Falling Into Us: A heartwarming, low-spice contemporary romance

by Denise Hunter

She only meant to drop off a letter. She found a family instead.

Gabby Donaldson's late mother left her with one final deliver a letter to her estranged mother. Once Gabby fulfills her mom's deathbed promise, she'll leave behind the grandmother she never knew and return to her carefully constructed life in the city. With a fulfilling career as a jewelry designer, she's convinced she doesn't need roots to feel whole.

But locating Rosemary proves more complicated than expected. And when journalist--and single dad--Mason Morrison offers help in exchange for telling her story, Gabby agrees. The arrangement seems simple he gets the human-interest piece that could be his big break, and she gets to fulfill her mother's final wish.

What neither anticipates is how quickly professional boundaries blur. As Gabby is drawn into Mason's world--and the life he's built with his precocious twelve-year-old daughter--Gibson begins to feel less like a stopover and more like home.

Yet the past has a way of complicating the present. If Gabby uncovers the truth about her family, will it free her to move forward--or make leaving impossible? And when the story is finally written, will she return to the life she planned . . . or risk falling into one she never saw coming?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Christian

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2026

About the author

Denise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest and four beautiful grandchildren.

Denise gives away books and gifts cards in every monthly newsletter! Subscribe here to be eligible: https://www.denisehunterbooks.com

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock]

Watauga County, North Carolina. Gabrielle Donaldson's late mother Alice left her with a letter to deliver to the grandmother she didn’t know she had. Gabby rents a B & B and once she fulfils her promise, she will return to Indianapolis, her adoptive aunties and jewellery business.

Mason Morrison owns the property Gabby is staying at, he’s a widower and has a twelve year old daughter Peyton. Mason is a journalist, he needs to write a human-interest piece, to be promoted and is stumped.

Gabby is having trouble finding Rosemary, Mason offers to help and she agrees he can use her missing grandmother story as a basis for his article.

Gabby finds herself spending time with Mason, Peyton and at Autumn Creek Farm his parent’s property and with his family. Gabby is drawn to Mason and likes Gibson and the small town atmosphere.

I received a complimentary copy of Falling Into Us by Denise Hunter from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The reader is taken on a journey to find Rosemary, and both Gabby and Mason have to deal with unexpected situations and feelings. Gabby’s was rejected by her father, her mum lied and she has issue around trust and being vulnerable. Mason lost his wife in an accident, is he’s ready to move forward and take his wedding band off, he’s smothering his daughter and guilt is weighing him down.

A nice clean and wholesome second chance romance story, I thoroughly enjoyed, it reinforces time is short and make the most of everyday and five stars.

[Jenn]

Another 5 star read from Denise Hunter. I was excited to receive the ARC for her latest novel, Falling Into Us. It follows Gabby who is looking for her long lost grandmother. To her surprise, her mother on her deathbed revealed that her grandmother disowned her after getting pregnant at 19. Gabby has a lot of emotions to tackle - from her mom lying to her for her whole life, to honouring her request from her mom to deliver a letter to the grandmother. While in Gibson, where the grandmother last lived, Gabby finds comfort with her Airbnb host (and journalist), Mason.

The novel is filled with emotional trauma and finding family. Romance was sweet and the characters finely developed. A perfect romance read from the fabulous Denise Hunter. Releases October 2026.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Hannah Stob]

This was a sweet, Christian romance! There isn’t necessarily anything about it that was ground breaking or addicting, but it was an enjoyable read overall.

I love the small town feel and the found family. Mason’s family is what dreams are made of! I liked the setting of the family farm too - honestly what I would love in my own life 😆

One tedious thing I didn’t like was the lack of identifying who was talking during dialogue. I had to go back at times to identify who started the conversation and do a process of elimination.

Overall, it’s exactly what you’d expect out of Christian fiction!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

[Maureen Timerman]

The book reads like a warm hug, and keeps giving throughout the read! The author does a beautiful job with weaving this tale, and how it is all woven together is wonderful!
Finding love, not just romantic, a young girl whom has lost her Mom, a young women whom has also lost her mother, a man whom has lost his wife. Then a man whom was airlifted out of Vietnam, closure, but how it comes to be is wow!
When some of the conclusions start to happen, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, will they be what you hoped?
I loved the epilogue, and now wish I could continue on in this story!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Amber (amberreadsitall)]

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook and audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Title: Falling Into Us
Author: Denise Hunter
Format: 🎧 and 📖
Pub date: October 13, 2026
Rating: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gabby Donaldson travels to a small town in North Carolina to fulfill a promise to her late mother. Her mother’s last wish was for Gabby to deliver a letter to her estranged grandmother, Rosemary.

Finding Rosemary proves to be more difficult than Gabby bargained for, so she teams up with local, single dad, Mason Morrison, to find Rosemary. However, they both find more than they bargained for along the way.

I really enjoyed this sweet, small town romance. It was just what I needed to get me excited about my Fall tbr. I loved watching Gabby’s character grow and evolve as she realized her self-worth was not defined by rejection or abandonment.

The audio of this book was performed by Kim Churchill. She did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. The print and audio were both enjoyable formats.

Themes and tropes:
🧡single dad
🧡small town
🧡family farm
🧡healing from grief
🧡unexpected romance
🧡family reconciliation
🧡found family
🧡forgiveness
🧡kisses only
🧡no profanity
🧡Christian Faith elements

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zodervan Audio, and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.

[Hannah]

One of my favorite Denise Hunter books so far. The found family, the setting, and the characters all had me hooked from the start. I adored the sweet conclusion and the way the author handled all of the harder topics. Add this to your list if you’re looking for a sweet and touching romance that’ll pull at your heartstrings.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Rosie Trzewik]

So what was supposed to be listening a couple of hours while doing some cleaning ended up me getting so drawn into story I had to finish it. Trying to honor her mother’s dying wish to deliver a letter to her grandmother, a grandmother she never knew she had. A grandmother that had thrown her mother out of her home when she found out her daughter was pregnant with her. Gabby will honor her mother’s wishes, but wants nothing to do with her grandmother. Just hand her the letter and head back out of town. Should be easy right? Wrong, grandmother isn’t living at the address that was on the letter and now the search begins.
Mason, single dad to preteen has a lot on his plate, writer for the local newspaper, part time professor, landlord and he does try’s to help out on the family farm. He now has a chance to get the publisher job but was told he needs to write a human interest story. Not his normal genre but when his new tenant lets on why she is in town he sees a story in the making. Unfortunately she flat out told him no. And then she shows up at his school office asking for help.
I got so wrapped up in the characters, they will tug at your heartstrings. I could relate to parts of this story and many readers will also. A definite winner, I did listen to the audio version of this story and the narrator knew how to draw one into the story. Thank you #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for this ARC. All opinions expressed are truly my own.

[Katie (hiding in the pages)]

The heartwarming setting and feelings of found family solidified my love for this sweet story.

Gabby is determined to fulfill a deathbed promise and finds herself dealing with all kinds of emotions and situations. Journalist Mason offers to help and this tender story sweeps away boundaries and lines in an effort to uncover the truth in the most powerful of ways.

Denise Hunter gracefully tackles complex scenarios and feelings, while simultaneously creating the most beautiful romantic connection. Gabby’s relationship with Mason’s daughter is the icing on top.

This is Christian Fiction at its finest–not preachy, but inspirational and satisfying. Hunter’s writing hits all the right spots.

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

[Mamawattto4 Melissa]

Thank you Thomas Nelson audio and NetGalley for the ARC

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Denise Hunter does it again! I absolutely loved Falling Into Us. I’m already a huge Denise Hunter fan, so I had high hopes going into this one, and it did not disappoint.

I loved Gabby’s journey as she slowly discovers the family and sense of belonging she never knew she was missing. The relationship with Mason and his daughter was such a sweet addition to the story, and I really enjoyed watching Gabby’s carefully planned life start to change in ways she never expected.

There was romance, family secrets, second chances, and plenty of heart. It was one of those stories that just pulls you in and makes you want to see how everything is going to unfold.

I listened to this one on audio, and the narrator did a fantastic job. Her narration really brought the characters and emotions to life and made this an especially enjoyable listen.

Another 5 star read from Denise Hunter for me! ❤️

[Jocelyn]

Falling Into Us is a sweet clean romance novel by Denise Hunter.

Gabby's mothers dying wish was for Gabby to deliver a letter to her estranged mother. Gabby had never met her grandmother, Rosemary, and was very resentful of how her mother was treated when she found herself pregnant.

Widower Mason Morrison is a reporter. And a landlord. Gabby rents his cabin for two days to locate her grandmother in North Carolina. Things don't go exactly as planned. Mason wants to help Gabby find her grandmother. A trail that ends up taking weeks. And in that time, a sweet romance starts to bloom.

This book is a heartfelt and emotional story. The characters felt so real. Gabby's issues with trust. Mason's guilty feelings over the death of his wife. Peyton, Mason's daughter, is such a sweet addition, hungry for a woman's touch. The Morrison family welcomes Gabby into the fold, even though they did not really know her. Grandmother Rosemary's cheerfulness in her surrounding. This is definitely a book you will enjoy.

Family, compassion, forgiveness and a romance round out this clean story. As always Denise Hunter is a master at writing well rounded characters. Her stories never disappoint.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

[Lisa Heil]

Review of Advanced Copy received from NetGalley

Falling Into Us
By: DeniseHunter
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio
Pub Date: October 2026
Narrator: Kim Churchill
Christian
Romance
Women’s Fiction
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


Gabby Donaldson arrives in Gibson with one simple mission: deliver a letter her mother left behind for the grandmother she never knew. Then she plans to head back to her carefully constructed city life. Simple, right? Of course, this is a romance, so we all know things aren’t going to go quite according to plan.

Gabby’s grandmother, Rosemary, is living with dementia, and fulfilling her mother’s final wish brings up far more emotions than Gabby expected. She’s looking for closure, but along the way, she begins uncovering pieces of her mother, her family, and herself that she never knew.

Enter Mason Morrison, a journalist and single dad who offers to help Gabby in exchange for the chance to tell her story. Their professional arrangement quickly becomes much more personal as Gabby finds herself drawn to Mason, his twelve-year-old daughter Peyton, and the entire community of Gibson.

A few things I loved:

• Found family: Gabby’s aunties are such a blessing. Their love, advice, and friendship give her the support she desperately needs.
• A beautiful message about letting go: Bernie reminds Gabby that her mother’s choices—and regrets—aren’t hers to carry. That really resonated with me.
• The retirement home storyline: Gabby puts up a poster outside Rosemary’s room sharing who she is and her story. Before long, other families start doing the same for their loved ones. I loved watching Gabby unknowingly create something meaningful for an entire community.
• Mason’s writing: His series about Gabby was beautifully written and surprisingly personal. The way he was able to see beyond the surface and put words to what she was feeling was one of my favorite parts.
• The romance: Gabby doesn’t just fall for Mason. She falls for Peyton, Gibson, and the sense of belonging she never realized she was missing.
• The narration: Kim Churchill brought all the characters to life with wonderful narration. Her tone and the way she gave each character their own individual moments and vibes made the listening experience even more enjoyable.

When Rosemary has a scare, Gabby realizes just how deeply she has come to care about this woman—and how much she doesn’t want this new chapter of her life to end.

What started as a simple trip to deliver a letter turns into something so much more. Gabby came looking for closure and unexpectedly found connection, friendship, romance, and maybe even a place to call home.

Themes I loved: found family, new beginnings, forgiveness, parenting, romance, and finding closure.

This was not my first book by Hunter and I plan on working more on her backlist.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the advanced ALC 🎧 copy in exchange fora review.

#FallingIntoUs, #DeniseHunter, #NetGalley, #ThomasNelsonFictionAudio, #KimChurchill, #Christian, #Romance, #Women’sFiction, #FoundFamily

[Faith]

Gabby Donaldson is on a mission to deliver a letter to her estranged grandmother, but first she has to find her. She hesitantly accepts the help of single dad and journalist Mason Morrison as they follow the clues and track down contacts. Their new friendship has them wondering if they could let down their walls and give love a chance.

A heartwarming smalltown romance. Gabby has a hard time trusting, as she has been let down so many times in life. And in a way this story is about holding on a letting go. Gabby is used to running away, and Mason is facing the reality that his little girl is growing up and that means giving her wings. It's a cute story, with good interactions, I liked how supportive and welcoming Mason's family is towards Gabby.

Overall, a sweet feel-good romance, great for fans of Hallmark style movies, with little twists along the way. I liked how Peyton takes to Gabby right away and how they enjoy baking and crafting together. An enjoyable quick read, with a sweet romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jan Fore]

Falling Into Us
Denise Hunter
October 13,2026

When Gabby Donaldson’s mother, Alice was in hospice she asked her daughter to give her mother a letter. She explained how when she was pregnant with Gabby and about to marry her father that her mother would not support her. Alice left, had Gabby and lived the best life she could with a man who left while Gabby was young. She was a good mother, Abby loved her but Gabby always had trouble trusting people. When Alice passed, she started the trip to Gibson, North Carolina. A long drive from Indiana, she has no idea what she will find when she arrives or how she will find Rosemary, the grandmother she never knew.
Falling Into Us will be published by Thomas Nelson on October 13, 2026. I was able to read and review Hunter’s latest novel via NetGalley. Once again I was entranced by her story. While in Gibson she meets Mason Morrison. He owns the house she is renting for a few days while searching for her grandmother. She weaves a heartwarming tale of the duo who try their best to find partnership. Mason writes the narrative of her search for the local newspaper. This journal enchants the readership.One not to miss, such a lovely novel.

[Janee]

I went into Falling Into Us not knowing what to expect since this was my first Denise Hunter book, and I ended up really enjoying her style. I liked the quieter pace, the small-town setting, and the way the story let the relationships develop without feeling rushed. It also had that cozy fall feel that made it especially easy to settle into.

What worked best for me was that the book gave just as much attention to family and personal growth as it did to the romance. Gabby’s growing connection with Mason’s daughter and family added a lot to the story, and I liked seeing trust build gradually between the characters. The romance stayed sweet and closed door, which I appreciated.

Overall, this was a warm, comforting read with a lot of heart, and I’d definitely be interested in reading more from Denise Hunter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Heather.loves.books]

Falling into Us by: Denise Hunter
📖 Gabby travels to Gibson North Carolina to deliver a death bed letter to a grandmother she has never met. Upon arrival, she finds her grandmother no longer lives at the last known address. Single dad Mason offers to help her search.

🍁You'll Find
-Found family
-Small town
-Forced Proximity
-Strangers to More

I loved ♥️
-Faith elements were woven throughout the story organically
-Moments when they are stranded together

If I had a magic wand 🪄
-Both Gabby and Mason are grieving loss from a car accident. This felt too on the nose. Third act breakup lasted way too long for me.

This is my 15th Denise Hunter read and first audiobook by her. Kim Churchill was an excellent narrator.

[Krista W]

I loved this book it was a sweet story the characters were very good and it was something I enjoyed a lot, this author writes beautiful heartwarming books.

[Brittnee]

👍:
• Dual POVs
• Set in: North Carolina 
• A widowed journalist / dad to a young teen
• A woman searching for her estranged grandmother 
• Fall vibes
• Vietnamese heritage
• Faith content 
• Great narrator


Vague spoiler below:
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👎:
My only qualm is: I'm not a fan of the 3rd act breakup & the unwillingness to talk through the conflict. (Though I understand the reasons why.)

[Parkland Mom]

Completed: Sep. 11/26
Format: audio ARC
Narrator:

Challenge Prompt: RTC

Book # of 2026:

[Maria]

I received a complimentary copy of this book given to me by Thomas Nelson Fiction via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
“Falling Into Us”, by Denise Hunter, is a touching, absorbing story showing very lovable characters dealing with loss and grief, yet trying to live and enjoy life the best they can.
I loved Gabby, Mason, and Peyton. The bonds that form between them are solid. The initial meeting and reactions are fun to watch.
Ther romance is sweet; the attraction develops fast but it’s convincing.
The story is a pleasure to read as the characters show their several dimensions and new relations and affections are borne within Mason’s gregarious family.
I liked Gabby’s grit and smartness and how she integrated so well in the hero’s family and community. Mason is a great hero. I loved the outlook on journalism.
I also appreciated the way the author wrote about some themes – loneliness, grief, guilt, widowhood, ageing and dementia, adoption – and how they were embodied by the characters personalities and backstories.

[Julianne Harkleroad]

A hopeful story of found family after loss.

"Sometimes our issues can be like weeds - they can just grow right up and strangle out all the good things."

Gabby Donaldson's mother Alice was her best friend and the pillar of her life. Sadly, Alice just passed away. At the end of her life, she shared a secret she had been harboring-and lying to Gabby about- for her entire life: Alice's mom was not deceased. Rosemary Lindon was alive and has sent countless letters to Alice begging for forgiveness and a chance at reconciliation. Alice had ignored them all and regretted that choice on her deathbed. Too weak to resolve the conflict now, she begs Gabby to give Grandmother Rosemary a letter. Gabby takes this request with the utmost sincerity, even driving states away to personally, hand deliver it.

Enter the star of the book: Mason Morrison, a family man, widower, and gentleman of the highest order. Mason dotes on his 12-year-old daughter, reminisces on the love he shared with his late wife everyday, works multiple jobs to make ends meet, and volunteers at his family's farm in between it all. You know, in his "spare" time 😅

Job number three is AirBnb host and Gabby is his two day renter. Sadly, after a terrible meeting, Gabby and Mason cannot be nice to each other 😬 Gabby is demanding and frustrating to Mason, then later she's overtly rude to his simple phone call. Mason never needed to call her in the first place and had every legal right to proceed with his idea without respectfully reaching out to Gabby #TeamMason. It's not until *Gabby* needs Mason's help yet again that she sees how rude she's been and admits she needs to eat humble pie. And Mason? Still a gentleman!

"Somewhere in the school was a professor Morrison fan club and she just might join it."

After yet another dead end, Gabby reaches back out to Mason, agreeing to help him if he helps find Grandmother Rosemary. Their quest begins and what a crazy adventure it becomes- including an unexpected storm that leaves them stranded without a vehicle or cell service! Almost immediately after Gabby becomes the topic of his new human interest series for the newspaper, she also becomes the topic of his daydreams. Will she be the reason his heart finally softens to love again? What in the world will ever soften hers?

My favorite part of the story was the lesson it teaches: what comprises an identity, can you lose it, and if you do, can you ever get it back? Denise Hunter's idea via Gabby's imagination and artistic flare is beautiful and soul-honoring. I hope it takes off in real life as it did in the book!

The major downside of this book was Gabby. She was SUCH an unlikable protagonist, but I just wanted her to leave poor Mason alone. The requisite break up 80% in killed the mood for me and I was over their "love" story. I put it in quotes because up until the end, Gabby doesn't know what love is unless it satisfying her every whim and wish. Real love endures, abides, and hopes the best out of every circumstance. Can't say the same about Ms. Donaldson. Also, news organizations do not ask permission from subjects- especially when the names have been changed. This fact check took me out of the "suspension of disbelief" and enjoyment.

Tropes: meet not so cute, unlikeable protagonist, protective/respectfully MMC, faith aspects, quest, forced proximity, found family, stranded, requisite break up, hea
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 0/5 👀
Triggers: death of a parent/spouse (off page), dementia

Shout out to Lafayette and Indianapolis! I know those areas well.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ARC! "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

[Robin]

4.5 stars

Falling into Us by Denise Hunter is a touching story about family, belonging, second chances, and discovering that the life we carefully plan for ourselves isn’t always the life we truly need.

Gabby a successful jewelry designer who has built a life without putting down roots, she believes she is perfectly content with the way things are. But honoring her mother’s final request to deliver a letter to the grandmother she never knew forces Gabby to confront a family history she has spent her life without. I loved watching her slowly realize that maybe what she has been missing isn’t another accomplishment, but a place and people she can truly call home.

A journalist and single dad, Madon is determined to make his human-interest story about Gabby the break he needs in his career. His original arrangement with Gabby is supposed to be strictly professional, but spending time together—and seeing Gabby become part of his daughter’s world—makes it increasingly difficult for him to keep those boundaries in place. I especially enjoyed Mason’s relationship with his precocious twelve-year-old daughter and seeing the softer side of him as a father.What I loved most was watching Gabby become part of Mason’s family and community almost before she realizes it herself. Gibson begins as a place she plans to pass through, but gradually starts to feel like home. The romance develops alongside Gabby’s search for the truth about her family, making both storylines feel connected rather than separate.

Denise Hunter does a wonderful job with the themes of family, forgiveness, belonging, and taking a chance on a life you never expected. There were a few slower moments for me, which is why I’m giving this 4.5 stars, but overall I found it warm, emotional, and very easy to become invested in.

A lovely reminder that sometimes home isn’t where we planned to end up—it’s where we find the people who make us want to stay.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read and review this eARC.

[Feli]

If this were a Hallmark movie, I would absolutely watch it!

Falling Into Us touched on so many themes I love reading about: family, grief, abandonment, forgiveness, belonging, found family, and second chances. There was so much heart packed into this story, and it pulled me in almost immediately.

I listened to the audiobook and honestly, the moment Mason’s twelve year old daughter was watching Heartland, one of my favorite shows, I was pulled in. From there, I just became more and more interested in these characters and their lives.

I loved how real and honest this story felt. Life can be messy. Families can be complicated. Things don’t always turn out the way we expect them to, and sometimes we carry pain from decisions that were made long before we had any control over them. Even through grief, heartbreak, disappointment, and uncertainty, there is still room for hope, forgiveness, love, and a new beginning.

I found myself really invested in Gabby and everything she was working through. I loved watching her slowly open herself up to the possibility of family, belonging, and a life she never expected to find. The found-family aspect was probably one of my favorite parts of the entire story.

And the mountain setting? I loved it. Everything about Gibson and the Morrison family gave the book such a warm, comforting feeling. This was heartfelt, hopeful, and incredibly difficult for me to stop listening to. I genuinely didn’t want it to end.

The audiobook is narrated by Kim Churchill, and I really enjoyed listening to her bring the story to life.

I am so thankful to NetGalley, author Denise Hunter, and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the advanced listening copy of Falling Into Us. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to listen early and I absolutely recommend this one. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[N]

Denise Hunter knows how to write a clean, sweet , Christian romance that is actually GOOD! Often times when I read books labeled "Christian Romance" they are full of the main characters lusting after one another and there are constant descriptions of the other persons body/lips....um no thanks. Denise Hunter sticks to amazing chemsitry between characters because of their actual relationship, conversations and interactions.....no one is gazing at the other persons eyes/body etc.

Okay enough of that, this book was really sweet and had a great semi-mystery intertwined! It is always fun to escape to a fictional town that Hunter creates --I pretty much want to throw on a flannel shirt and drink apple cider everytime I sit down to read one of her books.
Gabby shows up to (of course) a small town to deliver a letter to her long lost grandmother, and ends up in an Air BnB owned by (of course) a hot widowed dad. You knat what is going to happen, but don't skip it....Hunter shows you the power of forgiveness and grace! You can read a romance that you want to cheer for and feels like it is actually unfolding right before your eyes!
I loved the idea Gabby created in the nursing home....it shows Hunter is a true Godly woman spreading kindness and joy of Jesus!

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this advanced copy of Falling Into Us. I was not paid for my honest original review

[Nana]

Gabby is going to honor her mothers dying wish, find her mother and give her a letter. Gabby didn't even know she had a grandmother, but she is determined to find her, give her the letter and then walk away. Life has other plans for her, and she meets journalist Mason, who needs a story and her story is just what he needs. He agrees to help her find her grandmother and she allows him to write her story, with her approval before it is published.
She meets his daughter, and they make a connection, she teaches her how to make a friendship bracelet for her friend, and they start to hang out. Finally Mason gets a tip on where her grandmother is but she won't be back for a little, and she decided to stay there until she comes back. As they all grow closer, Gabby who never really had roots, and didn't think she needed any, is starting to think about things a little differently. Mason whose wife was killed in an accident, is struggling with his feelings. The story will take you on their journey, with everything that is going on, the decisions they are going to have to make some time, and what it will be like. I enjoyed the story, with the emotions, faces the things they have to deal with, nut in the end they will have to decide, the path they will take moving forward. No I am not giving you any hints.
I received an ARC from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.

[Maj Lewis]

A clean, sweet, romance set in a quaint mountain North Carolina town. A story of forgiveness, reconciliation, love and a bit of a mystery. Featuring an absolutely STUNNING cover!

Starring Gabby, a granddaughter trying to bring closure between her recently passed mother and her never before met grandmother. And Mason, hard-working single dad and host of the AIRbnb Gabby is staying in during her search.

Mason and Gabby team up to try to find the lost grandmother—Mason, a journalist writing the story down, and Gabby, trying to heal and learning to open up to others. Along the way, they both learn lessons about letting fear go and eventually wind up falling in love.

In typical Hallmark-y fashion, Denise Hunter delivered on this one! It was neat to read Gabby and Mason’s story, while another story unfolded underneath it, Gabby’s story of her mom and grandmother.

TW: mentions of parental abandonment, parental death and alzheimer’s disease of loved ones.

Thanks to Denise Hunter and Thomas Nelson Fiction, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Liza Rangel]

Author: Denise Hunter
Title: Falling Into Us
Narrator: Kim Churchill
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance | Women’s Fiction
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Denise Hunter has long been one of those authors I’m especially fond of. Her stories always seem to give me characters who feel believable, lovable, and easy to connect with, and Falling Into Us was no exception.

My heart went out to Gabby as her search for her estranged grandmother took her through grief, hurt, resentment, forgiveness, and ultimately healing. Mason’s journey brought its own emotions and unexpected challenges, and I loved watching these two find their way through so much uncharted territory together.

This was such a sweet, clean, emotional story—the kind of heartfelt romance I’ve come to love from Denise Hunter. And just when I thought I knew exactly where everything was going, that unexpected twist caught me completely off guard!

Kim Churchill’s narration made it even harder to stop listening. I finished this audiobook in only two days and closed it feeling genuinely happy and completely satisfied. An easy 5 stars!

[Narelle]

I enjoyed reading Falling Into Us, a charming contemporary romance set in a picturesque North Carolina mountain town. Gabby is a jewellery designer who’s grieving the unexpected loss of her beloved mother. She’s on a mission to deliver a letter from her late mother to the grandmother she has never met.

Mason is a journalist and single dad who owns a cabin located next to the family pumpkin farm. He rents the cabin to Gabby and discovers she’s living the human interest story he needs to secure a work promotion.

The estranged grandmother mystery draws Gabby and Mason together and a delightful romance unfolds. They’re both dealing with emotional baggage including trust issues and grieving the loss of loved ones. Mason is managing the challenges of parenting his twelve year old daughter. I loved the story ending and the resolution to the mystery.

I recommend Falling Into Us to contemporary romance readers who like small town single dad romances with characters from different worlds, an intriguing mystery, family drama, found family, and relevant faith elements including forgiveness themes.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced reader copy.

[Wenona]

I could just read Denise Hunter's books all day, everyday!

In Falling Into Us, Gabby Donaldson is fulfilling her late mother's final request - give a letter to her mom. Sounds simple right? Nope! Gabby never knew she had a grandmother, she was told she died, before she was born, how is this possible?

Gabby's mom chose love and her unborn baby (Gabby) when she was 19 and from that day on, she had no contact with her mother. When her husband left them for another family, it was just the two of them. Now with her mom gone, Gabby has no choice but to carry out her mom's last request.

Gabby goes to her grandmother's address, only to learn, she doesn't live there anymore and all roads seem closed. Mason Morrison is a journalist and a teach, and he offers to help Gabby, but he gets to write her story. Gabby agrees and begins to open up to him about all the past hurts and he's able to see things and connections where Gabby was never able to.

In telling her story, can there be a happy ending to what has been a tragedy and will they find the grandmother that threw away her daughter and grandchild?

I've said this before and I will say it louder for those in the back - Better than a Hallmark!

[Caryn Block]

I really enjoyed this clean romance. It takes place in a small town, where Gabby Donaldson has traveled in search of her long lost grandmother. She needs to find her to fulfill her deceased mother's dying request. Gabby soon finds the search to be much more difficult than she expected and partners with the owner of her Air BnB (who is also a journalist) to track her Grandma down. As they work together, feelings spark, and we watch their relationship change and grow.

Mason (the Air BnB owner) is a single dad from a large family that all live in the area. His family quickly embrace Gabby as one of their own, as he and Gabby grow closer together. Gabby also has a wonderful relationship with Mason's daughter.

This story deals heavily with family issues including: teen pregnancy, abandonment, rejection, anger, death, family loyalty, family businesses and legacy, loneliness, dementia etc. Despite all of these very difficult topics, the story is wrapped into a romance that felt genuine and real, as well as showing what forgiveness and reconciliation can do to change an individual and an entire family.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was excellent!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team for providing a free copy of the audiobook for me in exchange for an honest review.

[Amie]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced audiobook in exchange for a review.

4.5⭐️rounded up

This book follows Gabby, who had recently lost her mom. Her mom was estranged from Gabby’s grandma all of Gabby’s life, but Gabby’s mom has given her a letter to give to Gabby’s grandma. Gabby goes to try to find her grandma, but when she does she finds a local journalist who would like to cover her search for her Grandma. A heartwarming story unfolds.

What I enjoy about Denise Hunter’s books is that she can write characters with depth and history and little mystery while crafting heartwarming clean romances.

📝clean romance /slow burn
📝found family
📝family mystery
📝dementia awareness