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Maple Valley #2
Some Bright Someday
He’s torn between love and honor...
Lucas Danby has always regretted the decisions that caused his dishonorable discharge from the military—and he’s never stopped trying to redeem his honor. He's spent the past decade taking on dangerous short-term missions as an elite private soldier—the only part of his life that's ever gone right. But the high-risk work never cures his shame. Now he’s stuck stateside, mentoring a new recruit. Worse, he's sick of lying to the people he cares about most—including the woman he’s secretly loved for years.
She can’t escape her house of memories...
Jenessa Belville should be happy. She's the hometown girl everyone loves, after all. But she’s also the last Belville left—and if she had her way, she'd leave the name and all its painful memories behind. Which is exactly what she hopes to do once she sells Belville Park, the massive estate she inherited from her parents. First, though, she needs to restore the property’s once-glorious gardens. But on the same day she puts up the “For Sale” sign, she discovers three children hiding in the caretaker's cottage, thrusting her into the unexpected role of temporary guardian.
Fighting for their future means healing from the past...
Struggling to mentor a young man with scars nearly as piercing as his own, Lucas offers to help Jenessa restore the Belville grounds. Though drawn together by a trio of kids who tug on their hearts and the sparks they can’t deny, past secrets and current sorrows threaten to pull them apart. Only the brightest love and hardest sacrifice can turn the house Jenessa never wanted into the home she and Lucas have always longed for.
Lucas Danby has always regretted the decisions that caused his dishonorable discharge from the military—and he’s never stopped trying to redeem his honor. He's spent the past decade taking on dangerous short-term missions as an elite private soldier—the only part of his life that's ever gone right. But the high-risk work never cures his shame. Now he’s stuck stateside, mentoring a new recruit. Worse, he's sick of lying to the people he cares about most—including the woman he’s secretly loved for years.
She can’t escape her house of memories...
Jenessa Belville should be happy. She's the hometown girl everyone loves, after all. But she’s also the last Belville left—and if she had her way, she'd leave the name and all its painful memories behind. Which is exactly what she hopes to do once she sells Belville Park, the massive estate she inherited from her parents. First, though, she needs to restore the property’s once-glorious gardens. But on the same day she puts up the “For Sale” sign, she discovers three children hiding in the caretaker's cottage, thrusting her into the unexpected role of temporary guardian.
Fighting for their future means healing from the past...
Struggling to mentor a young man with scars nearly as piercing as his own, Lucas offers to help Jenessa restore the Belville grounds. Though drawn together by a trio of kids who tug on their hearts and the sparks they can’t deny, past secrets and current sorrows threaten to pull them apart. Only the brightest love and hardest sacrifice can turn the house Jenessa never wanted into the home she and Lucas have always longed for.
366 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2020
144 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Tagg
25 books1,668 followersMelissa Tagg is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and Carol Award-winning author of swoony and hope-filled small-town contemporary romances. She’s also a former reporter, current nonprofit marketing strategist, and total Iowa girl.
Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.com.
Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
November 14, 2020
I finished Some Bright Someday with a happy sigh. Tagg takes readers back to Maple Valley with another heart-tugging story, which I have come to expect and love from her. She doesn’t mind putting her characters through the wringer, but it’s never without purpose and it’s never for the sake of drama. Rather it takes place as a natural progression for where the characters are realistically at that point in their lives.
For readers of the Walker family series, Jenessa might be a recognizable character, little more than a peripheral person in Logan Walker’s story. Like so many of Tagg’s secondary characters, it always feels like a story is there just waiting to be told, and Jenessa’s story doesn’t disappoint, nor does Lucas’s. Friendships are sweet, and the romance is sweeter in Maple Valley, but more so are the discoveries they make about themselves along the way. Tagg’s books are the best of Hallmark, without the cheesiness and all of the heart.
While I do think readers will have more fun reading this series in order, I think this book would read well as a standalone. Do yourself a favor though, and read book one, Now and Then and Always – it’s so good and won the Christy Award for contemporary romance. Plus, seeing those characters again in this story is just the icing on the cake. I highly recommend both books to fans of sweet contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel; a positive review was not required, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
For readers of the Walker family series, Jenessa might be a recognizable character, little more than a peripheral person in Logan Walker’s story. Like so many of Tagg’s secondary characters, it always feels like a story is there just waiting to be told, and Jenessa’s story doesn’t disappoint, nor does Lucas’s. Friendships are sweet, and the romance is sweeter in Maple Valley, but more so are the discoveries they make about themselves along the way. Tagg’s books are the best of Hallmark, without the cheesiness and all of the heart.
While I do think readers will have more fun reading this series in order, I think this book would read well as a standalone. Do yourself a favor though, and read book one, Now and Then and Always – it’s so good and won the Christy Award for contemporary romance. Plus, seeing those characters again in this story is just the icing on the cake. I highly recommend both books to fans of sweet contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel; a positive review was not required, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 27, 2021
I stayed up late into the night to finish this one!
I'm ALWAYS so happy to return to Maple Valley and really hope one day Hallmark figures out this is the next great series to produce...*sigh* I digress, on to the review!
Melissa Tagg is a master at bringing characters to life (and towns, ahem, Hallmark I'm talking to you!) and it doesn't take more than a few pages before Lucas and Jenessa plant themselves in your heart. In a twist, Ms. Tagg takes a different approach to the military themed plot creating a character whose duty has been tarnished and is now living with the guilt and shame. And then you have Jenessa, who maybe on her own wouldn't be much to read about but you throw in three abandoned kiddos hiding in her cottage and you've got an emotional journey that doesn't just pull on your heartstrings, it yanks it hard!
It was wonderful revisiting all of my favorite characters from stories past and makes me want to read their stories all over again but I am anxious to see a few characters, (ahem, SAM!!) get their HEA.
Another five star read, if you haven't discovered Melissa Tagg, do it now and thank me later :)
I'm ALWAYS so happy to return to Maple Valley and really hope one day Hallmark figures out this is the next great series to produce...*sigh* I digress, on to the review!
Melissa Tagg is a master at bringing characters to life (and towns, ahem, Hallmark I'm talking to you!) and it doesn't take more than a few pages before Lucas and Jenessa plant themselves in your heart. In a twist, Ms. Tagg takes a different approach to the military themed plot creating a character whose duty has been tarnished and is now living with the guilt and shame. And then you have Jenessa, who maybe on her own wouldn't be much to read about but you throw in three abandoned kiddos hiding in her cottage and you've got an emotional journey that doesn't just pull on your heartstrings, it yanks it hard!
It was wonderful revisiting all of my favorite characters from stories past and makes me want to read their stories all over again but I am anxious to see a few characters, (ahem, SAM!!) get their HEA.
Another five star read, if you haven't discovered Melissa Tagg, do it now and thank me later :)
November 23, 2021
"You can trust God and still wish things were different. Faith doesn't mean you stop dreaming about the future or desiring something you don't yet have. God cares about the things that matter to you." (p 333)
The kind of novel that begs to be savoured -- from the exquisite prose to the captivating friendships and especially for the emotional love story.
And the trio of kids!!! Oh my heart, they gutted me and made me smile and tugged at every last one of my heart strings. I'm an emotional basket case now that the read is completed and I'm left luxuriating in all the after-read warm fuzzies. And that's a pretty cozy place to be.
Tagg knows how to create characters that come to life and take over mine! And the way she wove myriad plot threads that cocooned Lucas and Jen's unique love story...well, just, wowzers! I hung on every word. Swooned over Lucas in all his stubborn, save-the-people-he-loves-from-himself misguided glory. My, but that man has a heart for service that conflicts with a fear that he will never be worthy. And while Jen draws people to her, she keeps her broken pieces hidden. Their emotionally fraught journey to their happily-ever-after made my heart sing!
A rich and vibrant story with boundless depths. The perfect autumnal read.
The kind of novel that begs to be savoured -- from the exquisite prose to the captivating friendships and especially for the emotional love story.
And the trio of kids!!! Oh my heart, they gutted me and made me smile and tugged at every last one of my heart strings. I'm an emotional basket case now that the read is completed and I'm left luxuriating in all the after-read warm fuzzies. And that's a pretty cozy place to be.
Tagg knows how to create characters that come to life and take over mine! And the way she wove myriad plot threads that cocooned Lucas and Jen's unique love story...well, just, wowzers! I hung on every word. Swooned over Lucas in all his stubborn, save-the-people-he-loves-from-himself misguided glory. My, but that man has a heart for service that conflicts with a fear that he will never be worthy. And while Jen draws people to her, she keeps her broken pieces hidden. Their emotionally fraught journey to their happily-ever-after made my heart sing!
A rich and vibrant story with boundless depths. The perfect autumnal read.
November 20, 2020
Originally posted on Inkwell Inspirations
“His life in Maple Valley gave him a sense of peace. But Bridgewell gave him purpose – and probably the closest thing he’d ever get to redemption.”
Get ready for a heartwarming return to the small town of Maple Valley, Iowa. Some Bright Someday, the second installment in Melissa Tagg’s Maple Valley series, is a beautiful tale of redemption, forgiveness, and discovering true love. Favorite characters from the town are sure to delight readers with their cameo appearances throughout the novel.
Kit Danby Walker’s brother Lucas, who readers first met in Melissa Tagg’s Walker Family series, finally gets his own story, and it was definitely a story worth waiting for. Years after receiving a dishonorable discharge from the military, Lucas is still searching for redemption for his past mistakes while his friend Jenessa is struggling with feelings of restlessness and hurt from her past. The developing relationship between Lucas and Jenessa was my favorite part of the book to read. I can’t wait for the next book in the Maple Valley series!
Some Bright Someday is recommended for fans of contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
“His life in Maple Valley gave him a sense of peace. But Bridgewell gave him purpose – and probably the closest thing he’d ever get to redemption.”
Get ready for a heartwarming return to the small town of Maple Valley, Iowa. Some Bright Someday, the second installment in Melissa Tagg’s Maple Valley series, is a beautiful tale of redemption, forgiveness, and discovering true love. Favorite characters from the town are sure to delight readers with their cameo appearances throughout the novel.
Kit Danby Walker’s brother Lucas, who readers first met in Melissa Tagg’s Walker Family series, finally gets his own story, and it was definitely a story worth waiting for. Years after receiving a dishonorable discharge from the military, Lucas is still searching for redemption for his past mistakes while his friend Jenessa is struggling with feelings of restlessness and hurt from her past. The developing relationship between Lucas and Jenessa was my favorite part of the book to read. I can’t wait for the next book in the Maple Valley series!
Some Bright Someday is recommended for fans of contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
November 11, 2020
I always look forward to a book from Melissa Tagg. When I saw this one was coming, I was just so happy. Tagg's Maple Valley is such a great place--one of those towns where you just would love to visit, except it's a fictional place and you can't. Rats!
Lucas Danby has been in love with Jenessa Belville for years, but has never said a word about it to anyone. He's often away from town doing special private soldier missions after receiving a dishonorable discharge from the military. Lucas doesn't feel he's worth very much because of this and is sort of a loner. But when he offers to help Jenessa fix up her family home to sell, then takes on a young man to mentor, and helps her with three kids she found hiding on her property, he just may have to let the woman know his heart.
Tagg has a way with words that just brings the reader down deep into her books. She brings to life her characters and their emotions so incredibly well! And the spiritual theme here is so heart-deep. I loved every minute and finished it in one day! My thanks to the publisher for a preview copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is entirely my own.
Lucas Danby has been in love with Jenessa Belville for years, but has never said a word about it to anyone. He's often away from town doing special private soldier missions after receiving a dishonorable discharge from the military. Lucas doesn't feel he's worth very much because of this and is sort of a loner. But when he offers to help Jenessa fix up her family home to sell, then takes on a young man to mentor, and helps her with three kids she found hiding on her property, he just may have to let the woman know his heart.
Tagg has a way with words that just brings the reader down deep into her books. She brings to life her characters and their emotions so incredibly well! And the spiritual theme here is so heart-deep. I loved every minute and finished it in one day! My thanks to the publisher for a preview copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is entirely my own.
November 21, 2020
Some Bright Someday had all the feels and I shouldn't have been surprised because book one was epic.
I loved returning to Maple Valley and seeing my favorite people from past books. It was like meeting with old friends and finding things were the same but different in all the best of ways.
The relationship between Jenessa and Lucas was sooo good. I loved learning more about her and just seeing her heart for everyone was wonderful. and Lucas was perfectly tragic. I know that sounds weird, but read the book and you'll totally understand where I'm coming from.
I love everything about this book and I hope there will be more in the series.
I loved returning to Maple Valley and seeing my favorite people from past books. It was like meeting with old friends and finding things were the same but different in all the best of ways.
The relationship between Jenessa and Lucas was sooo good. I loved learning more about her and just seeing her heart for everyone was wonderful. and Lucas was perfectly tragic. I know that sounds weird, but read the book and you'll totally understand where I'm coming from.
I love everything about this book and I hope there will be more in the series.
May 18, 2021
I've been a fan of Melissa Tagg's stories since I read her debut and Some Bright Someday was yet another great read. I loved the depth of the characters and the romance was wonderful.
I thought the book was written very well and it was an easy read. I highly recommend it!
*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.*
I thought the book was written very well and it was an easy read. I highly recommend it!
*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.*
January 14, 2021
The sequel of Now and Then and Always Jessa and Luke share their own story. I love the story of Jessa everyone cheerleader and best friend, she is feeling down about her parents house she needs to sell. Then there is Luke a ex army man who is thrown out of the army and doing Army intelligent work on the side. Then Jessa finds 3 children staying in the cabin in the back of her house does she try to help them and does Jessa and Luke find romance with each other? I love Jessa. She has a servant heart to all her friends, especially to Luke who both are starting to have feeling for one another. I love all three children, and you can't help falling in love with them because of their kind spirit and independence. Luke story is the same not knowing he wants to do army work any longer will he finally show Jessa his feelings. I also love Luke family drama. He learns so much more about his family, can he forgive them for their past mistakes? It is a great read. Fun and different which I like the best from this book. At first I felt there were to many characters to keep track of but once you get into it you can keep up quite easily. I would recommend this series for some great romance and great story telling!!
January 3, 2022
Very good - would read again.
December 17, 2020
Some Bright Someday is such a delightful novel, from beginning to end, filled with characters that one can't help but fall in love with and cheer for.
Lucas and Jenessa are characters that feel as though they could live right next door and truly, I'd love to live down the street from them and the whole cast of characters in Maple Valley. Leaping from the page with life, charm and struggles of their own, they invite you in as the reader to experience their joys and heartaches.
A well-written cast, snappy dialogue and a story world that is incredibly inviting, I wholeheartedly recommend Some Bright Someday. I think you'll fall in love as much as I did. A wonderful book to fall into.
Lucas and Jenessa are characters that feel as though they could live right next door and truly, I'd love to live down the street from them and the whole cast of characters in Maple Valley. Leaping from the page with life, charm and struggles of their own, they invite you in as the reader to experience their joys and heartaches.
A well-written cast, snappy dialogue and a story world that is incredibly inviting, I wholeheartedly recommend Some Bright Someday. I think you'll fall in love as much as I did. A wonderful book to fall into.
December 28, 2021
Happy sigh. What a joy to return to Maple Valley.
What’s not to love about a military hero and abandoned children rescued? Enjoyed the light banter between Luke and Jenessa.
What’s not to love about a military hero and abandoned children rescued? Enjoyed the light banter between Luke and Jenessa.
December 2, 2020
"Now this was what he wanted more than anything - to wake up in a house filled with people he loved."
A house full of people he loved seemed like a broken down dream for a fractured ex-soldier suffering under the burden of multiple blemishes on his military record. Presently, Lucas Danby found himself living in the in-between, unsure of which life he was going to return to, or if by chance there was a door number three out there somewhere; a some bright someday. Would he remain in Maple Valley utilizing his landscaping skills, or would he return to Bridgewell; travelling six months out of every year into high risk areas around the world as an elite private soldier; or could the events of the past several weeks change everything he thought about his best friend Jen; Jenessa Belville, the one person who drove him crazy in the best and worst kinds of ways.
Shocked to find three children hiding out in the cottage on her property, Jenessa Belville couldn't help herself; she immediately felt a heady rush of responsibility, quickly ushering the siblings into her home, or rather her parents' massive estate, which she was planning to sell as soon as she could clean it out. . . . right? Protective bonds formed quickly and Jen discovered that one of her best friends, Lucas Danby, was great with children; who would have thought that the pensive, often self-isolating man could handle himself with such gentle ease? Suddenly their three year long relationship began to re-define itself right before their very eyes.
If you are looking for a sweet, home-town romance between besties look no further. But be forewarned, there are some authentic, gut-wrenching struggles in this book; tactfully flayed wide open so that guilt, and misconceptions, and bitterness, and fear are put on full display for all to see. And that's exactly what it takes for healing to take place.
"I would probably say don't be afraid to wrestle with your faith. God's not going to ditch you the moment you get real with Him."
A house full of people he loved seemed like a broken down dream for a fractured ex-soldier suffering under the burden of multiple blemishes on his military record. Presently, Lucas Danby found himself living in the in-between, unsure of which life he was going to return to, or if by chance there was a door number three out there somewhere; a some bright someday. Would he remain in Maple Valley utilizing his landscaping skills, or would he return to Bridgewell; travelling six months out of every year into high risk areas around the world as an elite private soldier; or could the events of the past several weeks change everything he thought about his best friend Jen; Jenessa Belville, the one person who drove him crazy in the best and worst kinds of ways.
Shocked to find three children hiding out in the cottage on her property, Jenessa Belville couldn't help herself; she immediately felt a heady rush of responsibility, quickly ushering the siblings into her home, or rather her parents' massive estate, which she was planning to sell as soon as she could clean it out. . . . right? Protective bonds formed quickly and Jen discovered that one of her best friends, Lucas Danby, was great with children; who would have thought that the pensive, often self-isolating man could handle himself with such gentle ease? Suddenly their three year long relationship began to re-define itself right before their very eyes.
If you are looking for a sweet, home-town romance between besties look no further. But be forewarned, there are some authentic, gut-wrenching struggles in this book; tactfully flayed wide open so that guilt, and misconceptions, and bitterness, and fear are put on full display for all to see. And that's exactly what it takes for healing to take place.
"I would probably say don't be afraid to wrestle with your faith. God's not going to ditch you the moment you get real with Him."
November 22, 2020
Tagg has done it again, with a story that will tug all around the edges of your heart.
Some Bright Sunday is a character driven plot, which is Melissa Tagg’s forte. Both Lucas & Jenessa are keeping some heavy past hurts hidden from no only each other, and their friends, but also from themselves. The three children that find their way into Bellville Park cottage, and into Jenessa’s heart open the door for a fair amount of introspection.
As Lucas is faced with some tough decisions, his boss at Bridgewell lands him an additional challenge. Mentoring Noah makes no sense to him - though he may not quite be prepared for the direction that will ultimately take.
The parallels of both Lucas & Jenessa turning their days to the care of the new young ones, is not lost in me. Quite clearly we find our true selves when we reach other to take care of others.
A truly tender and heart warming story. I found myself happy to be back in Maple Valley, Iowa once again.
I received a complimentary copy and this is my honest review.
Some Bright Sunday is a character driven plot, which is Melissa Tagg’s forte. Both Lucas & Jenessa are keeping some heavy past hurts hidden from no only each other, and their friends, but also from themselves. The three children that find their way into Bellville Park cottage, and into Jenessa’s heart open the door for a fair amount of introspection.
As Lucas is faced with some tough decisions, his boss at Bridgewell lands him an additional challenge. Mentoring Noah makes no sense to him - though he may not quite be prepared for the direction that will ultimately take.
The parallels of both Lucas & Jenessa turning their days to the care of the new young ones, is not lost in me. Quite clearly we find our true selves when we reach other to take care of others.
A truly tender and heart warming story. I found myself happy to be back in Maple Valley, Iowa once again.
I received a complimentary copy and this is my honest review.
May 18, 2021
Hmmm. 3.5, maybe 3.75
I liked it a lot, but the last 20 percent.... idk. Too many affairs. Too many perfectly orchestrated reunions. Too many unlucky mishaps. Poor people on that last one XD. But I still enjoyed it immensely and will be reading more!
I liked it a lot, but the last 20 percent.... idk. Too many affairs. Too many perfectly orchestrated reunions. Too many unlucky mishaps. Poor people on that last one XD. But I still enjoyed it immensely and will be reading more!
November 29, 2020
"I'm good at cracking mysteries. One day I will discover all your secrets."
Some Bright Someday is a compelling story with a labyrinth of emotions running through the pages. Interesting twists and turns involving Lucas’s new recruit, and the trio of siblings that Jenessa finds in the cottage, keeps the narrative moving forward.
Melissa Tagg is a not-to-be-missed contemporary romance writer. She takes intriguing subject matter and draws the reader into the story with exceptional descriptive language. Maple Valley is definitely a fictional community I would love to live in. The people and places entice you to come on in and sit a while.
Some Bright Someday is Christian fiction and a clean read that I recommend. The first book in the series, Now and Then and Always does not have to be read first but I highly recommend reading it.
I received an electronic copy of the book from the author. No review was required. No compensation received.
Some Bright Someday is a compelling story with a labyrinth of emotions running through the pages. Interesting twists and turns involving Lucas’s new recruit, and the trio of siblings that Jenessa finds in the cottage, keeps the narrative moving forward.
Melissa Tagg is a not-to-be-missed contemporary romance writer. She takes intriguing subject matter and draws the reader into the story with exceptional descriptive language. Maple Valley is definitely a fictional community I would love to live in. The people and places entice you to come on in and sit a while.
Some Bright Someday is Christian fiction and a clean read that I recommend. The first book in the series, Now and Then and Always does not have to be read first but I highly recommend reading it.
I received an electronic copy of the book from the author. No review was required. No compensation received.
December 17, 2020
I really really don't want to write a review for this book, because then it means I'm officially done with it. And I don't want to be done with it because it was SOO good.
I loved the Walker family series by Melissa Tagg, so naturally I had to read the Maple Valley series. They don't disappoint. First off, I loved Marshall and Mara's story in book one, and I adored Lucas and Jen in book two. From the meet cute to the adorable kids to the friendships and just Maple Valley itself, Some Bright Someday was probably my favorite so far.
I would've enjoyed a few more scenes with Lucas and Jen—a lot was taken up by friends/the kids—but I also love it just the way it was.
Lastly, I hope I'm not the only one waiting in line for Sam Ross's book, because that man, gruff as he is, has wormed into my heart.
(I read a copy from our local library and reviewed it on my own!)
I loved the Walker family series by Melissa Tagg, so naturally I had to read the Maple Valley series. They don't disappoint. First off, I loved Marshall and Mara's story in book one, and I adored Lucas and Jen in book two. From the meet cute to the adorable kids to the friendships and just Maple Valley itself, Some Bright Someday was probably my favorite so far.
I would've enjoyed a few more scenes with Lucas and Jen—a lot was taken up by friends/the kids—but I also love it just the way it was.
Lastly, I hope I'm not the only one waiting in line for Sam Ross's book, because that man, gruff as he is, has wormed into my heart.
(I read a copy from our local library and reviewed it on my own!)
February 23, 2022
I really enjoyed the first book in this series (Now and Then and Always) but this one was just wow. It pulled me in from the first chapter and grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go, even long after I finished the book.
I’ve said it before (I know, I know 😂) and I’ll probably keep saying it every time I read one of Melissa’s books, but I love the way she writes such brokenly beautiful characters. They come to life because they’re real. She doesn’t gloss over the hard, and heart, issues but really wrestles with them - which just makes the journey so much more relatable and beautiful.
I laughed, I cried, I was inspired, and reminded yet again of the beauty of grace in our brokenness.
Not surprisingly, I highly recommend this book, and every single other book by this author ❤️ So, so, so good.
I’ve said it before (I know, I know 😂) and I’ll probably keep saying it every time I read one of Melissa’s books, but I love the way she writes such brokenly beautiful characters. They come to life because they’re real. She doesn’t gloss over the hard, and heart, issues but really wrestles with them - which just makes the journey so much more relatable and beautiful.
I laughed, I cried, I was inspired, and reminded yet again of the beauty of grace in our brokenness.
Not surprisingly, I highly recommend this book, and every single other book by this author ❤️ So, so, so good.
November 13, 2020
What a beautiful story! Some Bright Someday starts pulling at your heartstrings the moment Lucas is introduced on the page and doesn't let you go until the very end. This is the first novel I have read by Melissa Tagg and it met all the expectations I had after hearing so many positive things regarding her writing from trusted friends. The characters have depth and emotions that connect to the reader. Lucas himself has such a tragic back story, but I loved learning about his experiences and really discovering the amazing person he always was. The Hollis children, with their heartbreaking plight, made me want to hug them. I loved the way Jenessa stepped in and cared for them. Lucas and Jenessa had such a sweet friendship and romance, I cheered when that first kiss happened and wow! It was a good one. The way they all grow as a family was super tender as well.
The storyline was engaging and honestly surprised me with its little twists more than once. I loved each characters’ back story and the way they grew as the story went along. There were so many beautiful themes in this book; trusting God is in charge and will light the way, lasting friendship, and forgiveness.
I definitely recommend this book and can't wait to read more by this author.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The storyline was engaging and honestly surprised me with its little twists more than once. I loved each characters’ back story and the way they grew as the story went along. There were so many beautiful themes in this book; trusting God is in charge and will light the way, lasting friendship, and forgiveness.
I definitely recommend this book and can't wait to read more by this author.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 7, 2022
This book was ah-mazing!! Melissa always writes the BEST stories, and this is her best yet. The Hollis children absolutely stole my heart just like they did Jenessa's and seeing Jen and Lucas's romance blossom was perfect. This story gave me ALL the feels. LOVED this one! It's going straight to my keeper shelf!
November 21, 2020
Lucas Danby's past haunts him. The scars from Afghanistan mar his body—and his spirit. He's found friends in Maple Valley, but he leaves them half the year to be a secret elite black ops agent. What kind of friend hides his activity and disappears for months?
Jenessa Belville has loved owning the newspaper in Maple Valley, but her spirit is restless. She doesn't know what to do with the sprawling home which has been in her family for generations. The last Belville in Maple Valley, she doesn't want to be stuck with the lackluster legacy. But just after putting a For Sale in the yard, she finds three runaway children who have taken refuge in the back cottage. Suddenly the home seems to have new life.
If Lucas thought he loved Jenessa before, his feelings only increase watching her care for the children and go through the hoops to maintain temporary custody while the social workers search for their relatives. He's never had the courage to tell her what he feels for her, especially since he feels unworthy of anything good, plus he's never told her about his work with Bridgewell. Would she want a relationship with a man whose ghosts chase him half the world away as he tries to prove his worth to himself?
As Jenessa falls more in love with the Hollis children, fearing every day with them will be her last, she also begins seeing Lucas in new ways. Why has she never noticed what a kind and attentive friend he is? New dreams begin spouting in her heart—dreams that would settle her restlessness in ways she never expected. But how could any of it come to be?
I loved returning to Maple Valley. Lucas, Jenessa, and the Hollis children completely stole my heart. This novel is about longings and overcoming the past and finding a place to call home. It was wonderful to see characters from Melissa's other Maple Valley stories, too. I would highly recommend this story, as it touched my heart in multiple ways. Be prepared to come away from these pages looking at life a little differently than you began.
I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
Jenessa Belville has loved owning the newspaper in Maple Valley, but her spirit is restless. She doesn't know what to do with the sprawling home which has been in her family for generations. The last Belville in Maple Valley, she doesn't want to be stuck with the lackluster legacy. But just after putting a For Sale in the yard, she finds three runaway children who have taken refuge in the back cottage. Suddenly the home seems to have new life.
If Lucas thought he loved Jenessa before, his feelings only increase watching her care for the children and go through the hoops to maintain temporary custody while the social workers search for their relatives. He's never had the courage to tell her what he feels for her, especially since he feels unworthy of anything good, plus he's never told her about his work with Bridgewell. Would she want a relationship with a man whose ghosts chase him half the world away as he tries to prove his worth to himself?
As Jenessa falls more in love with the Hollis children, fearing every day with them will be her last, she also begins seeing Lucas in new ways. Why has she never noticed what a kind and attentive friend he is? New dreams begin spouting in her heart—dreams that would settle her restlessness in ways she never expected. But how could any of it come to be?
I loved returning to Maple Valley. Lucas, Jenessa, and the Hollis children completely stole my heart. This novel is about longings and overcoming the past and finding a place to call home. It was wonderful to see characters from Melissa's other Maple Valley stories, too. I would highly recommend this story, as it touched my heart in multiple ways. Be prepared to come away from these pages looking at life a little differently than you began.
I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org
April 23, 2021
According to my Kindle, I was sixty percent through this book before last night. I finished it by midnight because I just had to keep reading! I loved this second book in Melissa Tagg’s Maple Valley series, and I absolutely love that it’s tied to her Walker Family series! An orphan heiress finds three children hiding out in the cottage behind her house, and she takes them in temporarily. A troubled veteran finds his worth helping her, but doesn’t know if he can share his dark past with her, lest she hate him. What’s not to love?
November 23, 2021
Excellent best friends to more romance featuring foster care, PTSD (also touching on the stigma of dishonorable discharge), guilt, forgiveness, and identity. I appreciate the way the heroine who is going through the motions of the expected and clinging to her previous dream eventually moves forward to seeking the place where God's plan, her giftings/skills, and heart intersect. Great group of friends who have claimed one another like family.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
November 18, 2020
AHH.
I never think Melissa Tagg can outdo herself...and then she totally goes and does just that.
“Some Bright Someday” mixes familiar characters from other books (haiiiii, Beckett...and Logan...don’t mind me as I just fangirl!swoon over here) with new ones that quickly worked their way into my heart. (I did read this over about a 36-hour period, sooooo.) Maple Valley remains as charming, quirky, and endearing as ever, and I really would be okay picking up and moving there. If only.
Luke honestly gives Beckett and Logan a run for their money as a fave Tagg hero (another thin I didn’t think would be possible), and Jenessa is a fantastic new fave heroine. I love her spunk, gutsiness, and zest for life!
I also really appreciate the ongoing look at bravery, the choices each of us faces sometimes daily (or hourly), and the good things God imagines for us. He is the ultimate master painter, one we can trust implicitly. As the book says, “...His grace, guidance, and compassion are bigger than any mistakes I could make. I don’t think it’s nearly as much about whether we hear everything correctly all the time as whether we’re still listening.” (loc. 4390, eARC)
I received an eARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
I never think Melissa Tagg can outdo herself...and then she totally goes and does just that.
“Some Bright Someday” mixes familiar characters from other books (haiiiii, Beckett...and Logan...don’t mind me as I just fangirl!swoon over here) with new ones that quickly worked their way into my heart. (I did read this over about a 36-hour period, sooooo.) Maple Valley remains as charming, quirky, and endearing as ever, and I really would be okay picking up and moving there. If only.
Luke honestly gives Beckett and Logan a run for their money as a fave Tagg hero (another thin I didn’t think would be possible), and Jenessa is a fantastic new fave heroine. I love her spunk, gutsiness, and zest for life!
I also really appreciate the ongoing look at bravery, the choices each of us faces sometimes daily (or hourly), and the good things God imagines for us. He is the ultimate master painter, one we can trust implicitly. As the book says, “...His grace, guidance, and compassion are bigger than any mistakes I could make. I don’t think it’s nearly as much about whether we hear everything correctly all the time as whether we’re still listening.” (loc. 4390, eARC)
I received an eARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
December 23, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Author Melissa Tagg knows how to write heartwarming and page-turning stories! I love this story of belonging and second chances! Lucas Danby and Jenessa Belville are an amazing team. I hate to say goodbye to her characters, so I am hoping for another story in this series!
January 9, 2021
This is another wonderful story set in Maple Valley by Melissa Tagg.
I loved many things about this book:
The storyline was unique with finding the children and Lucas’s dishonorable discharge.
The children and Jen’s love for them and their interactions were written with such perfection. It made me love them so.
It showed light on foster care and how hard it is for all involved.
The emotions in this book are sweet, tender and full of faith.
But most of all – there was a shock that I never saw coming. I mean, Wow! Melissa, so clever!!
Loved it, recommend it highly!
I loved many things about this book:
The storyline was unique with finding the children and Lucas’s dishonorable discharge.
The children and Jen’s love for them and their interactions were written with such perfection. It made me love them so.
It showed light on foster care and how hard it is for all involved.
The emotions in this book are sweet, tender and full of faith.
But most of all – there was a shock that I never saw coming. I mean, Wow! Melissa, so clever!!
Loved it, recommend it highly!
November 25, 2020
It’s always fun to return to Maple Valley, especially when it’s a surprise return, as was this book! I always love reading stories set in small towns because of the sense of community and how everyone looks out for each other.
Jenessa and Lucas’s story is a sweet story of hope, redemption, and forgiveness. While I enjoyed this story, I felt like there were so many different threads that it took away from the development of the main relationship. I did love the dynamics of the group of friends and how they always support one another.
I’m looking forward to heading back to Maple Valley whenever the next book is out and I’m really hoping Sam is the main character!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Jenessa and Lucas’s story is a sweet story of hope, redemption, and forgiveness. While I enjoyed this story, I felt like there were so many different threads that it took away from the development of the main relationship. I did love the dynamics of the group of friends and how they always support one another.
I’m looking forward to heading back to Maple Valley whenever the next book is out and I’m really hoping Sam is the main character!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
November 21, 2020
I just love sitting down with books by Melissa Tagg. She is excellent at writing books with depth and meaning without overwhelming me. Emotional, yes. Overwhelming, no. I really loved getting to know both Janessa and Lucas. They are two people who have had lots of hard things happen to them but they still rise and push forward. They are kind and they good. The perfect kind of characters.
There is a lot going on for these characters. The past, the present and the future collide as Jenessa and Lucas start intertwining their lives together. It was quite a ride! Their journeys lead them to forgiveness, understanding and healing. There was a realistic and natural progression to the story and it all just felt really good around my heart. Especially the sigh inducing ending.
This book is available on KU if you have that!
Content: mention of war time violence, kissing, Christian elements.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
There is a lot going on for these characters. The past, the present and the future collide as Jenessa and Lucas start intertwining their lives together. It was quite a ride! Their journeys lead them to forgiveness, understanding and healing. There was a realistic and natural progression to the story and it all just felt really good around my heart. Especially the sigh inducing ending.
This book is available on KU if you have that!
Content: mention of war time violence, kissing, Christian elements.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 17, 2020
Oh my goodness! Having long been a Melissa Tagg, specifically a Walker family / Maple Valley fan, this book is absolutely everything I’d hoped it could be and more. From the very start, this friends-to-more story caught my heart and my full attention (not an easy feat in 2020, I’ll tell you what). Lucas is delightfully fraught, but so is Jen. So much complexity in their back stories surely would have made for enough of a foundation, but then she had to go and bring such love for three discovered children into the mix. When reviewers are typing “all the feels” into their reviews for Some Bright Someday, know they’re speaking total truth. I laughed, I cried, I felt so stinking much. I hope we never have to leave Maple Valley, because truly, these characters that populate it are the absolute best.
December 7, 2020
Another satisfying story set in Maple Valley.
This one really tugged on my heart strings.
three little kids, orphaned, all alone...then taken in by a sweet lady.
It took me a bit to get into the story, but then when I was hooked, well I just didn't want to quit.
full review to come
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This one really tugged on my heart strings.
three little kids, orphaned, all alone...then taken in by a sweet lady.
It took me a bit to get into the story, but then when I was hooked, well I just didn't want to quit.
full review to come
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
April 18, 2022
Plottwists. Gewoon goed.
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