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Right Where We Belong
Not yet published
Expected 6 Apr 27She came home with nothing left to lose--except her heart.
When Madeline Stewart returns to her childhood lake town with little more than a suitcase and a heavy heart, she's determined to start over. Her carefully planned life in New York has unraveled, leaving her with more questions than answers--and a past she's not ready to face.
The town of Bluebell, however, remembers everything. Especially Trenton James.
Now a respected small-business owner and the town's dependable mayor, Trent has built a life rooted in the place--and the people--he loves. The last thing he needs is the return of the woman who walked away from him one unforgettable summer long ago. But when circumstances bring them back together, old feelings rise to the surface.
As whispers and complications ripple through the close-knit community, Madeline finds herself on uncertain footing once again--and Trent must decide where his loyalty truly lies. With Bluebell's future hanging in the balance and their hearts on the line, both will have to face what was lost . . . and what might still be found.
When Madeline Stewart returns to her childhood lake town with little more than a suitcase and a heavy heart, she's determined to start over. Her carefully planned life in New York has unraveled, leaving her with more questions than answers--and a past she's not ready to face.
The town of Bluebell, however, remembers everything. Especially Trenton James.
Now a respected small-business owner and the town's dependable mayor, Trent has built a life rooted in the place--and the people--he loves. The last thing he needs is the return of the woman who walked away from him one unforgettable summer long ago. But when circumstances bring them back together, old feelings rise to the surface.
As whispers and complications ripple through the close-knit community, Madeline finds herself on uncertain footing once again--and Trent must decide where his loyalty truly lies. With Bluebell's future hanging in the balance and their hearts on the line, both will have to face what was lost . . . and what might still be found.
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 6, 2027
About the author
Denise Hunter
91 books5,161 followersDenise 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Right Where We Belong by Denise Hunter (Apr. 2027) [read in October 2026]
336-page Hardback
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Clean Romance
Movie Rating Equivalent: PG-13
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🗽📷🏡🏞
Return to Bluebell: A Standalone That Shines
I assumed Right Where We Belong was going to be a sequel to Falling Into Us. I just knew this was going to be part of a series, but it is actually a standalone and that is just how the covers are looking right now. On the first page, I discovered this story is set in Bluebell, North Carolina, the fictional town from one of my favorite series, Bluebell Inn Romance (Lake Season, Carolina Breeze, and Autumn Skies). Naturally, I wanted to know if the inn or the siblings made an appearance. On the second page, the Bluebell Inn showed up, and I was squealing inside! Of course, I was ecstatic when Molly made an appearance in Chapter 6, but the Bennett family is pretty much an Easter egg in this story. Although there are a few breadcrumbs, you do not need to read Lake Season or any of the other Bluebell Inn books to get into this story. I highly recommend you do, though, as this novel is a perfect gateway into that series.
While Bluebell Inn Romance focuses on the Bennett family, this story focuses on the town itself. At first, I thought I knew this plot: a woman's husband gets caught in a Ponzi scheme, and she returns to her hometown broke to face shame and scrutiny. However, I quickly learned that this is not her exact story, although it is a refreshing remix of that trope. FYI, there's no Ponzi scheme. I loved every second of this book. I took my time with it, hoping to make it last a little longer, as I didn’t want to leave Bluebell. I was rooting for Maddy and Trent the entire time. The only thing missing was a good boating scene, although I do not know where it would have fit. I think there is room for a spin-off series because there are a lot of great characters in this book. I certainly think Lindsey deserves a book of her own.
Recommend to others: Always! I can't recommend Denise Hunter enough, especially if you love clean romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Live Status Updates: 📖 Page 27 of 336 Chapter 5 - I love it already! I'm only stopping because I need to get some sleep, tomorrow I'm 100% Bluebell.
📖 197 Chapter 30 - I was hoping to finish this book as soon as possible but I think I'm going to just do my errands and save it for later.
Featuring: Praise, Bibliography for Denise Hunter, Lake House, Bluebell Inn, Fictional Small-Town North Carolina, Homecoming, Fall From Grace Trope, New York City, New York; Second Chance - Summer Romance; Divorcée vs Divorcé, Dual Timelines, Molly from Lake Season, May, Estranged Family, June, Development Trope, Caretaker, Mayor, July, Family Dynamics, Community Gossip, Acknowledgments, Author’s Contacts, Discussion Questions, Author’s Links
336-page Hardback
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Clean Romance
Movie Rating Equivalent: PG-13
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🗽📷🏡🏞
Return to Bluebell: A Standalone That Shines
I assumed Right Where We Belong was going to be a sequel to Falling Into Us. I just knew this was going to be part of a series, but it is actually a standalone and that is just how the covers are looking right now. On the first page, I discovered this story is set in Bluebell, North Carolina, the fictional town from one of my favorite series, Bluebell Inn Romance (Lake Season, Carolina Breeze, and Autumn Skies). Naturally, I wanted to know if the inn or the siblings made an appearance. On the second page, the Bluebell Inn showed up, and I was squealing inside! Of course, I was ecstatic when Molly made an appearance in Chapter 6, but the Bennett family is pretty much an Easter egg in this story. Although there are a few breadcrumbs, you do not need to read Lake Season or any of the other Bluebell Inn books to get into this story. I highly recommend you do, though, as this novel is a perfect gateway into that series.
While Bluebell Inn Romance focuses on the Bennett family, this story focuses on the town itself. At first, I thought I knew this plot: a woman's husband gets caught in a Ponzi scheme, and she returns to her hometown broke to face shame and scrutiny. However, I quickly learned that this is not her exact story, although it is a refreshing remix of that trope. FYI, there's no Ponzi scheme. I loved every second of this book. I took my time with it, hoping to make it last a little longer, as I didn’t want to leave Bluebell. I was rooting for Maddy and Trent the entire time. The only thing missing was a good boating scene, although I do not know where it would have fit. I think there is room for a spin-off series because there are a lot of great characters in this book. I certainly think Lindsey deserves a book of her own.
Recommend to others: Always! I can't recommend Denise Hunter enough, especially if you love clean romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Live Status Updates: 📖 Page 27 of 336 Chapter 5 - I love it already! I'm only stopping because I need to get some sleep, tomorrow I'm 100% Bluebell.
📖 197 Chapter 30 - I was hoping to finish this book as soon as possible but I think I'm going to just do my errands and save it for later.
Featuring: Praise, Bibliography for Denise Hunter, Lake House, Bluebell Inn, Fictional Small-Town North Carolina, Homecoming, Fall From Grace Trope, New York City, New York; Second Chance - Summer Romance; Divorcée vs Divorcé, Dual Timelines, Molly from Lake Season, May, Estranged Family, June, Development Trope, Caretaker, Mayor, July, Family Dynamics, Community Gossip, Acknowledgments, Author’s Contacts, Discussion Questions, Author’s Links
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I really enjoyed Right Where We Belong. Denise Hunter has a way of writing characters that feel real and easy to connect with. The romance was sweet without being over the top, and I found myself invested in the characters' journey from the beginning.
What I loved most was the mix of family drama, second chances, and personal growth. The story had some emotional moments, but it also left me feeling hopeful and satisfied. While I could guess a few parts of the ending, that didn't take away from my enjoyment at all.
If you like clean romance with heart, relatable characters, and a small-town feel, I'd definitely recommend this book.
I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.
What I loved most was the mix of family drama, second chances, and personal growth. The story had some emotional moments, but it also left me feeling hopeful and satisfied. While I could guess a few parts of the ending, that didn't take away from my enjoyment at all.
If you like clean romance with heart, relatable characters, and a small-town feel, I'd definitely recommend this book.
I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews