He’s helping her stay. She’s making sure he can leave. This second chance at love in a small town will tug at your heart and make you believe in love all over again.
"Sadie and David’s journey to salvage love and a family legacy will steal your breath and reaffirm your belief in second chances. A must-read for anyone who cherishes a heart-pounding romance as much as a heartwarming happy-ever-after." USA Today best-selling author Susan May Warren
Love ignites in a last-chance hardware store, but will their hearts, like the failing family business, require a rescue?
She just wants a fresh start…
Inheriting her best friend’s daughter and a store on the brink of collapse, Sadie Hoover is determined to provide Lottie a stable life and keep the family business afloat. But her resolve is tested when the past walks in, wearing a tool belt and a smile that still weakens her knees.
Is he back to break her heart?
David Williams, once the love of Sadie’s life, returns to Heritage not as the missionary he was, but as a man in search of healing and purpose. Tasked with community service, he’s thrown into the daily grind of nuts and bolts, unaware that the hardware store’s troubles—and Sadie’s struggles—are more than just loose hinges and unpaid bills.
What will it cost her to fall for him again?
As they grapple with financial peril and the echoes of a love once lost, David and Sadie are forced to confront what they truly want. The store’s impending foreclosure looms over them, a testament to their joint past and the future they must shape. If the store fails, they lose not just a legacy, but the second chance life has offered them. Can they rekindle their love while saving the heart of Heritage, or will their dreams rust away like forgotten tools?
Can love be rebuilt from the ruins of their shared history, or will the fight for survival drive the final wedge between them?
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)
This may just be my favourite second-chance romance of all time! I honestly can’t remember the last time I was so dazzled by a novel.
Why? Because author Mandy Boerma absolutely nailed the emotions that I connect with in (second chance) romance novels. Her characters are carefully crafted, allowing me to connect with them immediately. Not only are her two kissing scenes … chef’s kiss…but Boerma also knows the importance of dialing up the initial angst and discomfort between characters when they meet for the first few times after years of not seeing each other. Boerma’s characters’ interactions are authentic, and she masterfully introduces the romance and roadblocks so that readers are constantly on the alert as to the feasibility of maintaining the romance while at the same time showcasing each character’s personality as they deal with the challenges.
I loved the reminders about keeping pride in check so that it doesn’t cripple relationships, the importance of refocusing when we get off track, and the concept that God’s will is not a ‘one size fits all’, BUT I’ll remember this book for (1) the emotional depth/kissing scenes and (2) the reminder that God takes care of ALL the flies.
If you enjoy faith-filled second-chance romances, this one’s a MUST READ.
I've been enjoying this series on Kindle Unlimited and have added Mandy Boerma to my auto-read list!
What a joy to visit Heritage, Michigan with so many former book characters and beloved Otis.
Sadie inherits the family hardware store that has been in the family for generations. What she doesn't know is that the store comes with debt. A lot of debt. As if this weren't enough of a challenge, she's in the process of adopting a child and her former boyfriend returns to Heritage.
After serving in Costa Rica, David comes back to Heritage to refresh following a tragic water incident. He's determined to return to Costa Rica, but is that God's will?
Loved the character growth in both Sadie and David. The cover is adorable.
"She'd trusted God to bless her plans, but could she really trust Him to take the lead?"
Heritage, MI is always a favorite place for me to return. I enjoyed connecting with Leah and Caroline and getting to know David, their older brother. I loved seeing how the main characters in each book of the series (and extended series) are connected and related to each other. These relationships make the town feel quite cozy. David's struggle of trying to find his purpose and calling after a tragic accident was so real and heartfelt. His desire to follow God's will, frustration and discouragement at His silence, self-doubt, and regrets hit home. When he finally realized how he's been going about it the wrong way - asking God to bless his already man-made plans instead of letting God lead him to His perfectly laid out plan - his realization became my affirmation. I loved David's integrity, love of family, humility, and steadfast nature. Sadie's can-do attitude, strength, and love for her daughter were endearing. She too had to learn to let God lead and it was gratifying when she finally learned and leaned into His power. Sadie and David's history got in their way many times but their growth and maturity since their college days allowed them to grab ahold of their second chance and not let go.
You'll enjoy returning to Heritage and meeting David and Sadie. 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.
Here With Me was a wonderful story about trusting God with every aspect of your life, allowing people close to you, second chances, and above all, communication.
It was clear from the start of the story that Sadie’s and David’s love for each other ran deep, but miscommunication and misunderstandings kept them apart. I enjoy seeing them reconnecting and appreciated David’s desire to walk in God’s will, but also to realise sometimes when one season is done, God opens other opportunities as well.
I loved how all the side characters, as well as Sadie’s parents, were there around David and Sadie, to support them and give them wisdom, but giving them space to find their own way.
Looking forward to going back to reading the original series, and to continue with this collection.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This emotional, second chance at love story follows two people who actually always loved each other but were not good at communicating with each other ten years ago. Well, honestly, they still have a lot of work to do in this novel in regards to communication. They definitely have improved a bit, yet, some big mistakes are made simply due to a lack of communication.
These two also have trouble letting God guide them. They think they are trusting in God for the various big situations in their lives, however, it eventually becomes clear that they both approach God with their wants and are disappointed when He doesn’t fulfill each thing the way they think it should go.
I appreciated that both Sadie and David did grow both emotionally and in their spiritual journeys in this novel. They learned to trust each other once they let go of control and trusted God. They also had their eyes opened to the need to communicate with each other and even with their family members.
I enjoyed returning to Heritage. You can jump into these books without having read others, however, be aware that there are characters from other stories that appear in this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Here with Me By Tari Faris, Mandy Boerma Book 2 in the Home to Heritage series Rating: 4/5
This series from Tari Faris is so special. After reading the first book in this series, I was excited to read even more. I have read the original Restoring Heritage series and thoroughly enjoyed it. Though this book is a standalone, I recommend starting with the first book in the series.
The story is a breath of fresh air and it makes you want to keep reading until the end. The romance is fun, humorous and sweet. The characters are flawed and endearing. The message is faith-filled and relevant.
Highly recommend this clean romantic comedy full of second chances and renewed purpose.
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.
Here With Me is the second book in the Home to Heritage series and I'm once again caught up in this special place. A town where second chances are given, new beginnings are possible, and sweet romance isn't out of reach! Author Mandy Boerma remains true to the vision first shared by Tari Faris and Susan May Warren, and she "hits the ball out of the park" with her well-developed characters who handle real-life issues with faith, trust, and dedication to family.
I loved this heartwarming story and I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction.
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.
Another fun return to Heritage! I’m a longtime fan of these book, the town, the characters and of course Otis! Mandy does an amazing job to capture the heart and tone of the setting Tari created with her original Heritage series. The second chance romance for Sadie and David has a lot to overcome and the story of that felt very real and natural as the story progresses. Add in the characters we have come to know and love plus a few new faces, make for a great read. My next trip to Heritage can’t come soon enough for me!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Here with Me is a beautiful second chance novel. It feels like coming home again and being offered warm cookies and a cup of tea with a favourite relative.
Sadie and David have each returned to their hometown of Heritage, and their paths have crossed again. David is struggling with direction as his missionary job is currently on hold, and Sadie is going through a hard transition in the process of moving back home and adopting her late husbands daughter.
I received an ARC from the author, but this doesn't impact my thoughts on this novel.
Here With Me is the first book I have read written by Mandy Boerma, but I have read books by both Tari Faris and Susan May Warren. It was so captivating and encouraging. I could not put the book down. It was the perfect hallmark style novel. I look forward to what will come next for Heritage.
The character development was perfect. I loved getting inside Sadie’s head and heart. Seeing her struggle through her situation and learning to lean on God and others. I also enjoyed seeing David’s struggle with his situation. Battling with listening to God and being ok with his calling changing. Opening his heart to the past and the future. Working through the trauma he went through. The characters were truly multi-dimensional.
The storyline was perfect. The setting was great. I loved that it had that hallmark storyline and setting, but with the added faith dynamic.
The relationship between Sadie and David is sweet. It was the perfect story, the perfect balance with nothing spicy, just sweet and perfect. Just the way I appreciate things.
Mandy Boerma did a fantastic job intertwining faith throughout the entire novel. I was very encouraged by the book. It was the prefect reminder that I cannot do things on my own strength but need to rely on God. Also, that sometimes where God has placed us and the work that God has called us might change. That doesn’t mean we are any less used by God.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
This second installment in the Home to Heritage series has a powerful message. The themes of forgiveness, redemption, and second (hmm, hmm…even third?) chances is extremely poignant. And that found family? Icing on the cake! Thank you, Mandy, for gifting us such a beautiful story.
I particularly appreciated getting to know Pastor Nate a little better this time, and hearing his advice first hand - such a treat! Thank you for this real-life look into ministry among brothers.
And…Lottie. Oh, Lottie. A little girl with a heart-wrenching story, but the way God weaved together a new family for her, both immediate and extended (practically the whole town?) - was just beautiful!
A few Notable Quotables: - “We choose how to impact those we love. Sometimes people are only around a short time. But each relationship can have an important impact in someone’s life.” - Nate set his weights down on the rack and picked up another set. Sat down and started doing some bicep curls. “I’ve enjoyed having you close. I know your sisters have soaked up all the time you’re willing to give them. You keep saying you want to hear God again. But, David, maybe you just aren’t listening to what He is saying. And I know you feel God is silent right now, but let me ask you this—if you are only listening for one answer, are you really listening?” - Was this what home felt like? Because in this moment, David could see a future, different than anything he’d imagined before, but one where he could step in and support this incredible woman. Where he’d have the right to offer her comfort like this and so much more.
Thank you, Mandy, for real-life characters with real-life problems, and spiritual mountains to climb. I loved watching David and Sadie’s journey, both individually, and then together, and I loved each moment God intervened on their behalf.
To anyone out there looking for a high-stakes story of love and redemption, ripe with life lessons: you’ll love this one! What were some of those life lessons, you ask? Learning to trust God, inclining to hear God, and listening to Him with an open heart (just to name a few). And then (my personal favorite): for God, nothing is impossible.
Don’t miss this incredible second book in the Home to Heritage series - drive, fly, or swim to the little town of Heritage, and sit yourself down right next to Otis - you’ll surely find home in the pages of Here with Me!
This was an enjoyable addition to the Heritage sphere of characters as we get to revisit this wonderful small town and reacquaint ourselves with past characters while getting to know Sadie, David and Lottie. This is a second chance romance as Sadie and David dated seriously a decade ago but a misunderstanding split them up. Now David's back and trying to figure out if God's still called him to Costa Rica or is he to follow a new plan? Sadie's a widow, taking on her family's hardware store but realizing too late how much trouble it's in, all while raising her step-daughter and going through the process of adopting her. That's a lot for anyone and she's used to taking care of everything herself because she can't really trust anyone to help, including God. She'll decide the plan and then ask God to bless it. David feels like he knows the plan but for some reason it's not coming together like it should, so he needs to try harder. They were both very stubborn people, which was frustrating at times, as it seemed like they should have learned by now. David kept making the same mistakes and was sure he was meant to go back to Costa Rica but hadn't asked God about it. Sadie was too scared to trust him again and then when she started to, her worst fears seemed to be realized. What they had was a failure to communicate! David had a lot of good people in his life giving him great advice and it shows how important it is to listen to wise counsel. Sadie, too, had her family in her corner and the story and this town of Heritage really shows the importance of community and supporting each other. It also showed the importance of forgiveness and following God daily and being open to whatever His plans may be for you. The romance was satisfyingly sweet and you should enjoy this story if you like romance.
I received a free kindle copy of this book from the authors. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
This is a story of second chances, or maybe even more appropriately, new beginnings.
Sadie Hoover had her heart broken by David Williams. She has moved back to her hometown to try and save her parents' hardware store and raise her inherited daughter. She is single minded in her purpose and that is to turn her parents' hardware store around and finish up adoption proceedings for Lottie.
David Williams has become a hermit since he returned from the mission field in Costa Rica. They sent him home for what he hoped was a temporary time, but now they want to see him out in the community. This is how he ends up at Hoover Hardware offering to volunteer his time to help Sadie. Sadie wants to say no, but she needs his help. Needless to say the work environment is very uncomfortable and at times hostile.
Both main characters were engaging and multi-layered as you learn more about their past. There is a lot more than appears on the surface of their lives. It was emotionally draining at times as I was so invested in their story, that I felt the characters' emotions. Their flaws, both perceived and real, made them more realistic to me as the reader.
Sadie and David needed to learn to let go and let God. They had both lived in the valleys and the mountaintops, but somewhere along the way they lost something very important - hope. Lottie was one of my favorite characters with her open mind who wanted to soak up everything she encountered and loved everyone.
This was a wonderful, powerful, poignant and emotional story with a true lesson that love has hurdles, but it is worth it to let go. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy reading a romance with true depth.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
David is only back in Heritage until he's cleared to return to Costa Rica and the school he teaches at - and after the way they parted 10 years ago, he's made sure to steer clear of the hardware store and any chance of meeting Sadie. But when the mission board require him to do work in the community to prove that he's fit, the hardware store is the only place with an opening. But working with the person who broke your heart isn't what either of them wants. And meanwhile Sadie is struggling to keep the store afloat and working to finalise the adoption of her dead husband's daughter. Will David - and all the memories he evokes - help or hinder? Is this a second chance after all these years, or just a hurdle to clear?
A delightful addition to the series (but can be read on its own). For ten years, David and Sadie have each blamed the other for their breakup - and held out no hope of anything more ever happening between them. But now we get to see them together at last as more mature adults who just might be able to make things work, if only they can overcome their personal difficulties and learn to communicate. It's not always an easy journey, but it's a very worthwhile journey, and I loved watching them take it. Lottie is an interesting addition to the cast, and I also enjoy the way their respective families get involved. Add to all this the inspirational message that God's plans for us can change, and to live a true Christian life, we need to be finding and following those plans - and it's a great read. I loved it and am already looking forward to my next visit to Heritage.
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.
Authors Susan May Warren, Mandy Boerma, and Tari Faris continue the inspirational contemporary romance series set in Heritage, a small town in Michigan (introduced to readers in Faris’ Restoring Heritage series).
In Here With Me, Sadie Hoover returns to Heritage to revitalize her family’s hardware store and to raise her best friend’s daughter, Lottie. While trying to balance her new life as a single mom and complete the adoption process, a blast from her past – her first love, David Williams, walks through her door, to do community service as her handyman. Can they put aside the past hurts to work together? Can they find a second chance at love and healing for both of them, as well as a new purpose?
Here With Me is an inspiring romance with themes of second chances, forgiveness, redemption - as well as faith elements woven into the well-written clean romance. The main characters are realistic and flawed; they struggle with their pasts and finding purpose after losing hope. They become individuals the reader will relate to and cheer on as they face their future.
Secondary characters from Faris’ earlier Heritage books make a welcome appearance. While it is not necessary to read those books before reading this, most readers will enjoy reading them before (or after) this book. The third book in this series, Christmas With You, is expected at the end of October.
Recommended for 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.
Sadie Hoover and David Williams thought they had their future all planned out. Upon graduating college the pair was set to take over the Hoover Hardware Store. That is until David unexpectedly decided to take a missionary position abroad, unbeknownst to Sadie.
After a decade of no communication, Sadie and David reconnect in Heritage, the small town where they first fell in love. Though many things have changed, their feelings for one another haven’t. Can time heal old wounds, or will they endure heartache all over again?
Here With Me is the second book in the Home to Heritage Series. It marks the return to Tari Faris’ Restoring Heritage Series but adds the talented writing of Mandy Boerma and Susan May Warren.
As a fan of the original series, I loved how Faris rooted the Heritage love stories in reality. The main characters are just ordinary, flawed people living ordinary lives. But with the help of God and those close to them, they experience remarkable love. I appreciate that this series follows suit.
This is a heartwarming second chance romance. Without giving too much away I thought the themes of forgiveness (of debts and transgressions), trust, and communication were beautifully done.
I am so happy to have had the opportunity to return to the charming town of Heritage. It is filled with some of the most likable characters and tradition. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who loves reading clean romances with elements of the Christian faith.
Special thanks to Sunrise Publishing, Tari Faris, Susan May Warren, and Mandy Boerma for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Here With Me. That's all that Sadie and David wanted, ten years ago; was to have the other one right there, with them. In David's eyes, Sadie walked away. To Sadie's heart, David left. For Costa Rica, on the mission field. But oh, the miscommunication.
When David has to take some time after an injury to recover, he returns to his and Sadie's home town. All he's focused on doing, however, is getting himself healed so that he can go back to serving in Costa Rica. But he hasn't been released to do so. In fact, his supervisors would like to see him get involved with his home community.
Which is how he comes face to face with Sadie again. Sadie--and her daughter. And Sadie is just as shocked to see David. Neither of them wants to really give up the right to be angry and hurt. But could it be that there's fault on both sides? And can they overcome that hurt to perhaps see if there's a chance for them again?
Maybe. But it's going to take a lot of work.
In Here With Me, readers get to go "Home to Heritage" to revisit the sweet town, Otis, the hippo, and of course, David and Sadie. This is a warm story filled with hope and God; and His love for even those who've made the worst mistakes.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own.
I really enjoy Contempory Romance novels. Here with Me by Mandy Boerma and Tari Faris with Susan May Warren is the most recent novel in this genre that I have read. It is Book 2 in the Home to Heritage Series.
I was so happy to see that Book 2 had been released and got to reading it right away. I can honestly say that it is a "couldn't put it down" book. I dove right into Sadie and David's story and I kept reading until I finished the book. Sadie inherited a Hardware store and in the process of adopting a young girl, Lottie. David is back from Costa Rica after a tragic accident. They have known each other since childhood and had a past relationship. Sadie is determined to rescue the Hardware store from the massive amount of debt. David is unaware that the store is failing, but as soon as he discovers this truth, he wants to do all he can to save the store. I really LOVE how Sadie and David realize that they still have feelings for one another after all these years. I truly LOVE that Sadie and David realize that they are not trusting God's plan and once they realize this, good things happen! The book is one of Second Chances, Romance and Hometown families. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Contempory Romance! AMAZING BOOK!
This is another fabulous book. Sadie Hoover has returned to Heritage to take over the family hardware store. She has brought her 9 year old daughter with her. She learns once she has moved that the store is in financial trouble and she doesn't know if she will be able to save it in time or not. In addition to the financial crisis, she has an adoption hearing coming up and she hopes to legally make Lottie her daughter for real but forces seem to be working against her from every side.
David Williams loved Sadie Hoover fiercely but when he left for Costa Rica ten years ago and didn't invite her to join him, he broke her heart. What he didn't realize was that she let him go but has been nursing a broken heart for ten years. Now, he has returned to Heritage to recover from a near fatal accident that happened in Costa Rica. He wants to continue to do God's work in Costa Rica. But, he may just learn, if he will stop and listen for the answers he is seeking, that God can change the direction of our lives if we will let Him. And, He knows what is best for us if we will include surrender our will to His will.
This was a wonderful story of redemption, forgiveness, undying love and being willing to see what God sees and wants for our lives.
Here with Me is the second book in a fun romantic series by Susan May Warren and featuring new authors as well. You’re going to love it!
Get ready, get set, open and read! You’re going to love this fun romantic fiction novel. It’s full of faith and also fun to read. A love story that needs some help and has to go through problems. But that’s true of all relationships, right? So bring real life into a book! This book shows love and faith all together and how they need to be intertwined and I love it.
I love the setting. And the characters. Honestly, I can’t really think of anything that I don’t love about this book. I’ve read the first one in the series. It’s just as wonderful and this book contains and expands on the characters and setting. I can’t wait to come back in the next book! It can’t come fast enough!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Here With Me might sound like a Hallmark movie on paper but Sadie and David's story goes so far beyond, reaching deep into readers' hearts. I thought it was their romance I'd love the most, and while I did love the romance (swoon!), it was their journeys which will stay with me long after finishing the book. The hard truths they learnt about trust, faith, family, second chances, and what it really means to love and be loved. Even at our lowest. Their story went beyond a novel I was reading to truly speak to my heart and challenge me in ways I never expected. All while making me smile at the beauty and romance and how utterly adorable certain characters were.
Heritage is such a special town and group of brokenly beautiful people touched by grace. Every time I get to 'travel' back there is a treat.
Also, Otis :)
So grateful to the author and publishers for the chance to read an early copy of this book. All thoughts (and fangirling over this remarkable town) are definitely my own.
There's a richness to Here With Me that I haven't experienced in storytelling for a rather long time. I enjoyed both Sadie and David--and the layers of who they once were, who they are, who they might become. Here With Me is like a flavorful dish with nuances to delight and surprise the palette. It's both nostalgic and promising of the future. I wanted to binge it as much as savor it.
Mandy Boerma's storytelling voice is sweet and fresh. It made me laugh out loud and tear up--so much like real life. I loved the interplay of character conversations between friends and family members. The way a sister chides the other. The jokes they share. There's a true sense of comfort and love.
The quick-witted writing tempers some of the deeper themes of the book, so there's true substance without it becoming emotionally heavy or burdensome. It's exactly the right balance of depth and happily-ever-after. It's a definite must-read and at the top of my 2024 reads.
It's always fun to return to Heritage and Otis! Sadie and David have a past but parted because they failed to be completely honest with each other. Now ten years later they both return to Heritage as different people than they were when they tell in love in college. Sadie is a widow with a stepdaughter who has returned to take over the family hardware store which she discovers is on the verge of bankruptcy. David is healing physically and emotionally from a tragedy that occurred on the mission field. You will love how God works in both of their lives and they learn to be honest with others instead of trying to take care of everything on their own. I recommend Here With Me to others who enjoy contemporary romance. I received a complimentary advance e-book from Sunrise Publishing. This is my honest opinion.
"Serving God required sacrifice, and David was giving up everything."
This was a great return to the small town of Heritage, Michigan. Boerma is a new to me author, championed by two authors I love and trust. This was a wonderful Christian romance full of faith and family. There is a little girl working through grief, second chances, a missionary, a hardware store, a historical clock, and more. The romance was great but, even more, I love the lessons in this book about faith and trust and working together. You cannot derail God’s plan and you cannot surprise Him. He has it all in hand. I loved tagging along as our characters learned to trust God and each other. I’m looking forward to more in this series and more from this author.
I received an ARC of this book via Just Read Tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is the second Home to Heritage book. I enjoyed the way Boerma has woven in characters and places from the earlier Heritage books. You don’t have to have read the earlier books, but if you have, you’ll enjoy reading about old “friends” and familiar places.
There are good insights re: being in control vs trusting God, handling all your own problems alone vs letting family and friends help, and honest communication vs not telling everything to avoid upsetting the other person.
I loved the characters and their interactions, and there are swoony kisses. Then there were the plot twists that had me saying, “No, no, don’t do that!” All in all I loved the book and am eager for the next one.
I am a huge fan of Tari Faris' Restoring Heritage series. So when I saw that Faris had teamed up with Susan May Warren and Many Boerma to do a continuation with the Home to Heritage books, I was all in. And this book does not disappoint. Featuring my favorite characters from the original series, Here With Me was just like coming home. I was quickly enraptured with the plot as themes of trust, forgiveness, new beginnings, and the fight for those you love came alive before me. Boerma's storytelling style is so heartwarming and genuine, that my emotions were on full alert the entire time. In no way was I ready for this story to end. I can only hope we have not seen the last of these remarkable characters.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This was such a sweet and heartwarming book. Here With Me is the second book in the series. I haven’t read the first one yet, but it didn’t hinder my ability to enjoy this book. Sadie and David's second chance, small-town romance tugged on all of my heartstrings and reinforced my love for this trope. One of my favorite scenes was when David stayed to help look for Lottie—it truly showcased his care for both Sadie and Lottie and reinforced where God wanted him to be. This heartfelt moment strengthened the overall message of healing and love. This was a sweet romance with a happy ending and had a theme of forgiveness throughout the whole book. It was a perfect blend of healing and romance, and I had a hard time putting this one down. Thank you to the author for the ARC copy, all thoughts are my own.
I really enjoyed reading this book in two days! Life has felt heavy lately, so reading an uplifting but realistic story lifted my spirits. It was not hard to follow these characters immediately and jump right in. I wanted to know what would happen next. Working at a mission board full-time, the story line about him being a missionary in Costa Rica was really interesting as well. Also about needing to heal before he could return is very realistic. The things our missionaries go through most no one knows. I just loved this. Had a slower day at work and read this and then read more as I got home and finally finished it. Can’t wait to read the next one!
I’m always happy to return to Heritage. Small-town charm, characters that face real-world challenges, and of course, I love to see where Otis will pop up! Mandy Boerma has written a great second-chance romance. Sadie carries the world on her shoulders alone, too afraid to depend on anyone but herself, and the burden is only getting heavier. David is stuck in the past due to his own trauma and his reluctance to understand that sometimes God inspires a new dream. Their struggles are real as they learn how to communicate with one another and with God.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading Sadie and David's history. The life changes they had to make were no easy ones, but I admired their courage and resilience to forge ahead despite life's curveballs. Another highlight of this book for me was the support system they had around them. Their support system was solid—friends and family who spurred and supported them into the place God wanted them to be.
The themes of trusting in God, family, and second chances were among the life lessons I enjoyed in this book.
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.