At First Glance

Along Came Love #1

by Susan L. Tuttle

Estate planner Penny Thornton loves dusting off items others gloss over, especially since she relates to feeling tossed aside for the "bright and shiny . When her younger sister's approaching wedding launches Penny back into the throes of her dysfunctional family, she decides to use the festivities to close the gap in their relationships even if it means appeasing them and finally losing the few pounds they've hounded her about for years. But she doesn't expect to meet two very different men in the process. East Fisher, the personal trainer who personifies everything she believes she could never attain, and Jonah Black, a man who reminds her so much of herself. Both men are more than they appear at first glance, and both seem interested in her romantically. As Penny uncovers their hidden layers, she discovers when it comes to love and matters of the heart, she's got a lot to learn about estimating value.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance

271 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2018

About the author

Susan L. Tuttle is a best-selling, multi-published author of small town, midwestern romances featuring ordinary people discovering extraordinary love. Her critically acclaimed novel Love You, Truly was an ACFW Carol Award finalist. As a former homeschooling mom, current pastor’s wife and women’s ministry leader at a large church, Susan loves to help women discover how their worth and identity are found in Christ, not the many roles they fill. She often shares that encouragement in her quarterly newsletter and on her Instagram page. When she’s not writing or serving her church and community, you can find her cozied up in one of her many favorite cardigans, sipping coffee, and obsessively eating cookies. She also enjoys hiking with her husband—to burn those cookie calories. Susan lives in Michigan with her family and a very spoiled Borderdoodle named Finley Frank.

Reviews

[Abby Breuklander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love and love this story!! Some things aren't always what they seem, it takes getting down into the nitty gritty that we can truly see the real story. Whether it's problems with a parent, sibling, or even something that we didn't even know was buried deep down inside us, it's always worth the time and effort to really get to know the person and their stories. We may just be surprised at what we find and the relationships that we didn't think could be possible.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

From the first chapter of this book, Susan L. Tuttle drew me into Penny’s world. In fact, I finished this book in one day (well, technically two since it was 2:30 AM when I finished).

Penny and Jonah are such real characters—mistakes, flaws, and all—that connecting with them as a reader came naturally. Despite Penny’s own issues with how her family sees her, she does the same thing to Jonah. Multiple times. And Jonah! Sigh, Jonah! This man has the biggest heart. It’s evident from the beginning with his interactions with Penny but even more so with his sister and nephew.

At First Glance is about looking past skin-deep appearances to see the beauty inside a person. That words and actions impact a person deeply. How a perception of things aren’t always the truth, and that speaking up can turn misconceptions around and heal years of hurt.

Now I’m campaigning for more time with some of these characters. Rachael, Lacey, and even Belle need their happy endings too! But whether or not her next book includes any of these familiar fictional people, I will be watching for it.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. 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.

[Meghann Whistler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about where our true worth comes from, and how we sometimes look for validation in all the wrong places.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving this chance to read this debut book for this author is super exciting, because it it always wonderful to find a new author. In this book you have a handful of broken people looking for love and healing. Finding forgiveness is not all about forgiving someone, and the author did an amazing job with that in this book. While this is a perfect clean read if I was rating it as a movie I would say PG-13 it discuss' some situations that most young people face every day. I loved how the author kept things real you could totally relate with any of the characters in this book. I loved how it felt like I was catching up with friends. Belle is one of those you love to hate, but when things start to make sense in the end you are left wanting more not just from her but other characters in the book as well. I hope that the author is not done with this group of family and friends. In this book you will find yourself laughing, crying and laughing again. This book will not disappoint.
I received an advance copy from the publisher, I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion

[Emilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty predictable love story. I love Jonah, East too, even though he's a creep. Penny and Belle were not really "my cup of tea". Not sure what is was about Penny but I didn't love her. I did enjoy the gym scenes and the great dates with Jonah. Over all this was an enjoyable read with a strong plot.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all that glitters is gold

Penny had felt overlooked from the time she was very little. Her mother and her younger sister were constantly nagging her about her appearance and the fact that she could afford to shed some weight. How in the world could she ever find someone to love her the way she was?

Oh, how my heart went out to her! I’m hard enough on myself without having those who are “supposed” to love me tell me how insufficient I am. I loved the message of the story and the way the author showed so clearly that inner beauty matters so much more than the external.

I would have preferred to have had the story told only from Penny’s perspective. Having it told from two perspectives did take away a little of the surprise related to the love triangle. I came to be suspicious of motives early on, perhaps more so because of this fact. While I liked hearing Jonah’s thoughts on the various events, without them I would have not known so quickly the direction the story was going to take.

Overall, I enjoyed this debut story for the author and hope she continues to write.


This review was originally posted on Among the Reads


I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

[Evonne Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!!!
A great story line with excellent characterization!
Values and character happens to be personal beliefs and should never be compromised.
This lovely romance shows God's grace in sustaining those beliefs
If you are a Christian read it today!

[Shona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny, a girl who doesn’t know her own self worth.
Jonah, a guy who wants to prove to her she’s beautiful, inside and out.
A novel which explores how we can view ourselves and each other ‘at first glance’. Then sets out to prove our worth is found in inner beauty and Jesus.
I loved this book so much. Penny’s struggle with her self esteem was so real. The desire to be accepted and loved, not for who she is but instead for what she looks like was so moving. The lies we hear from others who tell us we’re never good enough - our bodies aren’t perfect, we’re not wearing the right clothes, the scars which detract from our looks - can define who we believe ourselves to be.
This novel shows us that “beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:3-4‬
A gripping, often funny, extremely moving read.
Highly recommended!

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say I am also an estate person tho I don't hold the sale at the house. I buy up the estate and haul it away. So I really related to Penny. I also have a deformity that was a cause of ugly comments all through my school years. So this story really hit home. I thought the story was touching and pointed out how society is so wrapped up in the superficial, how cruel people can be and how we are slow to see the good in others.

Totally loved this book!

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this contemporary novel. It was packed with so many meaningful messages in a tale of two sisters who are each struggling with self worth.
Penny has moved to Chicago to be an Estate Sales Coordinator ( a job I would love) to distance herself from her dysfunctional family. Younger sister Belle’s wedding is the center of attention. Penny wants to reconnect with Belle so badly that she agrees to a diet and exercise plan in order to fit into a gaudy purple dress for the wedding. Penny suddenly finds herself with two suitors: East, the hunky personal trainer and Jonah, cousin to Belle’s fiancé, Micah.
Penny has a strong faith and will not compromise her standards, which I find admirable. However, she can’t see why East could be interested in her, so she makes a few allowances. Jonah is a businessman with a heart of gold who has taken his widowed sister and his nephew under his wing.
The rapport between Jonah and Penny is perfect, although Jonah is looking for more than the friendship Penny wants. Watch out there are swoony scenes ahead! So, who will she choose? The hunk or the hero? Can Penny find the acceptance that only God can give?

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am shocked that this is Susan's first novel. It is very polished and intelligently written. It's a beautiful love story. Her writing is humorous and descriptive but what truly struck me was the heart. From literally the first words of the book she was pulling my heart strings. I found myself in tears several times.

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Blurb:
Estate planner Penny Thornton loves dusting off items others gloss over, especially since she relates to feeling tossed aside for the "bright and shiny . When her younger sister's approaching wedding launches Penny back into the throes of her dysfunctional family, she decides to use the festivities to close the gap in their relationships even if it means appeasing them and finally losing the few pounds they've hounded her about for years. But she doesn't expect to meet two very different men in the process. East Fisher, the personal trainer who personifies everything she believes she could never attain, and Jonah Black, a man who reminds her so much of herself. Both men are more than they appear at first glance, and both seem interested in her romantically. As Penny uncovers their hidden layers, she discovers when it comes to love and matters of the heart, she's got a lot to learn about estimating value.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, that for this to be her first published book, Susan L. Tuttle did an unbelievable job. This book will have you hooked from the beginning. Penny and Jonah meet when they’re both in the wedding party of Penny’s sister, Belle, and Jonah’s cousin, Micah. This emotional read will have you on a roller coaster ride and the way things unfold is truly spectacular. I can not recommend this book enough. I would honestly give this book more than five stars, if I could. I was surprised by quiet a bit of this story. I absolutely love Jonah’s character and what an all around good man he is. I’m not going to leave any spoilers, so please grab your copy and fall in love with this book like I did.

I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review. I will be purchasing the paperback of this book, when it becomes available because I loved it so much.

[Jennifer Fluegge · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I've read by this author and it won't be the last! The story was captivating from first page to last.

[Ahnah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book!

This was such a great story! Sweet Penelope is a beautiful lady struggling with self-confidence issues stemming from her extremely complicated childhood. While in the midst of running a business, preparing for her sister's wedding and trying to lose a few pounds to fit into a bridesmaid dress (we all know how most of those end up looking!) she is also thrown into finding a new boyfriend as well as an unexpected friendship.

This story swept me away into a beautiful story of a woman struggling to find herself and her worth as she appears to God and those who truly love her.

This book has it all, laughter, tears, joy, pain. The truth of complicated family relationships as well as SO many insights into our society and the issues that we struggle with in today's time. I would highly recommend this wonderful story!

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/2yQe5s8

What a great debut for Susan L. Tuttle! At First Glance is a gem, which is why readers can have so much fun trying new authors. Relationship-type stories are my favorite, and At First Glance captured my heart and emotions from the first page. It’s a story of self-esteem, self-confidence, finding acceptance and contentment in our own skin. Tuttle is an excellent author and has created a story that is so very relevant.

The characters feel so real as they struggle with lifestyle situations and decisions that are common to all of us. I instantly connected with Penny and felt for her as she tried to deal with the demanding expectations of her sister and mother, when those who are supposed to love us unconditionally find us lacking. Jonah is an endearing character and I loved the scenes where he interacts with his sister and nephew.

The narrative has two points of view, those of both Penny and Jonah. Being brought into Jonah’s mind gave more of a feel for the story’s direction than I would have had otherwise, but it allowed me to know his heart and quickly connect with him. It was so realistic that even while railing against her family’s outward appearance judgments, Penny treated Jonah the same way in the beginning.

At First Glance deals capably and realistically with serious social issues, such as living together before marriage and the drive to meet the world’s standard of beauty. The story reflects the essence of real beauty, to be seen and loved for the person we are, not the “at first glance” outward appearance.

I sincerely hope this is the beginning of a series, for several memorable characters pull at the heartstrings and beg for their own story – such as Rachael and even Belle.

Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book through Just Read Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! I read it all in an afternoon and evening. From the very beginning, I was swept into Penny's story as she dealt with her mom and sister (I was not a fan of them) and suddenly had two interesting men interested in her.

About halfway through the novel, I was ready to throw my Kindle across the room because Penny's actions were so incredibly frustrating to me. But then I put myself in her shoes ... and it is absolutely plausible that I would react in the same way. It's so easy to see who's right and wrong for someone when you're on the outside looking in, but when it's happening to you? Not so clear. And it's certainly easier to judge someone when you've never experienced what they're experiencing. So while this was a sweet romance novel, it also provided the nudge I needed to examine some things in my own life. I love when fiction can challenge without preaching!

I did think that some of Penny's backstory was a little unbelievable (especially the revelation of what happened when her sister Belle joined the family). Everything else, though, was so good! I loved At First Glance, and I can't wait to read Tuttle's next novel. 4-1/2 stars.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Review to come.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penny's younger adopted sister, Belle, is everything that their mother wants in a daughter and Penny herself isn't. As part of the bridal party for Belle's forthcoming wedding, Penny ends up under pressure from her sister to lose weight. In an attempt to get closer to what her sister things she should be, she joins a gym and takes sessions with a personal trainer, East Fisher - but there she also reconnects with Jonah, the cousin of Belle's soon-to-be-husband, Micah. East is everything she has been trained to believe she could never get, and Jonah is just a friend - isn't he? As the pressure from East for an intimate relationship, despite her beliefs, grows, will she be able to maintain her standards? And what is she really looking for in a relationship? East says the right things, but Jonah does the right things - and pushes her to be the best she can be, rather than whatever others might want. She can't have both men - which will she choose? And if she waits too long, will she lose both?

I liked the message of this, but the horrible behaviour of Penny's family really got on my nerves, as did her stupidity/naivety in dealing with East. Having said that, I liked Jonah and his sister, and Penny when she wasn't being silly. Overall a reasonably well-written, clean story, with a good message.

Note that I received an advance review copy from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and this is my honest opinion.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan L. Tuttle’s debut novel is a hit! First of all, I love the cover, the colors, the mood it sets. I skipped the blurb because I don’t read them.Instead, I opened the book with no expectations.

And I couldn’t stop reading. I took a break about 40% in to message a friend to add this book to your TBR pile. And then I dived right back in because I didn’t want to miss a thing.
This book was so refreshing. Two imperfect people with imperfect bodies and “imperfect jobs.” I threw that last one in there because the hero and the heroine had jobs I’ve never seen before in romance and I loved that! I got to learn more and connect with them on a regular people level.

But the theme of the story, the message hit me in the core. And for that reason alone I would recommend the book. Thankfully, the writing is engaging, entertaining, and hits you all in the feels.

*First seen at: https://tonishiloh.wordpress.com/2018...

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the overall message of not judging others but accepting them for who they are. The focus on self-worth was good too.

I disliked Belle, but later understood why she was like she was.

Oh the mother!!! Ughhh!!! (And the father too, but at least he recognised the fault and repented. The mother didn't.)

I was disappointed with the constant references of our characters noticing and appreciating the other's body. It cheapened the story for me.

I also didn't connect to Penny as Penelope. If that is what she preferred to be called, then the narration needed to call her Penelope, even if everyone else called her Penny. By the time I knew she preferred that name, the story was established and I knew her as Penny. Penelope just didn't work for me at all, which is a shame because it took away the sweetness of Jonah's action.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not finish, got to Chapter 26 and decided it was enough for me.
Although well written and LOVE that the main character is tall and curvy for once, she is easy to like, stronger and more beautiful than she realizes. That was truly refreshing.
However, really disliked how jealous her sister was of her and the tension between them.
Loved Jonah's family and it was interesting how he was the true hero of the story even though he wasn't as "attractive" At First Glance as East was, yet East didn't have the right heart. The plot wasn't as fun as I hoped it would be but it was good for a debut. Unfortunately I also found an error or two.

[Becca (Reflections From My Bookshelves) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story of a girl who always thought she was second best. Only she needed to learn some valuable lessons before she could truly live life to the fullest.  I liked most of the characters. Some I wanted to punch. There were several different storylines going but it all tied in well.  I think the reader can learn valuable truths about self worth, kindness and truth along with Penny.

I recommend this book to family and friends.

I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest opinion

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed At First Glance. It was hard to believe this was a first novel for the author. I was pulled into the story from page one. What a nightmare of a family Penelope has. This is a very well written story of Penelope who is running her own business while being forced to diet and to deal with her less than loving mother and sister. During this journey, Penelope discovers she can have a backbone and finds not one, but two, suitors. Come along for some fun moments and lots of family drama.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book!
This book had depth and a message that made me think of how we judge people too often by their outward appearance, even when we don't want to be judged that way! The story was really well written, filled with humor and wit, I fully enjoyed the story. I usually grow tired of books with triangles in them, but this one was well done.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun contemporary romance with depth, and growth!

[Suzy (readaholicmom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I loved and hated this book. I hated that Penelope let her mother and sister keep on bashing her self esteem all throughout the book because of her weight (as if a size twelve is huge). I hated that she never saw her self worth and beauty. I loved the way Jonah loved her secretly and kept on loving her all through her insecurities. I loved the way this book ended, on the note of.....,.You don’t have to be perfect in every aspect in order to have a happy ending. Sometimes it’s the people we except the least from that bring out the best part of who we truly are.

[Samantha Cornwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

So often, for various reasons- we don't feel like we are enough and try to find our worth in other people and so it's easy to relate to Penny... it's a nice, gentle reminder that our value isn't from our looks or who we date... it has a sweet love story too :) I recommend it :)

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, truly breathtaking!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! Penny and Jonah are totally relatable characters (although at times Jonah seemed a little to good to be true=) Hoping that there are more books with some of the secondary characters!

[Abigail McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch me over here crying about how amazing Jonah is