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Blue Ridge #1
Blue Ridge Sunrise
Former free spirit Zoe Collins swore she’d never again set foot in Copper Creek or speak to the man who broke her heart. But return she must when her beloved Granny dies, leaving the family legacy to Zoe—a peach orchard nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
When Zoe returns home with her daughter and boyfriend Kyle, she finds that she’s the only person in town who doesn’t expect her to give up the life she’s established far away from Copper Creek. Everyone believes she was born to run the orchard, but how can she make it her home after so many years?
Cruz Huntley never quite got over his first love, Zoe Collins, the little sister of his best friend Brady. Not when she cheated on him during their “break,” not when she took off to parts unknown with good-for-nothing Kyle Jenkins, and not even now—five years later.
As life-changing decisions and a history with Cruz hang over Zoe’s head, tensions rise between her and Kyle. Even as she comes to terms with the shifting relationships in her life, Zoe still isn’t sure if she can remain in Copper Creek with her new responsibilities . . . and her first love.
When Zoe returns home with her daughter and boyfriend Kyle, she finds that she’s the only person in town who doesn’t expect her to give up the life she’s established far away from Copper Creek. Everyone believes she was born to run the orchard, but how can she make it her home after so many years?
Cruz Huntley never quite got over his first love, Zoe Collins, the little sister of his best friend Brady. Not when she cheated on him during their “break,” not when she took off to parts unknown with good-for-nothing Kyle Jenkins, and not even now—five years later.
As life-changing decisions and a history with Cruz hang over Zoe’s head, tensions rise between her and Kyle. Even as she comes to terms with the shifting relationships in her life, Zoe still isn’t sure if she can remain in Copper Creek with her new responsibilities . . . and her first love.
323 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2017
456 people are currently reading
3556 people want to read
About the author
Denise Hunter
86 books4,676 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 419 reviews
April 12, 2018
Oh, no. How hard is it to admit, "Hey, I sinned, and I have consequences for what I did"?? Instead Zoe spends much of the book pitying herself for the raw deal she got in life. She has a live-in boyfriend who's abusive and doesn't "value her as a person"....well, girl, if you toss yourself away on not one but two guys, without even asking for a ring first, he's not going to value you very highly. Easy come easy go in her case. No wonder he scoffs at her faith...and somehow she is supposed to have maintained some sort of faith even as she was touring with a rock band and sleeping with its leader? That somehow being lonely justified her in climbing into bed with a bad dude?
There are bunches of heated kisses that take up almost 10% of the book.
A very lengthy flashback (an entire section of multiple chapters) takes us back to how Zoe got pregnant and left town. Either do it chronologically or don't do it. This was an awkward story device.
God is mentioned a few times and Zoe expresses regret for not asking God about her plans for the day. Not even going to go there about the moral slant that wasn't there.
Then Zoe pulls a huge manipulative trick and plays the fool thereby putting herself and her daughter and her baby daddy in peril.
Um...in what world are these characters worth while? I guess it's nice that they got a HEA, but they sure didn't have to work hard for it.
Okay, so... I like Christian publishers to publish Christian novels. It's okay to publish clean novels...but this one isn't even moral. I wouldn't enjoy a secular novel that had this level of thumbing one's nose at the law of consequences. Combine the two for a massive lose. If a Christian is going to write a secular novel, AT LEAST make it moral. Nuff said.
*Edit: (This is not in any way any sort of admission that I don't have the right to my own opinion and way of expression in my own review spot. This is a continuation of my opinion after my friend Carrie commented on my review and mentioned that her take on the book was different. Here's my response to her comment...)
"While you found a more inspirational message than I did, Carrie, I never felt like they are finished finding faith in the end. We didn't get that payoff of her waking up and going Oh my and changing how she is living her life. It's a slow awakening, and yet at the end of the book she talks to God a little but she never seems to realize she's having a hard time in life because she made all the wrong choices. I can decide that for her because of the filter of my moral compass, but really what is in the story would not decide that for someone who does not have a similar viewpoint of morals and consequences.
"In the end, I found the story arc to be unrealistic and found Zoe to be whiny and immature. I will be reading the next book, but this book is simply one I didn't enjoy."
Added for Marlene: I liked Bella!
*end of edit
Thanks to the publisher for a free review copy.
There are bunches of heated kisses that take up almost 10% of the book.
A very lengthy flashback (an entire section of multiple chapters) takes us back to how Zoe got pregnant and left town. Either do it chronologically or don't do it. This was an awkward story device.
God is mentioned a few times and Zoe expresses regret for not asking God about her plans for the day. Not even going to go there about the moral slant that wasn't there.
Then Zoe pulls a huge manipulative trick and plays the fool thereby putting herself and her daughter and her baby daddy in peril.
Um...in what world are these characters worth while? I guess it's nice that they got a HEA, but they sure didn't have to work hard for it.
Okay, so... I like Christian publishers to publish Christian novels. It's okay to publish clean novels...but this one isn't even moral. I wouldn't enjoy a secular novel that had this level of thumbing one's nose at the law of consequences. Combine the two for a massive lose. If a Christian is going to write a secular novel, AT LEAST make it moral. Nuff said.
*Edit: (This is not in any way any sort of admission that I don't have the right to my own opinion and way of expression in my own review spot. This is a continuation of my opinion after my friend Carrie commented on my review and mentioned that her take on the book was different. Here's my response to her comment...)
"While you found a more inspirational message than I did, Carrie, I never felt like they are finished finding faith in the end. We didn't get that payoff of her waking up and going Oh my and changing how she is living her life. It's a slow awakening, and yet at the end of the book she talks to God a little but she never seems to realize she's having a hard time in life because she made all the wrong choices. I can decide that for her because of the filter of my moral compass, but really what is in the story would not decide that for someone who does not have a similar viewpoint of morals and consequences.
"In the end, I found the story arc to be unrealistic and found Zoe to be whiny and immature. I will be reading the next book, but this book is simply one I didn't enjoy."
Added for Marlene: I liked Bella!
*end of edit
Thanks to the publisher for a free review copy.
November 19, 2017
This book claims to be Christian fiction but it's not. With it's premarital sex and lack of faith elements it's just a contemporary fiction book. I simply could not warm up to or identify with the characters in this book especially delusional Kyle. I wanted to like it because I had been looking forward to it but unfortunately couldn't. Sweet little Gracie aka Bella now I liked her and the ending was a lot of tension which was pretty good as well. Overall though I couldn't make a good connection with the characters .
Pub Date 07 Nov 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--FICTION for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date 07 Nov 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--FICTION for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 28, 2017
Always eager to dive into a new Denise Hunter novel, I'm sad to say this one missed the mark for me. Reunion romances are all well and good, and this one had all the usual sizzle and heat fans expect from Hunter, but I felt like Hunter already did this Safe Haven-esque plot -- and did it better -- in Falling Like Snowflakes. I just never really connected with or cared about Zoe or Cruz, never felt like I was really in their heads, experiencing the story right along with them.
More than that, however, the faith element -- or lack thereof -- left this story feeling very flat. The characters purported to be Christian, yet showed no qualms or regrets about their premarital relations. I was okay with this at first because I assumed this event, mentioned in an extended flashback, was a pre-belief phase in the characters' lives -- even though they both attended church, and Zoe even sang there regularly. I kept waiting for the "a-ha" moment when Zoe and Cruz would realize their "faith" was superficial, and so I kept turning the pages... but the before-and-after, life-changing, spiritual-journey moment never came. I get that Thomas Nelson is trying to publish "edgier" stories, but the faith is so glossed over in this story that the sex comes across as perfectly natural and acceptable for these so-called Christian characters. I also get that Christians are human and make mistakes that God can and will redeem, by His grace -- and I even get that that may be the spiritual message this story was trying to convey. But nothing in the text even hinted that the characters believed premarital sex was a mistake, and in fact it was hinted that both hero and heroine had had sex with other characters during their years of separation, and that that was okay, too.
In all, this story was just too unoriginal and spiritually vague for me or my keeper shelf, so regrettably, I cannot recommend it.
More than that, however, the faith element -- or lack thereof -- left this story feeling very flat. The characters purported to be Christian, yet showed no qualms or regrets about their premarital relations. I was okay with this at first because I assumed this event, mentioned in an extended flashback, was a pre-belief phase in the characters' lives -- even though they both attended church, and Zoe even sang there regularly. I kept waiting for the "a-ha" moment when Zoe and Cruz would realize their "faith" was superficial, and so I kept turning the pages... but the before-and-after, life-changing, spiritual-journey moment never came. I get that Thomas Nelson is trying to publish "edgier" stories, but the faith is so glossed over in this story that the sex comes across as perfectly natural and acceptable for these so-called Christian characters. I also get that Christians are human and make mistakes that God can and will redeem, by His grace -- and I even get that that may be the spiritual message this story was trying to convey. But nothing in the text even hinted that the characters believed premarital sex was a mistake, and in fact it was hinted that both hero and heroine had had sex with other characters during their years of separation, and that that was okay, too.
In all, this story was just too unoriginal and spiritually vague for me or my keeper shelf, so regrettably, I cannot recommend it.
November 5, 2017
I am Denise's biggest cheerleader. I own every book she has ever penned. And every one of them or fabulous and always leave me wanting more. The only problem that I have is she does not write fast enough for me. With that said...
Blue Ridge did not disappoint it was a true Hunter book.
Well developed characters, Cruz, Kyle and Zoe are ones you will connect with they are so real.
You are never going to want to leave Copper Creek. But will Zoe want to leave is the question?
The plot is so well thought out and you are going to start this book and read it until you reach the very last page.
I gave this book 5 stars two times. I HIGHLY recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
Blue Ridge did not disappoint it was a true Hunter book.
Well developed characters, Cruz, Kyle and Zoe are ones you will connect with they are so real.
You are never going to want to leave Copper Creek. But will Zoe want to leave is the question?
The plot is so well thought out and you are going to start this book and read it until you reach the very last page.
I gave this book 5 stars two times. I HIGHLY recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
April 14, 2018
I checked this book out of the library to read because I have the second book, Honeysuckle Dreams, to review. I have previously read 2 of Hunter's books and enjoyed one and found the other okay. This book was definitely a disappointment, and it was a misnomer to label its genre as Christian Fiction. Thomas Nelson Publishing has apparently been trending toward more edgy content in their Christian Fiction. I don't need to have pushy or preachy in my Christian Fiction, but I do believe that the plot should conform to certain standards. Fallen characters are expected, but I want to see some growth, change, and definite repentance. The spiritual content in this book seemed watered down and just a passing thought.
The plot was basically a second-chance romance that was very predictable. The premise was good but I had some issues with it in that there were references to pre-marital sex and pre-marital cohabitation. But, again, there seemed to be no repentance within the characters for making these choices. Zoe made choices that first left her pregnant and then followed by leaving town with Kyle, one of the bad boys in town. She spent 5 years with him as a backup singer raising a daughter and only returned to Copper Creek because of her grandmother's death. This ends with her deciding to stay in Copper Creek.
I couldn't decide whether Kyle was an unbelievable character or Zoe was really naive or stupid. He was obviously a very self-centered, controlling person. They had been together for 5 years and out of the blue he starts hitting her and ends up with assault and kidnapping charges against him later on. Seemed like too drastic a personality change and there would have been evidence of this type of behavior prior.
I did like the characters of both Hope, Zoe's close friend, and her brother, Brady. I am hoping that the next book will feature them and be back to Hunter's previous writing.
The plot was basically a second-chance romance that was very predictable. The premise was good but I had some issues with it in that there were references to pre-marital sex and pre-marital cohabitation. But, again, there seemed to be no repentance within the characters for making these choices. Zoe made choices that first left her pregnant and then followed by leaving town with Kyle, one of the bad boys in town. She spent 5 years with him as a backup singer raising a daughter and only returned to Copper Creek because of her grandmother's death. This ends with her deciding to stay in Copper Creek.
I couldn't decide whether Kyle was an unbelievable character or Zoe was really naive or stupid. He was obviously a very self-centered, controlling person. They had been together for 5 years and out of the blue he starts hitting her and ends up with assault and kidnapping charges against him later on. Seemed like too drastic a personality change and there would have been evidence of this type of behavior prior.
I did like the characters of both Hope, Zoe's close friend, and her brother, Brady. I am hoping that the next book will feature them and be back to Hunter's previous writing.
April 29, 2018
Blue Ridge Sunrise is the start to Denise Hunter's new series and I have such conflicting thoughts about it. Not the series, just this particular story.
It started off so well and I thought I was going to love the book, but the redemption/forgiveness/repentance part of the story I kept hoping to see never really seemed to happen (or at least I didn't pick up on it). This really just felt like a clean-ish mainstream novel and if it wouldn't have been labeled Christian Fiction I probably would have given it at least 4 stars. I just have different standards when it comes to Christian vs. mainstream fiction.
Putting that aside, the writing was superb and the storyline held my attention. I didn't particularly care for the heroine, as I found her naïve and some of her actions to be very foolish. I loved her daughter, Grace, and I also liked Brady and Hope (I can't wait to read their story - Honeysuckle Dreams!).
All in all, as I said above: I have such mixed feelings about Blue Ridge Sunrise…It was written very well, but the story isn't something I loved. So, I can't recommend this one, but I recommend most of Denise Hunter's other books (seriously, her previous two series are favs of mine!).
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
It started off so well and I thought I was going to love the book, but the redemption/forgiveness/repentance part of the story I kept hoping to see never really seemed to happen (or at least I didn't pick up on it). This really just felt like a clean-ish mainstream novel and if it wouldn't have been labeled Christian Fiction I probably would have given it at least 4 stars. I just have different standards when it comes to Christian vs. mainstream fiction.
Putting that aside, the writing was superb and the storyline held my attention. I didn't particularly care for the heroine, as I found her naïve and some of her actions to be very foolish. I loved her daughter, Grace, and I also liked Brady and Hope (I can't wait to read their story - Honeysuckle Dreams!).
All in all, as I said above: I have such mixed feelings about Blue Ridge Sunrise…It was written very well, but the story isn't something I loved. So, I can't recommend this one, but I recommend most of Denise Hunter's other books (seriously, her previous two series are favs of mine!).
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
June 18, 2020
Overall, I didn't love the main characters. The writing style is good.
September 11, 2017
So, I decided to throw my neatly ordered to-read list out the window and read Blue Ridge Sunrise way ahead of schedule. I simply couldn't resist the promise of a Denise Hunter romance or (let's face it) that cover.
Returning to her hometown and confronting her past was never on Zoe Collins' to-do list. But the death of her beloved grandmother has finally brought Zoe home, bringing along her young daughter and boyfriend Kyle. When Zoe discovers that her grandmother has left her a peach farm, Zoe is torn between returning to her life on the road as a singer and staying to take over the farm. Coming face-to-face with Cruz Huntley, her first love and ex-boyfriend, makes things more complicated - especially when Zoe knows that sticking around will mean finally coming clean about her biggest secret. Seemingly insurmountable obstacles war with finally feeling at home in Copper Creek, as Zoe learns to face her past and embrace her future.
I admit the whole 'single mother with a young child and a BIG! secret that she has withheld from an old boyfriend' isn't my favourite storyline. It wasn't hard to predict the direction of the story. However, Denise Hunter still made it an enjoyable read. Zoe and Cruz are flawed and relatable characters and the setting is absolutely charming - I could practically smell the sweet, fruit-scented air.
There is plenty of romantic tension and the ending also ramps up the suspense thanks to a tense situation gone bad (and arguably some very questionable judgement from one of the main characters). Faith plays a small part in the story - I've read mainstream books that talk more about God - and this is consistent with the characters' choices and actions. This book also raises the important issue of domestic violence and abusive relationships.
Blue Ridge Sunrise was an enjoyable contemporary romance. I'm really looking forward to the second book in this series - we meet Brady and Hope in this book and their story promises to be really interesting. There are also a few appearances from characters from Denise Hunter's most recent release, Sweetbriar Cottage. The Blue Ridge Romance series promises plenty more romance and sweet stories.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
Returning to her hometown and confronting her past was never on Zoe Collins' to-do list. But the death of her beloved grandmother has finally brought Zoe home, bringing along her young daughter and boyfriend Kyle. When Zoe discovers that her grandmother has left her a peach farm, Zoe is torn between returning to her life on the road as a singer and staying to take over the farm. Coming face-to-face with Cruz Huntley, her first love and ex-boyfriend, makes things more complicated - especially when Zoe knows that sticking around will mean finally coming clean about her biggest secret. Seemingly insurmountable obstacles war with finally feeling at home in Copper Creek, as Zoe learns to face her past and embrace her future.
I admit the whole 'single mother with a young child and a BIG! secret that she has withheld from an old boyfriend' isn't my favourite storyline. It wasn't hard to predict the direction of the story. However, Denise Hunter still made it an enjoyable read. Zoe and Cruz are flawed and relatable characters and the setting is absolutely charming - I could practically smell the sweet, fruit-scented air.
There is plenty of romantic tension and the ending also ramps up the suspense thanks to a tense situation gone bad (and arguably some very questionable judgement from one of the main characters). Faith plays a small part in the story - I've read mainstream books that talk more about God - and this is consistent with the characters' choices and actions. This book also raises the important issue of domestic violence and abusive relationships.
Blue Ridge Sunrise was an enjoyable contemporary romance. I'm really looking forward to the second book in this series - we meet Brady and Hope in this book and their story promises to be really interesting. There are also a few appearances from characters from Denise Hunter's most recent release, Sweetbriar Cottage. The Blue Ridge Romance series promises plenty more romance and sweet stories.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
April 18, 2021
The writing is good but I didn’t really connect with the story’s couple. I also wish there was more spiritual content in this. DH has really set the stage for more Copper Creek couples & I’m excited to read the rest of the series!
November 7, 2017
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
I can’t think of a book that I have gone back and forth so much on as I did this book. For awhile I was really loving it. Then I was really annoyed at a turn of events. Then I loved it again. Then I was annoyed again. Then it picked up a little bit again at the end.
I was immediately drawn in to Zoe and Cruz and their second-chance romance storyline. As with most of Hunter’s leading ladies, I found Zoe kind of hard to like, but she did grow throughout the story. I, of course, loved Cruz. I also liked Zoe’s brother, Brady, and her best friend, Hope (I’m anticipating them to be lead characters in a future book in this series). The second part of the book is a flash back to when Zoe and Cruz started dating. I’m a big fan of multiple timeline storytelling and I loved watching those two get together.
As I mentioned above, after loving the book for awhile, something happened that really annoyed me. This is just personal preference, but I really, really dislike any romance trope that involves babies/kids. It just brings my whole enjoyment of a book way down. Another thing that I really dislike in books is when one small miscommunication is the main source of conflict and just one honest conversation would clear everything up. It drives me crazy to read a whole book like that.
Thankfully, the miscommunication was cleared up much more quickly than I anticipated. I was able to get back on the Cruz and Zoe ship and enjoy myself again. I liked watching them grow closer as they worked together to get the peach market up and running. However, Zoe’s old boyfriend Kyle is still not entirely out of the picture. Zoe decides to do something so annoyingly frustrating to remedy that and I found my enjoyment disappearing again. Things did work out in the end, though, with a nice lesson in faith tacked on.
Overall, Blue Ridge Sunrise was just a little uneven for me. While I did really enjoy Zoe and Cruz’s relationship, some romance tropes that I don’t really like were employed and kind of dampened my experience. I know that some people really love those type of storylines though, so I can see many readers eating the whole thing up with a smile. I also thought that for being Christian Fiction it was really light on the Christian. Again, not something that will bother everybody. This wasn’t my favorite Denise Hunter book, but it wasn’t my least favorite either. I liked it enough that I want to continue the series.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3 Stars
I can’t think of a book that I have gone back and forth so much on as I did this book. For awhile I was really loving it. Then I was really annoyed at a turn of events. Then I loved it again. Then I was annoyed again. Then it picked up a little bit again at the end.
I was immediately drawn in to Zoe and Cruz and their second-chance romance storyline. As with most of Hunter’s leading ladies, I found Zoe kind of hard to like, but she did grow throughout the story. I, of course, loved Cruz. I also liked Zoe’s brother, Brady, and her best friend, Hope (I’m anticipating them to be lead characters in a future book in this series). The second part of the book is a flash back to when Zoe and Cruz started dating. I’m a big fan of multiple timeline storytelling and I loved watching those two get together.
As I mentioned above, after loving the book for awhile, something happened that really annoyed me. This is just personal preference, but I really, really dislike any romance trope that involves babies/kids. It just brings my whole enjoyment of a book way down. Another thing that I really dislike in books is when one small miscommunication is the main source of conflict and just one honest conversation would clear everything up. It drives me crazy to read a whole book like that.
Thankfully, the miscommunication was cleared up much more quickly than I anticipated. I was able to get back on the Cruz and Zoe ship and enjoy myself again. I liked watching them grow closer as they worked together to get the peach market up and running. However, Zoe’s old boyfriend Kyle is still not entirely out of the picture. Zoe decides to do something so annoyingly frustrating to remedy that and I found my enjoyment disappearing again. Things did work out in the end, though, with a nice lesson in faith tacked on.
Overall, Blue Ridge Sunrise was just a little uneven for me. While I did really enjoy Zoe and Cruz’s relationship, some romance tropes that I don’t really like were employed and kind of dampened my experience. I know that some people really love those type of storylines though, so I can see many readers eating the whole thing up with a smile. I also thought that for being Christian Fiction it was really light on the Christian. Again, not something that will bother everybody. This wasn’t my favorite Denise Hunter book, but it wasn’t my least favorite either. I liked it enough that I want to continue the series.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3 Stars
November 27, 2017
I enjoyed this book and really liked Cruz and Zoe. I am looking forward to Brady and Hope's story next.
February 13, 2025
BLUE RIDGE SUNRISE is the first book in the Blue Ridge series by Denise Hunter. It is all about family and faith and totally heart tugging. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Cruz and Zoe and all the secondary characters. All of Denise’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartache a person can stand before they completely break down and shatter.
BLUE RIDGE SUNRISE is filled with family drama, forgiveness, mystery and romance. It is also an emotional rich story, so much so that it just might be the best novel that I have read by Denise Hunter so far. Returning to her hometown and confronting her past was never on Zoe Collins’ to-do list. But the death of her beloved grandmother has finally brought Zoe home, along with her young daughter and boyfriend Kyle. Cruz has always loved Zoe, she broke his heart going away and now that she is back he is at war with himself trying to ignore her.
BLUE RIDGE SUNRISE is about Zoe and Cruz, who still have unfinished feelings for each other that were never resolved and a 4 year old daughter that does not know her father. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, which is about Zoe’s brother, Brady, and her best friend, Hope. Hang on people, BLUE RIDGE SUNRISE is an intense and crazy ride.
BLUE RIDGE SUNRISE is a quick read that you can easily read in one sitting and love every minute of it. It is one heck of a crazy emotional roller coaster ride. I have never met a Denise Hunter book that I didn’t love and once I started reading I knew I was going on one heck of an emotional journey! Whatever you are reading, put it down, and run and get this book! If you’ve never read a Denise Hunter novel (and you know who you are) this would be a perfect one to hook you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given
BLUE RIDGE SUNRISE is filled with family drama, forgiveness, mystery and romance. It is also an emotional rich story, so much so that it just might be the best novel that I have read by Denise Hunter so far. Returning to her hometown and confronting her past was never on Zoe Collins’ to-do list. But the death of her beloved grandmother has finally brought Zoe home, along with her young daughter and boyfriend Kyle. Cruz has always loved Zoe, she broke his heart going away and now that she is back he is at war with himself trying to ignore her.
BLUE RIDGE SUNRISE is about Zoe and Cruz, who still have unfinished feelings for each other that were never resolved and a 4 year old daughter that does not know her father. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, which is about Zoe’s brother, Brady, and her best friend, Hope. Hang on people, BLUE RIDGE SUNRISE is an intense and crazy ride.
BLUE RIDGE SUNRISE is a quick read that you can easily read in one sitting and love every minute of it. It is one heck of a crazy emotional roller coaster ride. I have never met a Denise Hunter book that I didn’t love and once I started reading I knew I was going on one heck of an emotional journey! Whatever you are reading, put it down, and run and get this book! If you’ve never read a Denise Hunter novel (and you know who you are) this would be a perfect one to hook you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given
April 7, 2018
Blue Ridge Sunrise is the first of the Blue Ridge Romance series but we did meet some of the characters in Sweetbriar Cottage. The story takes place in Cooper Creek, Georgia in the northern part of the state in the mountains. Like all small towns, everyone knows each other and there is the sense of community.
When Zoe Collins returns home for her grandmother's funeral, she had no idea that Granny would leave her peach orchard to Zoe. Zoe always loved the orchard and working during the harvest season. Zoe left home pregnant just after high school with her boyfriend, Cruz Huntley's baby. She left to pursue a career as a backup singer with Kyle, a friend, when he offered her a chance to work with his band in Nashville. This was a way out of dealing with her family and the hurt caused when Cruz started withdrawing from her. Cruz is her brother Brady's best friend and doesn't realize that Zoe is pregnant with his child. Five years later, the baby is now a four year little girl named Gracie. Now, Kyle is more than a friend to Zoe and when he becomes abusive in a public place, Zoe decides that she is better off staying in Granny's house to regroup and work the orchard as Granny wanted her to do instead of returning to Nashville with Kyle. Cruz is manager of the orchard so he and Zoe have to work together. Zoe and Cruz have unfinished business and lots of hurts and wounds to heal. But Kyle doesn't give up easily. He was always jealous of Cruz. On top of everything, the orchard is not having a great year.
Denise Hunter is great at developing her characters and presenting a plot that is real and believable. This is an emotional story with lots of conflict and problems to overcome.
When Zoe Collins returns home for her grandmother's funeral, she had no idea that Granny would leave her peach orchard to Zoe. Zoe always loved the orchard and working during the harvest season. Zoe left home pregnant just after high school with her boyfriend, Cruz Huntley's baby. She left to pursue a career as a backup singer with Kyle, a friend, when he offered her a chance to work with his band in Nashville. This was a way out of dealing with her family and the hurt caused when Cruz started withdrawing from her. Cruz is her brother Brady's best friend and doesn't realize that Zoe is pregnant with his child. Five years later, the baby is now a four year little girl named Gracie. Now, Kyle is more than a friend to Zoe and when he becomes abusive in a public place, Zoe decides that she is better off staying in Granny's house to regroup and work the orchard as Granny wanted her to do instead of returning to Nashville with Kyle. Cruz is manager of the orchard so he and Zoe have to work together. Zoe and Cruz have unfinished business and lots of hurts and wounds to heal. But Kyle doesn't give up easily. He was always jealous of Cruz. On top of everything, the orchard is not having a great year.
Denise Hunter is great at developing her characters and presenting a plot that is real and believable. This is an emotional story with lots of conflict and problems to overcome.
November 18, 2017
Denise Hunter used to be one of my favorite authors, I've read every single one of her romances she's written over the years. I've heard that Thomas Nelson is becoming more edgy and that is apparent with the last few romances Ms. Hunter has put out.
Zoe is a wild child. The book starts when she's fifteen and she's got the stuff and is hot to trot. She has Cruz lusting after her, but he's her brother's best friend. When Brady goes off to college, Cruz promises to keep his eye on her... and he does. That, and other things.
Then Zoe runs off to join a country band and sing backup. When granny dies, she comes back home with her four year old daughter in tow...
Okay, you can see where this is going. Zoe is not a character I like or identify with. With the exception of Granny and her brother and one girlfriend she's pretty much burned all her bridges behind her, too. Even her own dad is reluctant to help. Even Cruz hates her, but she's still hot... And of course they are forced together because...
The ending was rather rushed and unsettled. Telling. Not a satisfactory end.
Faith message was weak. She sings in church, says a prayer or two , and it's called good. Lives like the devil the rest of the time.
I wanted to like this book. But I didn't. And I hate to say this, but it might be the last Denise Hunter book I ever read. That kind of breaks my heart.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Zoe is a wild child. The book starts when she's fifteen and she's got the stuff and is hot to trot. She has Cruz lusting after her, but he's her brother's best friend. When Brady goes off to college, Cruz promises to keep his eye on her... and he does. That, and other things.
Then Zoe runs off to join a country band and sing backup. When granny dies, she comes back home with her four year old daughter in tow...
Okay, you can see where this is going. Zoe is not a character I like or identify with. With the exception of Granny and her brother and one girlfriend she's pretty much burned all her bridges behind her, too. Even her own dad is reluctant to help. Even Cruz hates her, but she's still hot... And of course they are forced together because...
The ending was rather rushed and unsettled. Telling. Not a satisfactory end.
Faith message was weak. She sings in church, says a prayer or two , and it's called good. Lives like the devil the rest of the time.
I wanted to like this book. But I didn't. And I hate to say this, but it might be the last Denise Hunter book I ever read. That kind of breaks my heart.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
July 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I'm from Georgia, so I could picuture the scenes and smell the peaches in the orchard. Loved the characters and the little bit of Nashville thrown in. Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC.
December 30, 2020
I have to tell you Blue Ridge Sunrise is listed as Christian Fiction, I didn't know what to expect and I put it off for years but after I've finished it I can say it was a nice read with a very mild religion presence.
Zoe comes back to Copper Creek for her grandma's burial, she ran away years before with a big secret, now that her grandma left her the orchard in her will it's the time to come back at home and try to redeem herself. Cruz has always loved Zoe, she broke his heart going away and now that she is back he is at war with himself trying to ignore her. Will they get their second chance at love? Or is their relationship forever compromised?
I liked all the ups and downs of the plot, the flow is fluid and I've read it quicly.
I've got attached to the main characters and I've cheered for them to get their happily ever after, even if at times I've found Zoe immature.
March 23, 2018
The first in Denise Hunter's new Blue Ridge Romance series had me feeling a little off kilter as a reader. Somehow having what is usually a painful past that a character is looking to put behind them was more immediate than I've typically found in Christian fiction, resulting in a book that felt more like general women’s fiction with a few nods to faith thrown in.
While the portrayal and references to infidelity, pre-marital sex, pre-marital cohabitation were done in a way that is pretty respectful of the sensibilities of readers used to less edgy content in their fiction, and the physical and mental abuse suffered by the heroine was not shown in an excessively brutal way, I just couldn't get comfortable with this story where faith seems more like passing thoughts.
Zoe Collins is a young, single mother who sings backup for her controlling boyfriend's band. Returning home after her Aunt's death to find that she has inherited a farm with a peach orchard, she finally breaks with him and slowly starts to rebuild an amicable relationship with her ex, Cruz Huntley, who manages the place. The best friend of her brother, Cruz was the Puerto Rican boy from the wrong side of the tracks that her father would never approve of. For five years she has kept the secret of his fatherhood from him, but he soon realizes that Gracie is his. What neither of them realizes is how far Zoe's boyfriend will go to get her back.
Despite some great lines and touches of humor, I struggled to enjoy what is really a nicely written book. The pacing was well done, the plotting was fine with a few scenes of danger, but it just left me cold. I found myself wishing that we could veer away from Zoe and Cruz and focus on their best friends, who have also been friends for years. The possibility of a story between these two seemed potentially more interesting.
Contemporary fiction is not my favorite, and this may have something to do with my reaction. So, perhaps this is a novel that will appeal to those who enjoy a bittersweet contemporary romance with nominal Christianity.
This review refers to a finished copy I voluntarily received for review from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan's Fiction Guild. All opinions expressed are my own.
While the portrayal and references to infidelity, pre-marital sex, pre-marital cohabitation were done in a way that is pretty respectful of the sensibilities of readers used to less edgy content in their fiction, and the physical and mental abuse suffered by the heroine was not shown in an excessively brutal way, I just couldn't get comfortable with this story where faith seems more like passing thoughts.
Zoe Collins is a young, single mother who sings backup for her controlling boyfriend's band. Returning home after her Aunt's death to find that she has inherited a farm with a peach orchard, she finally breaks with him and slowly starts to rebuild an amicable relationship with her ex, Cruz Huntley, who manages the place. The best friend of her brother, Cruz was the Puerto Rican boy from the wrong side of the tracks that her father would never approve of. For five years she has kept the secret of his fatherhood from him, but he soon realizes that Gracie is his. What neither of them realizes is how far Zoe's boyfriend will go to get her back.
Despite some great lines and touches of humor, I struggled to enjoy what is really a nicely written book. The pacing was well done, the plotting was fine with a few scenes of danger, but it just left me cold. I found myself wishing that we could veer away from Zoe and Cruz and focus on their best friends, who have also been friends for years. The possibility of a story between these two seemed potentially more interesting.
Contemporary fiction is not my favorite, and this may have something to do with my reaction. So, perhaps this is a novel that will appeal to those who enjoy a bittersweet contemporary romance with nominal Christianity.
This review refers to a finished copy I voluntarily received for review from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan's Fiction Guild. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 19, 2017
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Denise Hunter has been been one of my favorite contemporary romance writers, and until now, her novels have not disappointed me. Unfortunately, Blue Ridge Sunrise let me down a little, failing to live up to my expectations.
Now, I enjoyed the story of the romance. Zoe Collins and Cruz Huntley have romantic history, and when she returns to Copper Creek, they find themselves with an unexpected second chance at love. I liked getting to know these characters (and the ones set up for romance in Honeysuckle Dreams) and seeing their relationship develop and fall apart and develop again. It’s sweet and heartwarming overall.
However, what left me disappointed was the lack of character development in regards to faith. The characters go to church and mention faith every once in a while, yet there was no significant spiritual difference between the past and the present for the main characters. The depth that could have added to their personalities and relationship was missing.
So, Blue Ridge Sunrise was not my favorite of Denise Hunter’s novels—but I did enjoy most of the story and certainly look forward to continuing this new series.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a complimentary copy of Blue Ridge Sunrise and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Denise Hunter has been been one of my favorite contemporary romance writers, and until now, her novels have not disappointed me. Unfortunately, Blue Ridge Sunrise let me down a little, failing to live up to my expectations.
Now, I enjoyed the story of the romance. Zoe Collins and Cruz Huntley have romantic history, and when she returns to Copper Creek, they find themselves with an unexpected second chance at love. I liked getting to know these characters (and the ones set up for romance in Honeysuckle Dreams) and seeing their relationship develop and fall apart and develop again. It’s sweet and heartwarming overall.
However, what left me disappointed was the lack of character development in regards to faith. The characters go to church and mention faith every once in a while, yet there was no significant spiritual difference between the past and the present for the main characters. The depth that could have added to their personalities and relationship was missing.
So, Blue Ridge Sunrise was not my favorite of Denise Hunter’s novels—but I did enjoy most of the story and certainly look forward to continuing this new series.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a complimentary copy of Blue Ridge Sunrise and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
November 13, 2019
I seem to do this... buy one or two books of a series and read them out of order. I read Blue Ridge 2 and 3 earlier this year, so I figured I'd finish it off by reading the first one in the series since I enjoyed the others.
Well, this one? Not so much. I honestly felt uncomfortable all the way through it. So, so, so many things wrong.
And my fault for not going to reviews written by GR friends to see their thoughts. Totally forgot Hannah reviewed this. And now that I finished it, I looked back and saw I even replied to some thoughts on her review! Silly me.
Reminders for my sake... not necessarily for those interested in the book:
This one just didn't come close to what I saw in books 2 and 3. Sad.
Well, this one? Not so much. I honestly felt uncomfortable all the way through it. So, so, so many things wrong.
And my fault for not going to reviews written by GR friends to see their thoughts. Totally forgot Hannah reviewed this. And now that I finished it, I looked back and saw I even replied to some thoughts on her review! Silly me.
Reminders for my sake... not necessarily for those interested in the book:
This one just didn't come close to what I saw in books 2 and 3. Sad.
October 26, 2017
One thing I love about Denise Hunter is she knows how to write books that get into the gritty parts of life that aren't so pretty. Her books bring out the not so pretty and the sometimes hopeless parts but she also shows how those not so pretty things can turn into beautiful things through love and faith. Hunter's books always feel like a journey that end in the best sort of satisfaction for me.
Cruz and Zoe have quite the history. It unfolds slowly throughout that book as the two try to navigate a new reality of working together after years spent apart. They parted after some big misunderstandings which provide for some major bumps in the road as they try to come to terms with what happened. Cruz and Zoe are imperfect people. Their flaws are obvious but so are their strengths. It makes them feel human and easy to relate to.
I loved the light suspense and the added tension it brought as I just waited for that "something" to happen that I knew was coming.
I enjoyed this book a lot! I read through it quickly and found myself caring about the characters. The pacing is great. I really hope Zoe's brother gets his story next! :)
Content: mild violence, mentions of sex outside of marriage with no details, kissing. Light Christian fiction elements.
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Cruz and Zoe have quite the history. It unfolds slowly throughout that book as the two try to navigate a new reality of working together after years spent apart. They parted after some big misunderstandings which provide for some major bumps in the road as they try to come to terms with what happened. Cruz and Zoe are imperfect people. Their flaws are obvious but so are their strengths. It makes them feel human and easy to relate to.
I loved the light suspense and the added tension it brought as I just waited for that "something" to happen that I knew was coming.
I enjoyed this book a lot! I read through it quickly and found myself caring about the characters. The pacing is great. I really hope Zoe's brother gets his story next! :)
Content: mild violence, mentions of sex outside of marriage with no details, kissing. Light Christian fiction elements.
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 8, 2017
Blue Ridge Sunrise is the first book from Denise Hunter's whole new series, Blue Ridge Romance. I read this book in one sitting. I loved it so much, I did not want to put it down. I felt an instant connection to Zoe. I knew what she was going through - the heartache, past secrets and regrets. This is a wonderful story of forgiveness, letting go, and moving on, while in a beautiful setting.
I most definitely believe this is a must read and highly recommend it.
5 plus stars.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I most definitely believe this is a must read and highly recommend it.
5 plus stars.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
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August 9, 2017I really enjoyed this book. It has just the right amount of romance and suspense!
November 14, 2018
From the cover I was expecting a fun, cute romance. Instead, "Blue Ridge Sunrise" by Denise Hunter is a romance with a lot of deeper issues being explored; such as family drama and dealing with past mistakes. The first half of the book is dealing more with Zoe, our main female protagonist, returning home and facing her past. Because of this there are flashbacks to Zoe’s past; a lot of which were bad decisions she had made. I didn’t enjoy the first half as much because there is more mature content and I was really frustrated with Zoe. The second half is where I started to like the book a lot more and I give Ms. Hunter kudos for the transformation Zoe goes through and her character arc.
In the end, Zoe and Cruz (the hero of the book), learn a lot of lessons. Zoe’s friend reminds her to find her identity in God and not any man. Zoe realizes she has been trying to control things when God should be in control and she should pass things by God before acting. Cruz’s faith also grows throughout the novel. The only thing that is a little troublesome is that Zoe and Cruz made mistakes in the past, but I don’t really see them acknowledging specifically that what they did is wrong.
Of course, I love the romance! Cruz is a great guy and it’s so sweet how he is so protective of Zoe and never stops loving her. Ms. Hunter is an amazing writer and her style is easy to read. Overall, I liked the book. I think fans of contemporary novels and romance with some depth will really enjoy this book!
Content: This book definitely falls in the category of edgy Christian fiction with a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: the word hell is used; a couple shares a hotel room and sleep together when they aren’t married; people are at a bar and drink alcohol; a man is physically and emotionally abusive towards his girlfriend; a man calls a woman a derogatory name, but the word isn’t written; reference to someone being a drug addict.
Rating: I give this book 3 stars.
Genre: Contemporary; Christian fiction; Romance.
I want to thank Denise Hunter, The Fiction Guild and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
In the end, Zoe and Cruz (the hero of the book), learn a lot of lessons. Zoe’s friend reminds her to find her identity in God and not any man. Zoe realizes she has been trying to control things when God should be in control and she should pass things by God before acting. Cruz’s faith also grows throughout the novel. The only thing that is a little troublesome is that Zoe and Cruz made mistakes in the past, but I don’t really see them acknowledging specifically that what they did is wrong.
Of course, I love the romance! Cruz is a great guy and it’s so sweet how he is so protective of Zoe and never stops loving her. Ms. Hunter is an amazing writer and her style is easy to read. Overall, I liked the book. I think fans of contemporary novels and romance with some depth will really enjoy this book!
Content: This book definitely falls in the category of edgy Christian fiction with a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: the word hell is used; a couple shares a hotel room and sleep together when they aren’t married; people are at a bar and drink alcohol; a man is physically and emotionally abusive towards his girlfriend; a man calls a woman a derogatory name, but the word isn’t written; reference to someone being a drug addict.
Rating: I give this book 3 stars.
Genre: Contemporary; Christian fiction; Romance.
I want to thank Denise Hunter, The Fiction Guild and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
March 5, 2018
This was one of those reads that was just ‘okay’ for me, and I’ve had a little trouble putting my finger on the reasons why. Firstly, although I was generally sympathetic towards the heroine Zoe, I found it difficult to empathise with some of her decisions—or perhaps more to the point, to understand what motivated her to be strong in some circumstances, but weak in others. Secondly, I wasn’t convinced that Zoe had grown much in this area by the end of the book, as one of her poorest decisions sets up the climax of the novel. A third sticking point was the predictability of several plot points. These things took away some of my investment in the story.
So, what did I enjoy? I liked that we travelled back in time to witness the development of Zoe and Cruz’s relationship as teens rather than simply being told what happened, and the suspense at the climax definitely ramped things up, even if it was brought on by that aforementioned poor decision of Zoe’s. The story also carries a subtle message of forgiveness and grace, and leads Zoe to turn to turn the reins of her life over to the One who knows best, although much of this spiritual journey is implied rather than demonstrated in the story.
Despite my diminished enjoyment of this story, Brady's and Hope's presence in this novel has whet my appetite for their story, Honeysuckle Dreams, coming in May.
So, what did I enjoy? I liked that we travelled back in time to witness the development of Zoe and Cruz’s relationship as teens rather than simply being told what happened, and the suspense at the climax definitely ramped things up, even if it was brought on by that aforementioned poor decision of Zoe’s. The story also carries a subtle message of forgiveness and grace, and leads Zoe to turn to turn the reins of her life over to the One who knows best, although much of this spiritual journey is implied rather than demonstrated in the story.
Despite my diminished enjoyment of this story, Brady's and Hope's presence in this novel has whet my appetite for their story, Honeysuckle Dreams, coming in May.
January 4, 2018
My rating system looks something like this:
5 stars: Holy cow. I can't breathe. That was amazing.
4 stars: I liked it. No complaints, but not heart-stopping.
3 stars: Good, but have some issues with it.
2 stars: Pretty bad.
1 star: Awful.
I think Blue Ridge Sunrise falls at about 3.5 with this rating scale. I liked the story and Cruz as a leading man. But Zoe was annoying and hard to root for. I'm also in agreement with many other reviewers that the faith elements in this book were very weak. I hate that Zoe went from living with her boyfriend to singing a solo on stage at church without any kind of "come to Jesus" moment. Maybe that makes me a legalist, but I feel like it should be addressed.
I was also confused about Noah and Josephine. Am I supposed to know them? This is book one in the series, right? Why so much back-story about these minor characters?
Recap: cute story, good romance/chemistry, weak faith elements, annoying main character
5 stars: Holy cow. I can't breathe. That was amazing.
4 stars: I liked it. No complaints, but not heart-stopping.
3 stars: Good, but have some issues with it.
2 stars: Pretty bad.
1 star: Awful.
I think Blue Ridge Sunrise falls at about 3.5 with this rating scale. I liked the story and Cruz as a leading man. But Zoe was annoying and hard to root for. I'm also in agreement with many other reviewers that the faith elements in this book were very weak. I hate that Zoe went from living with her boyfriend to singing a solo on stage at church without any kind of "come to Jesus" moment. Maybe that makes me a legalist, but I feel like it should be addressed.
I was also confused about Noah and Josephine. Am I supposed to know them? This is book one in the series, right? Why so much back-story about these minor characters?
Recap: cute story, good romance/chemistry, weak faith elements, annoying main character
April 19, 2018
According to the other reviews I feel differently, as I feel this is a story of a prodigal daughter who is trying to get her life on track after foolish mistakes and risks taken. Is it edgier...yes....is it true to life...yes. Not everyone lives a Christian life from birth and have to find their way back to their roots and need love and understanding, not harsh holier than thou judgement. I loved this book and felt it was well written and realistic. I could identify with the abuse and how Zoe lost who she was because of it. It was realistic and spot on. I loved how the characters developed and Bella is such a sweet bonus. Perfect example of how poor choices dictate our destiny unless we yield to our faith. I couldn’t put it down and loved the flashback chapters so I knew the full backstory. I’m not a big contemporary reader, but I loved this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson & Zondervan. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson & Zondervan. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
November 21, 2017
This book was worth every penny! Denise Hunter consistently writes amazing love stories. This one is gritty and darker than her other books but not really sad, which Is good because I️ don’t like to read depressing stories. If you do not like edgy books with very little "Christian" content then I would not recommend this book. But if you favor steamy but clean romance then this is for you. The attraction between Cruz and Zoe is electrifying. I read almost the whole book in one setting that is how good the story line is. In my opinion, Denise Hunter's trademark is stories that go back into the past to where the love story begins and then brings us back to the current situation. The feelings of young love are so sweet and true to life. I loved it! Five stars!
August 18, 2017
I'm a huge fan of Denise Hunter, but this one left me disappointed. Lots of non-Christian living taking place in this book by all the characters. God was there, but not really a major player. And the entire plot with the orchard and a barn and a fire... I feel like I've already read something extremely similar. I didn't dislike it enough to turn me away from Hunter, but definitely disappointed. *I received a complimentary copy of this book*
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