You're the Reason

Home to Heritage #1

by Tari Faris, Susan May Warren

How could she ever love the man blamed for her brother’s death? A novel of Redemption, Forgiveness, and Unrequited Love in this Home to Heritage novel.

"Tari Faris delivers a masterful blend of romance and redemption in this compelling tale that will tug at your heartstrings and inspire your soul. A must-read for anyone who believes in the power of second chances." USA Today best-selling author Susan May Warren

She never intended to return to Heritage.

When an injury sidelines her, Grace Howell leaves her life as a ballerina and returns to Heritage, Michigan, to heal. Teaching dance is just a temporary gig, until she finds herself unexpectedly charmed by small-town life and her growing attachment to Seth Warner, a man from her past with a troubled history of his own.

He’s back in Heritage as a changed man.

The last place Seth thought he’d return is Heritage, but a felony record has narrowed his options, compelling him back to a community that hasn’t forgotten his transgressions. Dreams of starting a Ninja Gym give him purpose, yet it’s his entanglement with Grace—the woman he once let slip away—that ignites his desire to stay. Is this his chance at redemption and to live out the love he’s always harbored?

But can they forget the past?

When Grace’s old ballet company offers her a chance to come back, she’s faced with a heart-wrenching pursue the dream she’s always known or stay with the community and man that have captured her heart, even as that love is put to the test.

But has Seth really changed?

Seth’s world is rocked by a confrontation that threatens to pull him back into the world he’s tried so hard to escape. He must fight to clear his name and protect his future with Grace, proving that his commitment to change is more than just talk.
With their happiness hanging by a thread, the decisions they make will define their fates and the heart of Heritage itself.

HOME TO HERITAGE
You’re the Reason
Here With Me
Christmas With You

RESTORING HERITAGE
P.S. Goodbye (prequel novella)
You Belong With Me
Until I Met You
While It Was Snowing (novella)
Since You’ve Been Gone
Upon a Midnight Snow (Christmas novella)

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Christian Romance, Inspirational

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2024

About the author

I have been writing fiction for more than twelve years. It has been an exciting journey for this math-loving-dyslexic girl. I had read less than a handful of novels by the time I graduated from college and I thought I would end up in the field of science or math. But God had other plans and I wouldn't trade this journey for anything. As someone told me once, God's plans may not be easy, and they may not always make sense but they are never boring.


In addition to my writing, I also work for My Book Therapy as a special project project manager and write for LearnHowToWriteAnNovel.com and you can find me blogging over there on occasion.

​When I am not writing or working, I spend time with my amazing husband. We have been married for fifteen wonderful years and have three sweet children. In my free time, I love coffee, rock hounding with my husband and kids, and distracting myself from housework.

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a joy to return to Otis and Heritage, Michigan!

I love reading about characters that take poor decisions from their teen/young adult years and use those life experiences to help others and be a better person themselves later on. Seth's hometown is Heritage and it's not a place he planned to ever return to. So many poor decisions were made there. Fortunately, he has a strong group of friends in Heritage that want to see him succeed and offer a support system. Weight lifting is what makes him happy and help him forget about the drugs and other bad memories from the past.

Grace, also from Heritage, spent a number of years away. Away in Paris, away in Chicago chasing her dream to be a star ballerina. Yet, is it her dream or her parents? She returns to Heritage to rehab following an injury. The novel provides an interesting look at the life of a ballerina, one that is singularly focused on success as a ballerina and apparently little else.

Both Seth and Grace make self discoveries along the way. I loved how they both showed care for children/teens in Heritage.

My gratitude to JustRead for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful story! The author delves into the serious topics of drug addiction and recovery, consequences of actions, traumatic childhood experiences, and even the idea of love having to be earned.

This Home to Heritage series is connected to the Restoring Heritage series. Even though the couples from the original series serve as side characters in this one, I think readers could jump in and enjoy You’re the Reason without having read that series. Having read the other series, I found it fun to see how those original couples were living their lives in this book.

I appreciated that there were not simply easy answers in this story. Both Seth and Grace made mistakes in the way they reacted to various events. There were things that they could have handled better and things they did really well with. They felt very human to me, simply trying to find their way in life and love.

There was a good faith thread throughout the novel, and Seth worked to help Grace understand that God loves people for who they are and not what they have achieved. I loved the way their relationship developed. It made me happy to know that they would both finally experience real love together that was not conditional.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Many of the things of our lives will come and go. If we try to find our source of joy there, we will be an unstable lighthouse. But if we dig deep and anchor ourselves to something unchanging - even when life shifts us - we can stay strong.”

The feuding families of the Warners (Capulets) and the Howells (Montagues) in Heritage, Michigan, captured my attention, but the beautiful messages anchored me and pulled me further into the story.

This is a soul-searching 5-star story about digging deep to find out who we really are and what we have in our lives that is considered shifting sand.

“How long had it been since joy and dance belonged together in her mind?”

Grace Howell tied her identity to what she did rather than who she was and when the joy went out of ballet, she found herself at a crossroads with the need for reconstruction. Seth ‘The Storm’ Warner believed so many lies about himself and his purpose that he couldn’t move forward with all the roadblocks he’d placed. I loved watching Grace learn to draw the line, stand up for herself, and realize that true love isn’t based on performance. I also loved watching Seth’s growth and his newfound desire to burn the lies that held him in place and kept him stagnant.

“Sometimes we have to burn down what is holding us to our past to make room for something new and beautiful. Sometimes those things are buildings. Sometimes those things are lies.”

I’ll remember this story because of the painful realization that I ‘perform’ in many areas of my life to seek approval and that in seeking self-sufficiency, I’m basically slapping God’s hand away from my life. In my drive to experience ‘best’ rather than ‘good’, I hope I’m willing for the reconstruction process.

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love wasn't about perfection. It was about forgiveness and choosing the other person every day."

It's wonderful to be back in Heritage. I loved connecting with all the characters from the previous books and really enjoyed getting to know Seth and Grace. Seth's humble, repentant heart was so dear. Lessons on pride, reliance on God, and trusting others were profound and universal. Grace was a bit stand-offish, arrogant, and prickly at the beginning but relaxed enough to show Heritage and Seth her true self. Their heart for reaching the hurting and helping the children was admirable and endearing. Seth's struggle with substance abuse was real and raw as was Grace's struggle in the prima ballerina world. Their journey of faith, love, and discovery of purpose was precious and heart-warming.

I can't wait for the next book in the series that will introduce me to more citizens of Heritage. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and Justread Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Heritage, Michigan and I was so excited to get to visit Otis and all my old friends again!
Seth and Grace were great characters, their romance was super sweet, and their story touching and powerful.
You’re the Reason is an excellent choice for Christian contemporary romance fans!
This is a great first installment in the Home to Heritage series and I look forward to the rest of the series.


I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book from the author and publisher!
My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pair an accomplished ballerina, healing from an injury and a Ninja Warrior contestant with a troubled past and you get tension. Especially considering their shared history in Heritage and the tragedy that took her brother’s life. Grace and Seth are now sharing an old dance studio and vow to keep on their side of the space. He is a worthy hero, caring for his mother, who is an alcoholic. Grace needs to evaluate her future in light of her injury, and whether she can heal both physically and emotionally from previous hurts. It was great to visit Heritage again, to catch up with the characters and to see some new faces. Miss Faris is an engaging writer and infuses spiritual lessons along with a sweet romance.
* I received a complementary copy from Sunrise Publishing on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Hannah Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heritage ❤️ Ahhh. Happy sigh. I adored Tari's Restoring Heritage series so was pretty excited (read, totally over the moon) to hear she and some friends were writing more. I love this town and the characters who live there. I know they’re ‘just fictional characters’, but their lives, journeys, hurts, fears and brokenness are so relatable. I love the wisdom, the wit, the romance, Otis the travelling hippo, and the way faith is so simply and unjudgementally woven in to each story. So good!

This one touched me deeply, to the point that I emailed the author as soon as I finished it to let her know how much it meant. Some books are just like that.

If you enjoy small towns, brokenly beautiful characters, sweet romance, family dynamics, great friendships, and genuine faith, definitely check out this series!

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in Tari Faris’s new series, Home to Heritage. Since it had been awhile since I’d read her Restoring Heritage series, I decided to go back and read those 3 novellas and 3 novels first, and I was glad I did. They set the stage for the town of Heritage and all the characters who live there, plus give you the love stories of several of the couples you’ll meet in You’re the Reason.

If reading about drug addiction and dysfunctional families bothers you, you probably won’t like this book. However, I feel those subjects are handled well as the main characters, Seth and Grace, grow and develop and learn to trust in God’s grace rather than past mistakes, guilt and lies. If you want to find out how a weight lifter/Ninja Warrior and a prima ballerina end up together, I think you’ll like this book. I did!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. #You’retheReason #SunrisePublishing

[Gabi- bookworm4vr · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet Seth, who has a shady past and is trying to get a new start after his time in jail. He had been involved in drugs and had gotten into trouble with the law.  All Seth wants to do is get a new start in his Christian life and try to forget the past. However, the hardest part he continues to have is the fact he was involved in the death of his best friend. When his best friend's sister comes unexpectedly back to town, the past comes back to haunt him. The feelings he had for her before her brother's untimely death, the incidents of the tragedy, and so much more come rushing back to Seth. What is he going to do?

Grace Howell, a ballet dancer in Chicago, has to come home to tell her parents she needs to have therapy and stop dancing for a time. Life is pretty much the same as it had been since the death of her brother, and she ponders what happened to the boy next door, Seth, after she had left for a Paris dance school. She had a crush on him. However, She has no idea that Seth is connected to her brother's death. When suddenly she spots Seth breaking and entering in the house next door, all her past feelings return.

Soon the two are setup to work for the summer in the same building. The situation builds between the two characters in many ways. But what is Grace going to do once she realizes that Seth is connected to her brother's untimely and sudden death? Is she going to throw away all the attraction and love that is growing between them or will she find it in her heart to forgive him? Will Seth be able to forgive himself of that night and will he be fully honest with Grace? 

I really enjoyed this book. It was written in an enjoyable style and when I wanted to stop reading, it drew me back in to read a few more pages. I  want to thank the publisher and Just Read Tours to allow me to read this book for my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this book. I hope you can grab a copy for yourself soon.

[Sara Arnaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Tari Faris is a master storyteller - so many twists and turns in this roller-coaster ride. But spoiler alert: love wins! Against all odds, just when you think all is lost, she untangles the plot - bit by satisfying bit - and love comes out on top! It’s uplifting, encouraging, and heart-stopping. Thank you, Tari for the beautiful message of this book: For love truly does win.

Not only that, but the back stories of these two characters, Seth and Grace, grab you from the very first page - their hurts, their pain, their shortcomings are very, very real and completely relatable. And I just love characters that are flawed and honest about it! It brings a certain encouragement to watch their redemption played out across the pages - every trial is our trial, every breakthrough is our breakthrough, and every faith moment brings our own faith moment. It’s just beautiful!

Notable Quotables:

- “Despite what you may think, Grace, life doesn’t always fit in a box.”
- “But sometimes you have to cut away beautiful things to make room for even more beautiful things.”
- “If (the lighthouse) were on the sand it would shift with the winds and storms. That would be very unstable. But the builders dug deep to a firm foundation—a solid rock you could say. So as the sands shift around it, that solid rock keeps it strong.” She picked up grains of sand like she had done earlier. “Many of the things of our lives will come and go. If we try to find our source of joy there, we will be an unstable lighthouse. But if we dig deep and anchor ourselves to something unchanging—even when life shifts around us—we can stay strong.”
- “I am so sorry.” Tears clung to her eyes. And something hit him square in the chest. Those tears were for him. He couldn’t remember a time when someone had cared enough to cry for him.
- “Just maybe God was trying to get his attention. Because God refused to give up on him. Because God’s love didn’t change. Because God wouldn’t fail him.”

Did I mention Tari has a way with words? This book puts you through an emotional ringer - you’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, you’ll dance, you’ll cry - all while a beautiful love story unfolds. And it’s not just the love story between Seth and Grace that’s so poignant. There’s also the love story of each of these two flawed characters and their God - individual journeys filled with forgiveness, second chances, and the ultimate acceptance.

So, do yourself a favor and return Home to Heritage right away - you will love every minute spent in this little town; plus, you’ll come out inspired on the other side! For faith, hope, and love live here, inside the city limits - and I can’t wait to see who moves in next!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re the Reason is the first book I have read written by Tari Faris and it will not be the last. It was an easy read and really pulled me in from the very beginning.

The character development was good. I loved getting to know Grace and Seth and the background behind them. Learning where Seth came from really shined light on his path and decisions. Learning about Grace’s family dynamics added more to her story.

The evolving relationship between Grace and Seth was sweet and a fun dynamic. Truly looking at forgiveness when given some hard circumstances. The romance was light and sweet and nothing too spicy. Very clean, which I always appreciate.

The storyline and setting were great. I enjoyed the small-town setting. I loved looking at the struggle Seth had with drugs and overcoming that. It really shined light on how it can be hard to overcome and how sometimes family struggles can go deeper and affect us. Though if we truly surrender to God, he is there with us and will help us overcome.

Tari Faris did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the novel. I really appreciated that.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the Restoring Heritage series, I admit that I felt a little bereft after it was completed. The characters, the town, and even Otis the town hippo all grow on you, along with the incredible stories of God's redemption. When I saw that Sunrise was releasing a new series based on the beloved town of Heritage, Michigan, I couldn't wait to return. You're the Reason carries on with the same determination and hope as previous books where Seth and Grace experience the love of God from their community.

This book is a little grittier in depicting realistic battles that the characters face, from addictions to criminal justice to toxic parent-child relationships. There is so much to unpack in this book, yet the authors are able to do it in a way that allows the light of Jesus to shine through. I love that the characters pray and turn to God continually as they face each day. Time after time, the messages of God's love overcoming the darkness leaves readers feeling encouraged and uplifted even with heavier themes involved. Those looking for a small-town romance will find Heritage to be an endearing setting, and the story to have a strong emotional pull on the heart.

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

[Deena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m privileged to be on the launch team for this project. I mean, of course I am! I’ve been a ginormous fan of all things Faris novels since day one—I simply had to get my hands on an advance copy!

Note to self: add Tari Faris to my list of authors to never read at work! I’ve been ugly crying for the last hour over Seth and Grace. Their story is so beautiful and flawed and genuine and just—all the feels!

Faris has a way of drawing you in within the first pages and holding you emotionally hostage until the final page. And you’ll love her for it.

Hope, grace, letting go, pressing through adversity, and embracing who you are in Christ are found in these pages. I already want to read it again! But I think I’m to go all the way back to the beginning.

Yes, her books are that good!

My thanks to the publisher for my advance copy. My review is 100% genuine and truthful And I can hardly wait for the next book to release!!!

[Tracey Cramer-Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is what I expect from a Susan May Warren title! And now I have a new favorite in Tari Faris! This is realistic Christian fiction, where the characters are grappling with grittier/darker pasts, in this case drug use/addiction on Seth's part, along with guilt over a tragic event in the past. There's courage on his part in returning to Heritage, but then things just keep going wrong for him. How much can one man take? And yet he overcomes both his struggles and his pride in the end, and affects other lives in ways he could never have seen. To the point where he can't regret his time in prison because that's where he found God. Powerful stuff. Grace's struggle is related to her overly demanding parents' influence on her life decisions. She comes to see that she's dancing for the wrong reasons, but it's a painful process to get to that realization - and to start finding joy in it again. Along the way, these two become drawn to each other, but the truth about that tragic night has the ability to break them apart (which it does, with 'help' from a negative influence). What brings them back together is another 'message' I appreciated: that people are human; they're going to fail - sometimes fail YOU - but that those relationships can be salvaged if both are willing to forgive and extend grace.

[Mandy Boerma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story of second chances, forgiveness and love. Susan May Warren and Tari Faris wove a story together that has you cheering for the characters, Seth and Grace, all the way to the end. Plus, I loved returning to Heritage

[Mary Wynegar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Catherine Linger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a touching, sweet and realistic book!

The characters all had their own emotional baggage, but managed to overcome through the love of each other and the love of God.

I love a good second chance trope, so this book made me happy!

I like how even though it is a Christian book, it dealt with real life issues such as death, addiction and self denial. The message wasn’t bible thumped, it was subtle and easy. The characters didn’t act holier than thou, they were like any normal God loving christian. I love that!

Both mc and fmc were meant to be and I was rooting for them the whole time! I just wish we had more of a look into their future, marriage, children etc.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Tari Faris and my first visit to heritage, Michigan but I plan to go back and catch up with all the character’s stories.

Seth had a lot of baggage from making bad decisions in his youth, and still faces the consequences of those decisions while trying to make a fresh start.

Grace physical challenges which led her on the path home and in Seth’s life and to answer the questions about why she dances, was real and to me a great contrast between the two characters, one where an absent parent led to poor decisions and one where one’s controlling parents impacted on your perceptions of love.

My favorite part was of a little girl saying she loves to dance because she is sure it makes God smile.

I really enjoyed this story of redemption, new beginnings and finding your way back to doing what God created you to do.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is messy, and no one knows that better than Seth Warner. Seth Warner is definitely responsible for some of problems from his troubled past, but this guy had to pull himself up by his bootstraps to be the man he is today. He would love to start a Ninja Gym, but finances and a felony record may keep him from realizing his dream.

Grace Howell is a prima ballerina. She has always been the star of the show, which is where her overbearing parents expect her to be. When an injury sidelines her from being the star, she comes back to Heritage for a time of healing and maybe even a little introspection.

Seth and Grace have not seen each other in a long time, and their second meeting is not all roses. After all what do a prima ballerina from an upstanding family and a recovering addict and recovering alcoholic have in common? More than you know.

This was an incredibly powerful story that will bless you and make you want to cry at times. I felt such empathy for Seth. He has been beaten down so much that he feels he has no value. He loves, but he does not believe that anyone could love him. He wears defensive armor like a soldier going to battle. He needed someone to believe in him and give him a second chance. He has found his worth in Christ, but he is still hanging on to the past. I also felt so much for Grace. Some might think she had it all, but she was under constant scrutiny from overbearing parents, and somewhere along the way, in her dream career, she had lost herself. This was an emotional minefield of a story of second chances, forgiveness and learning to shed armor and pride. A quote that stuck out to me from this story - "Tomorrow's a new day with no mistakes." You may need a box of tissues handy for this one. My emotions were all over the place. I felt sadness, joy and anger, but I mostly felt blessed and fulfilled after reading this story.

Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lately Susan May Warren has teamed up with other authors to produce new series based on earlier ones. You’re the Reason is a return to the town of Heritage that was featured in the series by Tari Faris, who is the coauthor. The duo has produced a heartwarming romance that includes strong family dynamics as well as enough drama and action to hold the interest of the most particular readers.

When childhood friends Grace Howell and Seth Warner reconnect, it’s not exactly a warm reunion. A misunderstanding has provided them both with the same space for her ballet practice and his gym equipment. It takes awhile for them to advance past open hostility to compromise and a renewal of their friendship.

It doesn’t help that Grace’s parents are determined to see her return to her role as featured ballerina with her company despite an injury that if not treated could end her career. Truthfully, Grace has almost forgotten why she loved ballet. Her joy is gone. Seth carries a heavy load of regrets about his past but is determined to prove that he has overcome his addiction and can be a productive member of society. His low self-esteem threatens to derail his progress. With input from wise and supportive friends, Grace and Seth learn to discern the Lord’s plan for their lives and to ignore the external and internal voices that attempt to control them.

You’re the Reason is a wonderful tale with deeply developed characters that won me over. I loved revisiting Heritage and was happy to find the hippo was still very much a part of the town’s character. This book can easily stand on its own but I would encourage anyone who has not read the previous books by Tari Faris to do so asap.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

[Giovanna Fernandes · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 ★
***SPOILERS***






























































































































The story was good. A broken boy, who has really reaseanable trust issues. And a girl that has made ballet her life because of her very strict parents. But then teh whole religious thing kind of ruined for me. And I would like to point it ou that I don’t descriminate no one, but I don’t have that connection with religion and my mind won’t be changed about that. I went into this book blindly so I had no idea that had religious involved. And it didn’t completely annoy me, just in a few moments. What annoyed me the most in this book was how Grace turned the whole story arround so she was the one who had a reason to be hurt by Seth. He was so reluctant to be close with her because everyone on his life, including him, had no faith in him, and that was proved when one the fisrt “mistake” that he made (even though he did nothing wrong, he literally save a kid from going on the wrong path) his cousing Jon is awful to him and has zero believe in what he is telling him, and to top that, after 5 minutes that Grace says that Seth can trust her, that she won’t let him behind, she doesn’t believe in him either, and I don’t care that she was the one that made Zane confess to what had happened, she doubted him, we read her point of view when she found out what had happend to him, and she doubter everything that they had gone through together, and then she makes him apologize to her, saying that he was only pushing her away, he has every right to do it, he had done nothing to make her doubt him. I hated that whole part so mauch.

[Carol R Gehringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authors Susan May Warren and Tari Faris present a new inspirational contemporary romance series set in Heritage, a small town in Michigan (introduced to readers in Faris’ Restoring Heritage series).

In You’re the Reason, prima ballerina Grace Howell returns to Heritage to heal from her recent injury. While recuperating, she begins teaching ballet. Meanwhile, convicted felon Seth Warner also finds himself in Heritage, a community who hasn’t forgotten his role in Grace’s brother’s death. Can he find redemption and a second chance? Can they forge a future together, despite their complicated past and the strong opinions of others?

Warren & Farris write an inspiring romance that deals with the recovery and drug addiction, consequences of one’s choices, childhood trauma, and forgiveness. It weaves the themes of second chances, clean romance, faith elements, and finding one’s purpose throughout the story. Seth teaches Grace that love doesn’t have to be earned. Readers - be prepared for an emotional roller coaster as they respond to what life throws at them.

The main characters are realistic and flawed; they make mistakes and eventually learn from them. Secondary characters from Faris’ earlier Heritage books make a welcome appearance. While it is not necessary to read those books before reading You’re the Reason, most readers will enjoy reading them before (or after) this book.

Recommended for adult collections in public libraries. Fans of Susan May Warren, Tari Faris, Becky Wade, and Courtney Walsh will delight to read this series.

Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’re the Reason
Home to Heritage #1
By Susan May Warren
and Tari Faris

Seth Warner needs a job and knows he can get one from his cousin. He's hoping for a chance to rebuild his life, but with a felony attached to his name returning to Heritage is the only way he can see to go forward. But visiting the past was not something he wanted to do. He was changed, but somethings aren't easily forgotten or forgiven. And he never expected to see Grace Howell.

Grace needs to recover if she has any hope of dancing again, and she needs to rediscover her passion. Her parents' push for perfection has pushed it out of her heart. Can she find it in Heritage?

When a bit of a snafu finds Grace and Seth sharing the same piece of real estate it makes for an interesting conundrum; logistically speaking.


And the situation allows them the chance that their teen years and her parents didn't. But can they let go of the past and all the its pain to achieve their heart's desire?

This is a book of second chances and new beginnings but it will never happen if they can't step back and examine their lives from a different perspective. I have to say Grace rubbed me the wrong way when the book first started, she had an attitude of I'm better than all this - I'm a dancer, I don't teach. But as the story went on I think fear was her motivation. And Seth had my sympathy from the very beginning. He just seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time way too much. This was a good read for anyone looking for a new Contemporary Christian Romance to add to their TBR list.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Grace, ballet has always been everything, and failure not an option. When she loses her leading role due to an injury, she comes home to Heritage to heal. But she can't afford to be distracted, and Heritage is full of distractions - Seth, her brother's childhood friend now grown up, her new ballet class, and her young students. Life has taught her that love must be earned, and it's a hard mindset to change. Seth left Heritage in a hurry after his life blew up, and he's only back now because he's desperate - and he doesn't plan to stay. But Grace is back, more beautiful than ever, and most of the town seems happy to have him back. Can he learn to accept that he doesn't need to do life alone? They have a bright future in front of them if they can only let go of the past...

A deeply moving and heart-warming story of overcoming - whether it be a need for success, an addiction, or a fear of asking for help. There are many stumbling blocks on their road to peace, but with help from each other and various friends, we rejoice in their final success in a satisfying conclusion. I loved watching them find their way to each other, because they so clearly supported each other to be better people. And the secondary characters really add to things too. Of course, not all the characters are pleasant, and I would happily have knocked both her parents on the head until they got their priorities straight. Gabe, on the other hand, is a different matter, and I'd love to see him get his own story once he gets his life together a bit more. All in all, it's an inspiring story in many ways, and I'm eager for the next book in the series.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Kim - Inside the Wong Mind · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're the Reason
by Tari Faris, Susan May Warren
Book 1 in the Home to Heritage series
Rating: 4.5/5

What a tremendous teamup! I was excited to return to Heritage and catch up with old friends. As someone who thoroughly enjoyed the original Restoring Heritage series, I was excited to read more and get to know some of the other characters better. As someone who adores ballet and enjoys ninja warrior competitions, I was interested to see how these two imperfect characters could come together. This story dealt with some grittier backgrounds which was refreshing for me - nothing too graphic but definitely relevant. These authors know how to make me laugh, cry, get angry with injustice and fall in love. I could not put the story down and I eagerly await the next book in the series (which lucky for me comes out in a few months). Faith is tactfully woven throughout in this story of hope for second chances.

Highly recommend this beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness to those that enjoy clean, inspirational romance with heart and humor.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Contempory Romance novels. You're the Reason by Susan May Warren with Tari Faris is the most recent novel in this genre that I have read. Tari Faris is a new to me author and this is Book 1 in the Home to Heritage Series.

WOW, the storyline really captivated me from the very first chapter. This book focuses on Seth Warner and Grace Howell. Grace is a Ballerina and has to take time off to heal from an injury. She goes home to Heritage, Michigan where she runs into Seth Warner. Seth and Grace had a past and Grace isn't exactly happy to see him again. I really LOVE how they both come back to Heritage with intentions of only staying for a bit. The both have found happiness and are finding their careers have more of an opportunity in Heritage then out of town. Seth's past is catching up to him and may destroy the future career and his future with Grace. I LOVE how he tackles this to clear his name and to secure his future. Grace wanted to go back to her former job but suddenly finds that Seth and the opportunity is a good reason to not return to her former job. The book is one of Second Chances, Romance and Hometown families. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Contempory Romance! FANTASTIC BOOK!

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Real love doesn’t come with conditions…It isn’t based on your performance, it’s based on who you are. We all have wins and losses. People who love you are with you for both.”

It has been a while since I visited Heritage, and I wish that I could’ve reread the whole series before this book. I highly recommend you do. All of the characters play a part in the story – important parts. There is town and familial history.

This was a wonderful romance. A reformed bad boy and a ballerina. History between them that causes joy and issues. I forgot how well Ferris could weave a story and completely capture your heart. This story held a lot of pain – drugs and so much more. Family expectations. A journey to faith and belief. Just when I thought that I had gone through the wringer, bam! We get squeezed again. This was a riveting tale that starts soft and slow and quickly ramps up and engages your entire heart and being. The combo of Warren and Faris was incredible. I can’t wait for more.

I received an ARC of this book via Just Read Tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heritage, Michigan is the setting of this lovely story that's filled with forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. Seth and Grace each left Heritage as teenagers but they're both back, emotional baggage and all. Seth's struggles are real but he's determined to prove his self-worth, and Grace must decide if her parents' dreams for her future are truly what she wants. Can they overcome their pasts, find new purposes, and build a future in this very special place?

I love it when bad choices from our past become the stepping stones to a brighter tomorrow. Authors Tari Faris and Susan May Warren perfectly illustrate this in their story of reconciliations and restoration! Are you needing to be swept away to a place of hope and healing? Heritage is certainly the place!

You're the Reason is a delightful contemporary romance with memorable characters, a lovely setting, and an inspiring faith message. I highly recommend it to all who enjoy Christian romance!

I received a complimentary copy from the authors and Sunrise Publishing. There was no obligation for a positive review.

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re the Reason by Tari Faris and Susan May Warren is a lovely first book in the Heritage community. I was already a fan of this town and Ms Faris’s previous books set in Heritage. It is a warm, welcoming small town with beautifully imperfect people and a town hippo statue that always shows up when needed. If you’ve read the previous books in this series, you will just love seeing familiar characters and their continued stories in this book. This book can also be read as a standalone novel since Grace and Seth’s story is amazing all on its own. Readers of sweet romance will love this second chance romance. My favorite part of this book is its message. The themes of hope and God’s persistent love for us— these resonated seamlessly through the novel. I cannot recommend this book enough and cannot wait for the next installment. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will love this amazing story of redemption and forgiveness coauthored by Tari Faris and Susan May Warren! Grace and Seth never expected to return to Heritage as adults but Grace suffers an injury as a ballerina and Seth needs the job offered by his cousin. Grace's family blames Seth for the death of their son from drugs. Seth's mother fell apart and turned to drugs and men after his father was killed in military action. While in high school Seth and Grace's brothers end up doing drugs. An old attraction between Seth and Grace is rekindled but can they trust each other? Grace's parents certainly don't trust Seth and he has to decide if he really believes in the forgiveness that he claims God has given him. I recommend You're the Reason to others. I received a complimentary e-book from the authors and Sunrise Publishing. This is my honest opinion.