What do you think?
Rate this book
Where the Heart Is #3
Planting Hope
When flowers and chocolate collide, romance is sure to bloom
Family has always been the one constant in Jess Beaumont’s messy life, so when her parents separate, she puts “Operation: Planting Hope” into action. All she has to do is recreate the circumstances that helped her parents fall in love. Unfortunately, that includes the daunting task of restoring the family cabin’s gardens. When the handsome candy store owner shows up to help, she’s certain she has all the elements required for her parents’ love to bloom again. After all, flowers and chocolate are the perfect ingredients for romance.
Luke Harrison has spent his life trying to win his father’s approval, and a promotion in the family land development business would be a step in that direction. But when he inherits Gran’s candy store, his dreams of being promoted start melting away. Then his dad dangles a Vice President position in front of Luke, with one caveat—acquire the land on both sides of Gran’s store within five months, including the Beaumont cabin, and the promotion is his.
What at first seemed a simple challenge for Luke becomes a tangled mess. Buying the Beaumont cabin and land will nip his blossoming romance with Jess in the bud. Even worse, it could end her parents’ marriage. But if he doesn’t succeed, he could be trading in his corner office for the corner candy store.
Family has always been the one constant in Jess Beaumont’s messy life, so when her parents separate, she puts “Operation: Planting Hope” into action. All she has to do is recreate the circumstances that helped her parents fall in love. Unfortunately, that includes the daunting task of restoring the family cabin’s gardens. When the handsome candy store owner shows up to help, she’s certain she has all the elements required for her parents’ love to bloom again. After all, flowers and chocolate are the perfect ingredients for romance.
Luke Harrison has spent his life trying to win his father’s approval, and a promotion in the family land development business would be a step in that direction. But when he inherits Gran’s candy store, his dreams of being promoted start melting away. Then his dad dangles a Vice President position in front of Luke, with one caveat—acquire the land on both sides of Gran’s store within five months, including the Beaumont cabin, and the promotion is his.
What at first seemed a simple challenge for Luke becomes a tangled mess. Buying the Beaumont cabin and land will nip his blossoming romance with Jess in the bud. Even worse, it could end her parents’ marriage. But if he doesn’t succeed, he could be trading in his corner office for the corner candy store.
- GenresContemporary Romance
302 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2017
26 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Brenda S. Anderson
34 books399 followersBrenda S. Anderson writes authentic and gritty life-affirming fiction that shows God at work in people’s messy lives. She is a founding member of the award-winning, nontraditional publishing company, The Mosaic Collection. When not writing, she enjoys live sports and theater, walking along the shores of Lake Superior, and sharing hot cocoa with friends and family. She lives near Minneapolis with her newly retired husband and their twin mischievous kitties, Mauer and Morneau.
Readers can learn more about Brenda S. Anderson at www.brendaandersonbooks.com
Readers can learn more about Brenda S. Anderson at www.brendaandersonbooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 19, 2017
Warning: this book may cause extreme chocolate cravings so have plenty on hand before you start to read!
Family dynamics are at the heart of this contemporary love story as Anderson explores the power we hold over the people we love. Honestly, there are a few characters I wanted to smack up side the head in a fit of seething fury. Not the hero or heroine though. They were delightful fun -- as in cue the teasing banter and dust off the fainting couch 'cause the sparks fly fast and furious every time Luke and Jess get together.
But they seem to be on a collision course for disaster thanks to the pressures put on them by both their families. These are real people with real problems -- the kind that seem insurmountable without the hope God can bring to any situation.
One of the best takeaway quotes from the book: "You can't change the past, but you can impact the future ".(p 87) Luke and Jess set out to do just that and the result is a funny, angsty, and ultimately hopeful love story.
Of note: This is the third book in Brenda S. Anderson's Where the Heart Is romance series but it reads beautifully as a standalone. However, fans of the second book, Capturing Beauty, will be thrilled to catch up with Callie and Haven in Planting Hope.
My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book
Family dynamics are at the heart of this contemporary love story as Anderson explores the power we hold over the people we love. Honestly, there are a few characters I wanted to smack up side the head in a fit of seething fury. Not the hero or heroine though. They were delightful fun -- as in cue the teasing banter and dust off the fainting couch 'cause the sparks fly fast and furious every time Luke and Jess get together.
But they seem to be on a collision course for disaster thanks to the pressures put on them by both their families. These are real people with real problems -- the kind that seem insurmountable without the hope God can bring to any situation.
One of the best takeaway quotes from the book: "You can't change the past, but you can impact the future ".(p 87) Luke and Jess set out to do just that and the result is a funny, angsty, and ultimately hopeful love story.
Of note: This is the third book in Brenda S. Anderson's Where the Heart Is romance series but it reads beautifully as a standalone. However, fans of the second book, Capturing Beauty, will be thrilled to catch up with Callie and Haven in Planting Hope.
My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book
September 19, 2017
Planting Hope by Brenda Anderson is a wonderful Christian romance which I really adored. It is the third book in the Where The Heart Is series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed meeting up with familiar characters.
Brenda Anderson always writes warm and welcoming novels with characters that just take up residence in my heart. Planting Hope is no exception. The characters are all realistic and likable. There are some wonderfully amusing and fun dialogue exchanges that put a smile on your face and a warm fuzzy feeling in your heart. As well as getting to know the 'living' characters, I also felt like I 'knew' Gran who died before the novel began. The inclusion of 'Granisms' impart wise wisdom into both the readers and the characters.
The novel is about relationships, particularly marriage. Marriage is God's idea. He never wants it to break down. No matter how old you are, no one wants their parents to break up. Characters will do whatever is needed to keep parents together but "People don't fix people, God does."
Relationships are complicated. Love motivates people to act, sometimes in unexpected ways.
Planting Hope explores father/son relationships. We work so hard at times to make our earthly father love us but nothing we ever do seems enough. In comparison our heavenly Father loves us unconditionally. We know that we can put our hope, faith and trust in Him. "He had a heavenly Father who loved Him without condition."
Past hurts continue to cause pain if we let them. We need to forgive others and move forwards unhindered by past events. "You can't change the past but you can impact the future."
God has plans for us all. We need to listen for His voice and not the other voices competing for attention. "Negative Nelly again, whispering in her ear that she wasn't good enough." God always speaks life and hope over us.
Brenda Anderson had some wonderfully descriptive passages that made the landscape come alive for the reader. I could 'see' the area around the cabin - from the mud to the flowers. God's handiwork was clearly displayed in nature. A fact that characters appreciated too. "How had he allowed work to take precedence over visiting God's art gallery?"
Prayer is important. For some problems all we can do is hand it over to God in prayer. "She liked to grip all her problems tightly and solve them herself." We need to have a loose grip on everything and let God work.
Planting Hope was a real 'feel good' novel with God at the centre. I always love Brenda Anderson's novels and cannot get enough of the fabulous stories with realistic and lovable characters. I read with a smile on my face and hope in my heart.
Fabulous.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Brenda Anderson always writes warm and welcoming novels with characters that just take up residence in my heart. Planting Hope is no exception. The characters are all realistic and likable. There are some wonderfully amusing and fun dialogue exchanges that put a smile on your face and a warm fuzzy feeling in your heart. As well as getting to know the 'living' characters, I also felt like I 'knew' Gran who died before the novel began. The inclusion of 'Granisms' impart wise wisdom into both the readers and the characters.
The novel is about relationships, particularly marriage. Marriage is God's idea. He never wants it to break down. No matter how old you are, no one wants their parents to break up. Characters will do whatever is needed to keep parents together but "People don't fix people, God does."
Relationships are complicated. Love motivates people to act, sometimes in unexpected ways.
Planting Hope explores father/son relationships. We work so hard at times to make our earthly father love us but nothing we ever do seems enough. In comparison our heavenly Father loves us unconditionally. We know that we can put our hope, faith and trust in Him. "He had a heavenly Father who loved Him without condition."
Past hurts continue to cause pain if we let them. We need to forgive others and move forwards unhindered by past events. "You can't change the past but you can impact the future."
God has plans for us all. We need to listen for His voice and not the other voices competing for attention. "Negative Nelly again, whispering in her ear that she wasn't good enough." God always speaks life and hope over us.
Brenda Anderson had some wonderfully descriptive passages that made the landscape come alive for the reader. I could 'see' the area around the cabin - from the mud to the flowers. God's handiwork was clearly displayed in nature. A fact that characters appreciated too. "How had he allowed work to take precedence over visiting God's art gallery?"
Prayer is important. For some problems all we can do is hand it over to God in prayer. "She liked to grip all her problems tightly and solve them herself." We need to have a loose grip on everything and let God work.
Planting Hope was a real 'feel good' novel with God at the centre. I always love Brenda Anderson's novels and cannot get enough of the fabulous stories with realistic and lovable characters. I read with a smile on my face and hope in my heart.
Fabulous.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
October 2, 2020
Love It!
Sorry to see this series come to an end. Loved all the plots and characters! Kind of like saying goodbye to my personal friends ! I plan on reading all the books that MS. Anderson has written. Love how she incorporates scriptures into the plot. I love how
She has God's ways so simple to understand.
Sorry to see this series come to an end. Loved all the plots and characters! Kind of like saying goodbye to my personal friends ! I plan on reading all the books that MS. Anderson has written. Love how she incorporates scriptures into the plot. I love how
She has God's ways so simple to understand.
September 4, 2017
Planting Hope, written by Brenda S. Anderson, is book 3 of Where the Heart is Series.
I've enjoyed each of the books in this series and was not surprised when I enjoyed Planting Hope, too.
Once again we get to know another member of the family...Jess, this time. We know of Jess from Capturing Beauty...the snooty sister who was a model, big-time flirt and less than pleasant to be around. BUT transformations are part of God's business...and what a transformation for character! The focus is now no longer Jess, but what is going on in her family and how can she help put things to right. The Lord not only planted His loving salvation deep in her heart, but also gave her a heart to plant hope and love in those she cares the most about.
And then comes Luke Harrison. My favorite character! A guy who's dealing with the recent loss of his godly grandmother and over-bearing father. In the midst of it all, he's faced by a fallen tree and shortly after...falling head-over-heels for someone. So many complications but can there be hope in the midst of all the burdens falling around him?
Planting hope is a book that brought me to tears in several places. Its romance is toe curling! Anderson was able to weave the hope of Christ throughout the pages. One quote I found heartwarming was, "A mended heart will never be the same as before, but healing can make it stronger."
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys salvation transformations, stories of hope and romance, inspirational reads. I would also recommend this for older teens on up. Lovely Read!
I was given an ARC of this book by the author. All thoughts and comments are my own.
I've enjoyed each of the books in this series and was not surprised when I enjoyed Planting Hope, too.
Once again we get to know another member of the family...Jess, this time. We know of Jess from Capturing Beauty...the snooty sister who was a model, big-time flirt and less than pleasant to be around. BUT transformations are part of God's business...and what a transformation for character! The focus is now no longer Jess, but what is going on in her family and how can she help put things to right. The Lord not only planted His loving salvation deep in her heart, but also gave her a heart to plant hope and love in those she cares the most about.
And then comes Luke Harrison. My favorite character! A guy who's dealing with the recent loss of his godly grandmother and over-bearing father. In the midst of it all, he's faced by a fallen tree and shortly after...falling head-over-heels for someone. So many complications but can there be hope in the midst of all the burdens falling around him?
Planting hope is a book that brought me to tears in several places. Its romance is toe curling! Anderson was able to weave the hope of Christ throughout the pages. One quote I found heartwarming was, "A mended heart will never be the same as before, but healing can make it stronger."
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys salvation transformations, stories of hope and romance, inspirational reads. I would also recommend this for older teens on up. Lovely Read!
I was given an ARC of this book by the author. All thoughts and comments are my own.
September 20, 2017
Planting Hope is a sweet romance with flirty banter and toe-curling kisses, but it is much more than that. Anderson's novel addresses family relationships in a real way, whether it be husband/wife, parent/child, or siblings. We see how our actions can hurt those we love, but are also shown hope for restoring these strained relationships.
This novel also shows us the relationship between God and His children. Jess is a new Christian, and I love how Anderson portrays her newfound faith. Jess still struggles with former temptations and doesn't always know (and often questions) what she is supposed to do with regards to living her faith and discerning/accepting God's will. Anderson uses Jess's inner dialogue to show us her doubts, insecurities, and hopes. Much like the flowers Jess plants, we see her character "grow and bloom into a unique creation."
This book can be read as a standalone novel, although readers are first introduced to Jess and her family in Capturing Beauty, book 2 of the series. The other books in the series are as delightful as this one.
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own. I give this book 4.5 stars.
This novel also shows us the relationship between God and His children. Jess is a new Christian, and I love how Anderson portrays her newfound faith. Jess still struggles with former temptations and doesn't always know (and often questions) what she is supposed to do with regards to living her faith and discerning/accepting God's will. Anderson uses Jess's inner dialogue to show us her doubts, insecurities, and hopes. Much like the flowers Jess plants, we see her character "grow and bloom into a unique creation."
This book can be read as a standalone novel, although readers are first introduced to Jess and her family in Capturing Beauty, book 2 of the series. The other books in the series are as delightful as this one.
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own. I give this book 4.5 stars.
September 19, 2017
How often have you ever put blood, sweat and tears into a "project", AND prayer, hoping to receive a particular outcome? Did you then get mad at God for "not listening"? This is much the quandry for Jess Beaumont. She is putting all she has on the line in order for God to fix her parents marriage. I really enjoyed the story and characters. There is also a nice little subplot in there of the impact of godly Christian grandparents and the legacy they can have on their families. I so enjoyed reading about Luke's Gran, and the many ways her life had touched many of the people in the story.
Really nice book. Can't wait for the next!
Really nice book. Can't wait for the next!
September 19, 2017
I have enjoyed all of Brenda's books that I have read so far and Planting Hope is no exception! She is one author I can count on for a good time of reading. Planting Hope is a satisfying part of Brenda’s Where Your Heart Is series. It is well written, entertaining and encouraging. A great reminder that one of the best ways to grow hope in your own life is to help nurture it in someone else’s.
October 31, 2017
What a wonderful story, I couldn't put this book down after I started it because I just had to know what was happening next. Planting Hope is a Christian romance and the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a stand alone.
July 14, 2019
Great series, I really love Brenda S. Anderson books, problem is I’ve read them all so she needs to get busy!
Awesome storyline filled with love for friends, family and Our Father. Thank you God for making Love a priority in our lives!
Awesome storyline filled with love for friends, family and Our Father. Thank you God for making Love a priority in our lives!
July 31, 2018
I have now read all three books in Brenda S. Anderson's series "Where the Heart Is. I want to say that I enjoyed this series very much. They are well written and the characters are well developed. They are all Sweet Christian Romances that dwell with family ties . I will watch for more from this author.
July 21, 2019
I loved Planting Hope.
Jess and Luke are a wonderful couple with very real struggles and the difficulties Jess's parents faced were handled well and I honestly didn't expect the outcome.
Humorous, real, and amazingly written.
Jess and Luke are a wonderful couple with very real struggles and the difficulties Jess's parents faced were handled well and I honestly didn't expect the outcome.
Humorous, real, and amazingly written.
September 19, 2017
Attractions are always hampered by baggage, the hurts buried deep in our souls that rise up when life gets bumpy. Insecurities raise their ugly heads, and if people don’t mentally stop such thoughts, they spiral out of control and lead us where we don’t want to go. As it affects us in real life, so it affects the lives of the fictional characters we root for in novels.
Romance lovers will enjoy this quick read which actually includes the romance of three couples, some people whom we have followed in earlier books in the series, although it primarily focuses on one. In Planting Hope, Callie and Jess’s parents are struggling with marital problems and on the verge of divorce which upsets both women. While Callie is preparing for her wedding, Jess is working hard to recreate the moment her parents fell in love. Jess is focused on rescuing her parents’ marriage when Luke enters her life.
Luke, who has inherited his grandmother’s candy shop in a tourist area, has been given the job of purchasing the adjacent properties for his father’s development company. Falling in love with the girl next door complicates everything, especially since she is trying to spruce up the place so her parents will fall in love again and not divorce, and his father wants to tear it all down. Luke wants to please his father, but will he do so at the price of losing Jess? Where can he find true happiness? It’s a question many wrestle with: do we do what makes others happy or do we do what makes us happy? Jess, a new Christian, must also resist falling back into bad habits when she is stressed.
Planting Hope captures common struggles faced by couples as they go deeper into a relationship, determining whether this is love. Luke really knows how to culminate all the princess romance visions a girl might envision.
Anderson develops her characters well with qualities that make them realistic. I found Luke to be a strong man of character with the weakness of being unable to say no to his family. He is the peacemaker in a driven family, and he needs to learn to stand up for himself. Jess, who has been wrapped up in appearances and has trust issues, asks many questions that people ask as they learn to walk deeper in their faith.
Determining what you want from life is always a good place to begin before making big life decisions. Sometimes falling in love forces you to reckon with this important heart issue because ultimately it isn’t a person who makes you happy; it’s who God made you to be that makes you happy and fulfilled.
If you like Hallmark romance movies, you’ll definitely want to read Planting Hope.
Romance lovers will enjoy this quick read which actually includes the romance of three couples, some people whom we have followed in earlier books in the series, although it primarily focuses on one. In Planting Hope, Callie and Jess’s parents are struggling with marital problems and on the verge of divorce which upsets both women. While Callie is preparing for her wedding, Jess is working hard to recreate the moment her parents fell in love. Jess is focused on rescuing her parents’ marriage when Luke enters her life.
Luke, who has inherited his grandmother’s candy shop in a tourist area, has been given the job of purchasing the adjacent properties for his father’s development company. Falling in love with the girl next door complicates everything, especially since she is trying to spruce up the place so her parents will fall in love again and not divorce, and his father wants to tear it all down. Luke wants to please his father, but will he do so at the price of losing Jess? Where can he find true happiness? It’s a question many wrestle with: do we do what makes others happy or do we do what makes us happy? Jess, a new Christian, must also resist falling back into bad habits when she is stressed.
Planting Hope captures common struggles faced by couples as they go deeper into a relationship, determining whether this is love. Luke really knows how to culminate all the princess romance visions a girl might envision.
Anderson develops her characters well with qualities that make them realistic. I found Luke to be a strong man of character with the weakness of being unable to say no to his family. He is the peacemaker in a driven family, and he needs to learn to stand up for himself. Jess, who has been wrapped up in appearances and has trust issues, asks many questions that people ask as they learn to walk deeper in their faith.
Determining what you want from life is always a good place to begin before making big life decisions. Sometimes falling in love forces you to reckon with this important heart issue because ultimately it isn’t a person who makes you happy; it’s who God made you to be that makes you happy and fulfilled.
If you like Hallmark romance movies, you’ll definitely want to read Planting Hope.
September 22, 2017
Planting Hope is a lovely wrap-up to the Where the Heart Is series. The strength, or lack thereof, of a family unit has a profound impact on all of its members. Brenda Anderson expertly illustrates that in this story, and all of her books, as she deal honestly with the idiosyncrasies of families - the good, bad, and ugly. The Beaumont family seems to have it all - looks, talent, money. But when her parents separate, Jess Beaumont is stunned. Perhaps it wasn't the perfect marriage, but divorce? The thought launches her into action to save their marriage and keep the family together. Flowers, chocolate, romance - it's the perfect plan. But when things go awry, that plan requires help from Luke Harrison, the new candy store owner. She doesn't trust him or his property-grabbing family business that seems to own half of Duluth. Her plan is all about love and commitment. What would he know about that?
Planting Hope is all about that - the hope God plants deep in our hearts, and the lengths we'll go to for those we love. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series, and book 3, Planting Hope, does not disappoint. I'm grateful for authors like Brenda who write about the importance of family, the good and bad of relationships, and the solid foundation of faith that upholds us through dark times.
Planting Hope is all about that - the hope God plants deep in our hearts, and the lengths we'll go to for those we love. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series, and book 3, Planting Hope, does not disappoint. I'm grateful for authors like Brenda who write about the importance of family, the good and bad of relationships, and the solid foundation of faith that upholds us through dark times.
September 20, 2017
In Planting Hope, book 3 of Where The Heart Is series, flowers and chocolate collide and romance blooms. In Jess Beaumont's messy life, family has always been the one constant. When her parents separate, she puts a plan into action. She recreates the circumstances that helped her parents fall in love that includes the task of restoring the family cabin’s gardens. Luke Harrison has spent his life trying to win his father’s approval. A promotion in the family land development business would be a step in that direction. When he inherits Gran’s candy store, his dreams of being promoted start melting away. Then his dad offers a Vice President position, but he must first acquire the land on both sides of Gran’s store within five months, including the Beaumont cabin. At first it was a simple challenge until his blossoming romance with Jess. Will he take the chance of destroying her parents marriage, or will he trade his corner office for the candy store?
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 4, 2017
Calling all romantics. This is definitely a book that appeals to the romantic side, but what I appreciated is that it includes real life challenges. In this story, you will meet Luke and Jess who find themselves drawn to each other only, but who also are trying to please their families sometimes over themselves.. And life being what it is, throws a curve ball into the mix. Luke who works for his father at a development company wants to buy property that is in Jess's family and to Jess that property is the key to the future of her family which she wants to keep in tact. So in the battle between family and happiness, how do Jess and Luke maneuver. Will they choose family priorities over each other? And where is God in the equation? How can they hear God's voice above the many expectations upon them? You will have to get a copy to find out how it turns out.
Another key part I liked about this book was the little bits of wisdom you read along the way. Being a lover of quotes I appreciated these. I will just share a couple of my favorites.
A mended heart will never be the same as before, but healing can make it stronger.
The best way to learn about hope is to walk through tragedy.
Sometimes when people are stuck in storms of their own choosing, they don't want to see the light.
You can't change the past, but you can impact the future
Another key part I liked about this book was the little bits of wisdom you read along the way. Being a lover of quotes I appreciated these. I will just share a couple of my favorites.
A mended heart will never be the same as before, but healing can make it stronger.
The best way to learn about hope is to walk through tragedy.
Sometimes when people are stuck in storms of their own choosing, they don't want to see the light.
You can't change the past, but you can impact the future
October 10, 2017
A knight in shining armor; a damsel in distress; a marriage in shambles... Luke and Jess have their work cut out for them -- if it's even possible to succeed.
One of the pleasures of reading a series is the continuation of settings and characters that have become familiar. Characters from Capturing Beauty appear in Planting Hope, and although they play small roles, it was fun to see them again.
I loved Gran's legacy, both in the candy shop and her wisdom-filled "gran-isms." Even though Gran isn't personally in the story, I still enjoyed her character!
Luke and Jess have an on-going fairy-tale-type dialogue that might seem cute or fun to some, but I found it somewhat annoying. Of course, that could be entirely because of my own life circumstances at the time I was reading. However, I enjoyed "watching" the landscape take shape as Jess stubbornly worked to try to save her parents' marriage.
Planting Hope is the third book in the Where the Heart Is series. While it was not my favorite of Brenda Anderson's books, I do still look forward to reading her next one!
If you enjoy a fun romance or are looking for a lighter read, Planting Hope may be just the encouraging, hopeful story you're looking for!
(This review was first published on my blog -- sarahruut.com. I received a complimentary copy of this novel. The thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.)
One of the pleasures of reading a series is the continuation of settings and characters that have become familiar. Characters from Capturing Beauty appear in Planting Hope, and although they play small roles, it was fun to see them again.
I loved Gran's legacy, both in the candy shop and her wisdom-filled "gran-isms." Even though Gran isn't personally in the story, I still enjoyed her character!
Luke and Jess have an on-going fairy-tale-type dialogue that might seem cute or fun to some, but I found it somewhat annoying. Of course, that could be entirely because of my own life circumstances at the time I was reading. However, I enjoyed "watching" the landscape take shape as Jess stubbornly worked to try to save her parents' marriage.
Planting Hope is the third book in the Where the Heart Is series. While it was not my favorite of Brenda Anderson's books, I do still look forward to reading her next one!
If you enjoy a fun romance or are looking for a lighter read, Planting Hope may be just the encouraging, hopeful story you're looking for!
(This review was first published on my blog -- sarahruut.com. I received a complimentary copy of this novel. The thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.)
May 23, 2018
Love, love, love this book. I read this book in 2 days which was great for me. I enjoy Brenda Anderson's writing. Many of them take place in my state, MN. I love how she uses everyday people. She develops each character with thoses pesky family issues, and self insecurities. Then she takes a chunk of God's blessings and mixes everything up for the good. I would highly recommend this series to all my friends, family, and to you who is reading this right now.
Amazon Definition:
When flowers and chocolate collide, romance is sure to bloom.
Family has always been the one constant in Jess Beaumont’s messy life, so when her parents separate, she puts “Operation: Planting Hope” into action. All she has to do is recreate the circumstances that helped her parents fall in love. Unfortunately, that includes the daunting task of restoring the family cabin’s gardens. When the handsome candy store owner shows up to help, she’s certain she has all the elements required for her parents’ love to bloom again. After all, flowers and chocolate are the perfect ingredients for romance.
Luke Harrison has spent his life trying to win his father’s approval, and a promotion in the family land development business would be a step in that direction. But when he inherits Gran’s candy store, his dreams of being promoted start melting away. Then his dad dangles a Vice President position in front of Luke, with one caveat—acquire the land on both sides of Gran’s store within five months, including the Beaumont cabin, and the promotion is his.
What at first seemed a simple challenge for Luke becomes a tangled mess. Buying the Beaumont cabin and land will nip his blossoming romance with Jess in the bud. Even worse, it could end her parents’ marriage. But if he doesn’t succeed, he could be trading in his corner office for the corner candy store.
Amazon Definition:
When flowers and chocolate collide, romance is sure to bloom.
Family has always been the one constant in Jess Beaumont’s messy life, so when her parents separate, she puts “Operation: Planting Hope” into action. All she has to do is recreate the circumstances that helped her parents fall in love. Unfortunately, that includes the daunting task of restoring the family cabin’s gardens. When the handsome candy store owner shows up to help, she’s certain she has all the elements required for her parents’ love to bloom again. After all, flowers and chocolate are the perfect ingredients for romance.
Luke Harrison has spent his life trying to win his father’s approval, and a promotion in the family land development business would be a step in that direction. But when he inherits Gran’s candy store, his dreams of being promoted start melting away. Then his dad dangles a Vice President position in front of Luke, with one caveat—acquire the land on both sides of Gran’s store within five months, including the Beaumont cabin, and the promotion is his.
What at first seemed a simple challenge for Luke becomes a tangled mess. Buying the Beaumont cabin and land will nip his blossoming romance with Jess in the bud. Even worse, it could end her parents’ marriage. But if he doesn’t succeed, he could be trading in his corner office for the corner candy store.
October 11, 2017
This is the third and final book in the Where the Heart Is series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books, and I wasn't disappointed in this one. It can be read as a standalone, but I certainly recommend reading the first two books in the series for further backgrounds on the characters and because they are good ones. I thoroughly enjoyed following Jess and Luke's story and seeing how God worked in their lives to bring them together in spite of the family situations each of them faced. This is another one from this author that I didn't want to put down after I started it because I was kept wondering what could happen next. The title is definitely a fitting title for the them of this heartwarming and inspiring story. It is another wonderful read from this author that I definitely recommend.
September 16, 2017
What lengths would you go through to make your parents fall in love so they will not divorce? Jess was determined to recreate a moment from the beginning of their love. When a tree fell that she could not remove, Luke came to the rescue. He was following a decree on his grandmother's will that stated he had to live above her candy store for 6 months. A lot can happen in six months. Does Jess complete her project? What does Luke do with the candy store? And do the parents get back together.
I love the writing of Brenda Anderson. She always have very real characters and situations in her books. I hope you enjoy her readings as well.
I love the writing of Brenda Anderson. She always have very real characters and situations in her books. I hope you enjoy her readings as well.
September 5, 2017
Planting Hope is the third installment from Brenda S Anderson's Where the Heart Is series. I have loved each and every one of the books of this series, but Planting Hope is by far my favorite. It is such a delightful read full of love, hope, faith and inspiration. I loved the characters, Jess and Luke. The scenes with those two were wonderful. The book toys with the reader's emotions. I was brought to tears at times and had to snicker at others. This is my kind of story. Loved it!
Highly recommended.
100 stars
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Highly recommended.
100 stars
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
September 19, 2017
This story really pulled at my heartstrings. Laughter and tears, hope and despair. Family issues are brought out into the open. Can fixing a cabin and planting flowers help heal a marriage? I absolutely loved this story.
October 31, 2017
This book, Planting Hope, the third in the series was wonderful. It was exactly what I needed to read at this time in my life. I am in the middle of a changing season, orchestrated by God, or should I say the end of the changing season with God, and I needed this encouragement and hope that the book offered. It was wonderful. I think the part that spoke to me the most was how God is working behind the scenes, or even more front and center but sometimes has to get some things out of our lives before He is ready to bring new, better things into our lives. I want to stay open to His leading, I don’t want to fight Him in this process and I want to be ready for the changes He sees necessary for me to make (or Him to make in my life). This book offered that and so much more. It was also a wonderful reminder to eat and exercise and live the way God entrusts us too… that I don’t have to deny myself to attain anything but instead should eat and exercise and live with health in mind. I don’t think that was the main message of the book but it spoke to my heart because God has been working on that in my life. Great book – I’m sad this series is over. I hope the author has another getting ready to publish because I love her characters.
August 1, 2021
Planting Hope by Brenda S. Anderson
This darling Christian romance features likeable characters with real and complex family issues. When Gran leaves her Candy Shop to Luke, he enjoys a simpler life and time with the lovely neighbor girl he knew when they were children. Unfortunately, to succeed in his dad’s eyes, his need to acquire land puts him at odds with Jess and her plan to save her parent’s marriage. She hopes to revive their memories of happier times at the cabin where they met.
I found the resolution of this delightful story to be surprising and the romance satisfying. I recommend this book!
This darling Christian romance features likeable characters with real and complex family issues. When Gran leaves her Candy Shop to Luke, he enjoys a simpler life and time with the lovely neighbor girl he knew when they were children. Unfortunately, to succeed in his dad’s eyes, his need to acquire land puts him at odds with Jess and her plan to save her parent’s marriage. She hopes to revive their memories of happier times at the cabin where they met.
I found the resolution of this delightful story to be surprising and the romance satisfying. I recommend this book!
July 19, 2019
Fantastic Book!
This is a very interesting book. The twist and turns kept me glued to the book. I definitely recommend this book and the other two books in this series.
This is a very interesting book. The twist and turns kept me glued to the book. I definitely recommend this book and the other two books in this series.
January 10, 2021
Great!
I liked that she realized her worth thru Christ without needing a man to have self worth before she met him.
I liked that she realized her worth thru Christ without needing a man to have self worth before she met him.
October 26, 2018
This books held my interest, but just barely. I wouldn't recommend this book or this series to anyone. Sorry for being honest.
June 25, 2025
A Hallmark Channel Romance...Yuck
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews