated with her about letting Matt in her life again, but I guess she was more mature about it than I was, and she really did know what she was doing.
Faith was perfect as a main character. Kind, sweet, loving, hard working,... and I was really impressed with her patience and how she seemed to know exactly what it was Zane needed from her. It was also nice reading some parts of the story from his point of view: although he stayed a mystery until the very end, you could relate to him just enough to like... and love him.
Really enjoyable read - I will be on the look out for more of Zanna's work!
What an incredibly sweet love story! I really, really enjoyed reading If You Only Knew. The outdoor adventure sports center was an original backdrop for a 'classic' love story about trust and forgiveness. I really liked how Zanna took her time with it. Nothing felt rushed and the way Zane and Faith's relationship evolved felt very natural. There were times I felt very frustrated with her about letting Matt in her life again, but I guess she was more mature about it than I was, and she really did know what she was doing.
Faith was perfect as a main character. Kind, sweet, loving, hard working,... and I was really impressed with her patience and how she seemed to know exactly what it was Zane needed from her. It was also nice reading some parts of the story from his point of view: although he stayed a mystery until the very end, you could relate to him just enough to like... and love him.
Really enjoyable read - I will be on the look out for more of Zanna's work!
March 28, 2014
If You Only Knew has a really appealing cover which grabbed my attention - it's pretty and pink, with the promise of a good dose of romance.
I found the story to be very real... it wasn't a typical happy-go-lucky, cliche, everything is perfect type of love story. The characters are all really likeable, authentic characters. They face real problems in their lives which as a reader you can relate to.
This story explores the reality of people having hidden pasts that they struggle to overcome in order to move forward in life. Faith was all ready to put her past behind her and take a chance on a new man, when her ex-boyfriend walks back into her life - so begins the complicated love triangle.
If You Only Knew is about honesty and the ability to forgive, and to learn from your past in order to find true love and happiness. It's a really easy read, with a good pace to the story.
I found the story to be very real... it wasn't a typical happy-go-lucky, cliche, everything is perfect type of love story. The characters are all really likeable, authentic characters. They face real problems in their lives which as a reader you can relate to.
This story explores the reality of people having hidden pasts that they struggle to overcome in order to move forward in life. Faith was all ready to put her past behind her and take a chance on a new man, when her ex-boyfriend walks back into her life - so begins the complicated love triangle.
If You Only Knew is about honesty and the ability to forgive, and to learn from your past in order to find true love and happiness. It's a really easy read, with a good pace to the story.
October 12, 2014
I read If You Only Knew whilst visiting the Lake District, surrounded by amazing scenery, not the same, but not a world away, from the novel's Peak District setting. I really enjoyed the strong sense of place that’s achieved, and the portrait of community life, especially the coffee shop owned by the heroine, Faith. The story also cleverly captures all those anxieties that go with a budding relationship – things I’d almost forgotten. Central to the plot is the motivation of Faith’s new boyfriend Zane, and what holds him back as their relationship develops. The desire to find out what made him tick, together with the tense love triangle that occurs out of the blue, thanks to a great twist in the story, kept me gripped!
August 3, 2016
Repetative, tiresome, had to force myself to finish. Several chapters could easily have been cut because nothing happened that hadn't happened several times before. After four or five chapters of "why has he changed his mind?" and "she won't love me if she knows the whole story" ad nauseam, my response was "I don't care." When the "big reveal" finally came about, Matt's secret was much more impactful.
May 17, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, the characters are so real I felt as if I came to know them, and the setting so beautifully described, I really want to visit the Peak District again! Lovely romantic tale - highly recommended.
September 29, 2015
Cute book but the author continually repeated the same thing over and over again. I felt like the book dragged on a little and would have been better if she made it a little shorter and got to the point a little quicker.
May 1, 2014
adooooooooooooooooooooooooore
March 26, 2015
Lovely romantic fun book
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