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Decorating with Love

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All my life, I have been told I could do anything I set my mind to. That has always been my driving force. The one thing that has given me the courage to pursue my dreams.

Five years ago, given the opportunity of a lifetime, I walked away from the man I loved. I became a top designer at a prestigious firm with an extensive list of clients and a swanky downtown apartment. It seemed all my dreams were coming true. Then an unexpected tragedy caused me to reevaluate my life.

Now I am pursuing a new dream, in a new city, unaware of the opportunities that await me, both personally and professionally.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2015

8 people are currently reading
87 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Rene

18 books208 followers
Michelle Rene lives in the land of sunshine, also known as Florida. When not spending time with her family, you can find her writing or cheering on the Florida Gators. Due to her one-click addiction, Michelle spends her downtime reading one of the many books on her Kindle.

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5 stars
28 (36%)
4 stars
17 (22%)
3 stars
21 (27%)
2 stars
7 (9%)
1 star
3 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Chrissy.
1,305 reviews106 followers
January 14, 2016
What a beautiful debut novel by Michelle Rene! Decorating with Love was a beautifully written love story that I had a hard time putting down.

Molly and Travis were college sweethearts, but when jobs took them to different areas of the country, they separated and never thought they’d see one another again. When a tragedy turns Molly’s life upside down, and she decides to move forward and move to Phoenix, she never in her wildest dreams expected to find Travis again.

Molly and Travis reconnect, and for some people it may seem that they move extremely fast, but with their history it makes perfect sense. I adored Travis’s character. He was perfect, and always seemed to know what to do or say to make things OK in Molly’s word. Even though Molly and Travis reconnected, we also get to see her putting together her business. I loved that even though she reconnected with the love of her life, she continued working on her passion and her goals. Seeing her be successful made my heart happy for her.

Unlike a lot of the romances out there, this book really doesn’t have any angst or drama. It’s centered around two people who’ve lost time together, and are making up for lost time and moving forward. I loved seeing Travis’s family embrace Molly back into the fold and how welcoming they were for her. Since Molly doesn’t have anyone else, having the support and love of Travis’s family was something I loved seeing for her.

Throughout the book we get to see Molly and Travis take some big steps forward in their relationship, and I laughed, cried (happy tears), and swooned throughout their entire story. I loved Molly and Travis and their story. I can’t wait for more of these characters, especially with how the epilogue ended!

If you’re looking for a sweet second chance romance with characters you can’t help but like, I highly suggest picking up Decorating with Love by Michelle Rene today! I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next as her writing style is phenomenal and the story just flows perfectly!
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,296 reviews42 followers
March 29, 2016
This was the first book that i have read by this author. It was an amazing second chance love story that i could not put down. It was well written with amazing characters. I loved this book and highly recommend
Profile Image for Sarah.
354 reviews
June 9, 2016
Super cute story of reconnecting with a past love. I love how easy the couple gets back in the swing of things. The ending was definitely a plot twist and i am super interested to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Nichole Brunt.
467 reviews8 followers
March 31, 2016
I absolutely loved this book... Michelle Rene is brilliant writer and can't wait to read the rest of this series when it comes out..... I am truly honored knowing Michelle Rene and now her great work
Profile Image for Elaine.
Author 16 books130 followers
March 5, 2017
A beautiful love story

I really enjoyed this book it was a beautiful love story.
I was glued from the first page and didn't want to put it down.
I didn't see that ending coming and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Well done Michelle on a beautiful story.
Profile Image for Amy Zec.
150 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2016
This is Michelle's first book and I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to read more from her.

Molly and Travis were in love years ago and went there separate ways when they both got the jobs they wanted right out of college. When Molly's parents die in a car crash she finds herself ready to leave her life behind and start her own business and life over in a completely different state. When Molly meets with an architect, Spencer, the last person she expects to see interrupting their meeting is Travis. When these two reconnect they admit they never fell out of love with each other. After all the years that had past will they be able to start a life together and finally have their happy ever after?
Profile Image for Jennifer Sporer.
86 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2016
This was an amazing book!! And the first by this author!! I can't wait to see what's next!!
Profile Image for Kirsten Bass.
193 reviews8 followers
January 19, 2016
3.5 ☆☆☆
a beautifully written second chance love story centered around Molly and Travis as they reconnect and fall in love all over again. This was a light romance, no drama or angst
Profile Image for Milva.
Author 16 books4 followers
July 2, 2016
You want to read a book about love will conquer all? Don't look any further, because this is your book. We all need a feel good book in our life.
490 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2016
Loved this debut book by Michelle Rene!! The journey the characters had to endure before finding each other again is heartbreaking. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
226 reviews6 followers
November 1, 2018
This was such a cute book filled with sweet romance. No drama or angst at all. The characters seemed a little too perfect. Still a really great read.
Profile Image for Sheila.
541 reviews
December 24, 2017
I stayed up way to late reading this great book. I just had to finish it. It was a great story. I look forward to reading more from Michelle Rene.
Profile Image for Ramie.
60 reviews3 followers
October 5, 2018
Such a beautiful romance story on second chances at love..this is the first book written by Michelle Rene and the characters pulled me in from the start.. I loved it and cant wait to continue with more Strong Hearts Collection.
Profile Image for Rosie Chapel.
Author 81 books114 followers
February 11, 2019
I've read these books in completely the wrong order, but that did not detract from my enjoyment one bit. My first book by Ms Renee was her novella 'A Strong Heart' which I read in one sitting, then found the others and still managed to read book 3 first. But that's the beauty of these stories, because although all four involve characters who appear in the series as a whole, each one is a stand-alone novel.
Needing a fresh start, Molly moves to Phoenix, where by sheer coincidence bumps into Travis, her college sweetheart. He was the man she once expected to be with forever, but five years ago, when life intervened, they separated. It is clear from the moment they meet again that the spark hasn't died, and Travis, especially, is determined not to let this second chance slip through his fingers. I understand this was Ms Rene's debut novel and it is sublime, well written, great set of characters who are genuinely likeable - flaws and all. The prefect book to curl up with on a quiet afternoon!
Profile Image for Ivy.
21 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2019
Heartwarming!

Now this is the kind of book I loved to read. No issues, no villains in the story. It’s very simple yet I couldn’t put it down. It was very realistic, I could just picture it as a story of a friend. Simple, direct to the point and at the same time tugs at your heart. As for Travis and Molly’s, fate lead them back to each other. If it’s meant to be it will be. Oh, gosh. What a sweet, sweet mam Travis is ♥️♥️
Profile Image for Veronica Reyes.
40 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2017
First off I would like to say I always enjoy a first book for an author, and this one was awesome. I immediately was into the book, characters and story filled with many emotions I finished in one day and dreaded that I had to wait for the second book!!

P.S.
the second was no disappointment either..
Great read
74 reviews
May 12, 2019
A large happy family

Sweet. A very sweet love story. A young couple reunited after several years apart. And falls in love again. She has had major sadness in her life.
380 reviews6 followers
May 15, 2019
A great read! Love that they picked up right where they left off. The chemistry and banter between them made me smile. Looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Angelina.
744 reviews
July 2, 2017
Decorating With Love is book 1 in the Strong Hearts series by Michelle Rene.

Five years ago, Molly and Travis made one of the hardest decisions when they decided to separate and follow their dreams. Neither have forgotten about each other and when Molly moves to Phoenix after a devastating loss, she bumps into Travis and he’s just as happy to see her as she is him. Travis invites her out for dinner and it feels like “five days since we have seen each other, instead of five years”. Do Molly and Travis have a second chance at love?

“And I have to say I hope neither of us ends up with a broken heart this time.” - Travis

“No matter how I tried, nothing and no one ever compared to you or what we had.” - Molly

After reading Nixon, which Michelle Rene co-wrote with Xana Jordan, I was excited to be given the opportunity to read Decorating With Love and I’m so glad that I was because it’s a story that has you believing in love and second chances. Who wouldn’t want a second chance with their first love? It was refreshing to read a love story without all the drama that seems to happen in a lot of books when a couple find each other again. Michelle Rene focuses on Molly and Travis’ love for each other and their determination not to lose each other again. There was no cheating, no interfering ex’s, no arguing. It was honestly a great read that has you feeling all warm inside as the story progresses.

Parts of Decorating With Love had me laughing out loud and my favourite definitely has to be when Molly and Travis are reminiscing about when he took her home for Christmas. I won’t say anything more as I don’t want to ruin it for you but it’s a scene that still had me chuckling for ages afterwards. As I neared the end of Decorating With Love, I thought I had Michelle Rene sussed out but then she delivers a cliffhanger quite literally within the last few sentences and I was left wanting to jump straight into Leaning On Love, which is book 2 in the series.

I would fully recommend Decorating With Love and insist that you get your copy TODAY!
Profile Image for Angelina.
744 reviews
July 1, 2017
Decorating With Love is book 1 in the Strong Hearts series by Michelle Rene.

Five years ago, Molly and Travis made one of the hardest decisions when they decided to separate and follow their dreams. Neither have forgotten about each other and when Molly moves to Phoenix after a devastating loss, she bumps into Travis and he’s just as happy to see her as she is him. Travis invites her out for dinner and it feels like “five days since we have seen each other, instead of five years”. Do Molly and Travis have a second chance at love?

“And I have to say I hope neither of us ends up with a broken heart this time.” - Travis

“No matter how I tried, nothing and no one ever compared to you or what we had.” - Molly

After reading Nixon, which Michelle Rene co-wrote with Xana Jordan, I was excited to be given the opportunity to read Decorating With Love and I’m so glad that I was because it’s a story that has you believing in love and second chances. Who wouldn’t want a second chance with their first love? It was refreshing to read a love story without all the drama that seems to happen in a lot of books when a couple find each other again. Michelle Rene focuses on Molly and Travis’ love for each other and their determination not to lose each other again. There was no cheating, no interfering ex’s, no arguing. It was honestly a great read that has you feeling all warm inside as the story progresses.

Parts of Decorating With Love had me laughing out loud and my favourite definitely has to be when Molly and Travis are reminiscing about when he took her home for Christmas. I won’t say anything more as I don’t want to ruin it for you but it’s a scene that still had me chuckling for ages afterwards. As I neared the end of Decorating With Love, I thought I had Michelle Rene sussed out but then she delivers a cliffhanger quite literally within the last few sentences and I was left wanting to jump straight into Leaning On Love, which is book 2 in the series.

I would fully recommend Decorating With Love and insist that you get your copy TODAY!
Profile Image for Linda Rea.
2,194 reviews16 followers
October 16, 2017
When Molly and Travis were applying for internships she chose one far away from where he was and even though it broke her heart she knew she had to go. Time has passed as well as her parents and Molly has decided to open her own design firm and when she runs into Travis at that firm it’s like they were never apart. But as good as they are together it’s not going to be easy to just pick up where they left off.
I requested this book for free from the author and I have chosen to review it
Profile Image for Candace N.
318 reviews10 followers
January 20, 2018
Second chance at love

This is my first book by Michelle Rene that I have read. It was a fun, light romance and second chance at love.  I really enjoyed Travis and Molly's story and their comfortable, easy relationship they have together.  One thing that drew me in was their teasing banter. They really are an adorable couple. And where the book leaves off, I won't give any spoilers but ahhh the suspense!
Profile Image for Louise Murchie.
Author 24 books84 followers
October 5, 2023
Firstly, I won a copy of this book and I wasn't disappointed. It was a pleasure to read; and to see these two reconnect. They needed to go their own way for a while, to become who they were both meant to be. Women's intuition kicked in and led Molly to Phoenix and back to Travis.

His family are just to die for: and very much like my own family!
The ending though: Wish I had the next book to hand as I'd have picked it right up there and then!

Looking forward to the next in the series!
Profile Image for Laura.
878 reviews208 followers
May 4, 2017
This story is very positive and inspiring. Although sad things happened to some good people, there is no angst in this romance at all. It is easy to enjoy the passion Molly and Dylan have for each other. As they get reacquainted with one other, the heat builds between them and there's no going back, only forward. A highly enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,305 reviews
February 23, 2017
Pleasant Romance Story

Molly has moved to a new city to launch her dream of owning her own interior design firm. She buys an old building and in the course of remodeling it, re-connects with her college sweetheart. Liked that the characters are reality-based. No billionaires or underground fighters here. Liked that the leads could handle conflict in their relationship with maturity and grace. That said, the characters might be a bit on the too-perfect side, and there's essentially no outside conflict to create plot tension. Still, it's a pleasant and well-written story and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
Profile Image for Missy Harton.
491 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2016
"....you stole my heart years ago."

FABULOUS debut work by Michelle Rene!! A great story of a second chance at love. This was a one sitting read for me. You could feel the strong connection of the main characters. I loved all the characters, especially Katie and Meg (**hint...I think Meg deserves a book**)! This enjoyable read was impossible to put down. If you're looking for a *sigh* sweet romance, this is a MUST read!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
426 reviews
April 15, 2025
Decorating with love is a very sweet second chance romance. Molly and Travis are a couple that have always been meant for each other. Even though they were separated for 5 years they still have that connection. It was really cute seeing them rekindle their relationship. However, I was not expecting a cliffhanger. That was a bit of a surprise for me. Can’t wait to find out what happens in Leaning on Love which is book 02 in this series.

Happy Reading 🤓
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews