If you haven’t read a book by Courtney Walsh you are really missing out. She has a way of creating a small town and bringing every single character to life with their own unique personality. This book was no different.

I loved Harbor Pointe (maybe because I live in Michigan and can easily think of several small towns this setting reminded me of).

Quinn reminded me a lot of myself. She is holding on to hope that she has power to fix the past. To show her mom she is good enough (not that I had any issues with my mom), but I get her insecurities in life.

Grady is trying to overcome his regrets. What he doesn’t see it that can only happen with Jesus and he is trying to do it on his own.

I loved having the opportunity to be on the slopes. I have never skied in my life and I have no desire to but it was fun to read about it.

I really enjoyed this contemporary romance and recommend it.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

I love reading stories set in small towns where everyone seems to know everybody and they treat each other like family. This story brought that to life for me. The characters were wonderful making it feel like you were with friends. Grady plans to just stop for a meal on his way through town, but his actions lead to him being stuck in Harbour Pointe until his community service is done.

Quinn and Grady are polar opposites. Grady is a risk-taker, Quinn is not. Grady has travelled all over for ski competitions; Quinn has never left Harbour Pointe. Grady takes things as they come and Quinn is a planner. Is there any common ground to be found for these two? There is something about Quinn that draws Grady in and he is determined to get to know her more when all she wants is for him to leave town. Much to Quinn’s dislike Grady’s community service order puts him on her winter carnival team and helping her fix up her new shop. Add in the fact that Grady begins helping Quinn’s nephew, Jaden, with his skiing it becomes impossible for Quinn to avoid him.

Shortly after meeting Grady I felt there was something going on beneath the image that he portrayed to others and wanted to know what it was. Turns out he was holding on to something from the past that he felt he could never be forgiven for. Quinn is also holding onto a hurt from the past and has been allowing this to determine her life. She is trying to prove herself to one person and can’t see how this has been holding her back from enjoying life. The hurts that these two are holding onto are weighing them down and sabotaging them from living their lives fully. Over the course of the story they learn to let go and find the peace needed to deal with these hurts. Both characters learn to let go of the things they can’t control and fight for the things they can. I loved this.

I loved the change in Grady the most; he comes across at the beginning as a self-centered and egotistical guy doing whatever he wants whenever. But over the course of the story he slowly transforms as he turns control over to God and learns to let go. He becomes someone focused more on others than himself and is willing to listen and take direction from others.

I really enjoyed following Grady and Quinn as a relationship developed between them and they learn to let go and let God lead. This story made me experience so many emotions I didn’t want to put it down. (I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

JUST LET GO is, I think, the first book I read by Courtney Walsh and I'm intrigued enough by it that I am going to look up her previous books--or at least the ones in this series: Just Look Up (I think that is all in this series, I may be wrong.)



I absolutely LOVED the host of secondary characters. Betsy with her sweet, shy personality and her wild hair, the Sheriff and Judge, best friends, firm, yet quirky, and numerous others.



At first I wasn't sure about Quinn and Grady -- Grady is rather explosive, and he's a playboy, Quinn is uptight. But I sat up and took notice of the book (it snagged my interest) when the Judge handed down his verdict and I saw the direction the book was going. (You GO, Judge!!!)



I initially was surprised by the length of this book--almost two times the size of a normal paperback, but it was gripping, engaging, and a sweet story with realistic characters. I couldn't read it fast enough.



If you like contemporary romance, grab a copy of JUST LET GO for a great summer read.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

Courtney Walsh takes us back to Harbor Pointe the location of her first novel in this series, Just Look Up. In book two we see Ryan and Lane the main characters in Just Look Up, and meet Grady the Olympic skiier and local Harbor Pointe resident Quinn who has just acquired the flower shop.
Both Grady and Quinn have a past that they need to move on from. It's like they are cemented in time and can't get beyond what has happened to them, and seem afraid to try. Quinn is rooted in her small town and Grady is a world traveler. As someone who moved around a lot and has now been in one place for nine years I could definitely identify with Grady's need to move on from the small town of Harbor Pointe.
Ms. Walsh creates great small towns with charm and fun characters. The cover of this book grabbed me when I saw it for the first time, and the story did not disappoint. I loved the character of Jaden and thought his childlike innocence helped encourage both Grady and Quinn to see things they were missing.
I highly recommend this book.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Redemption. Romance. New Beginnings. All are present in Courtney Walsh's Just Let Go.

When Quinn and Grady meet, they're both people trapped by their past. A tragedy in Grady's past has led him to focus on a singular goal, winning an Olympic gold medal, yet as the years go by, he becomes more and more reckless. After Quinn was abandoned by someone she loved, she became fearful, regimented, and judgmental. The two are polar opposites in some ways, yet in others they're very much the same, and it's soon obvious to everyone except Quinn that they belong together. But before they can move forward with each other, they must each come to terms with the past and learn to let go of the things holding them back.

I loved so many things about this novel! From the swoony romance (which gets right down to the kissing—no waiting until the 75% mark in this book!) to Quinn's family to Grady's relationship with Quinn's nephew to the slowly-revealed truth about what happened in both Quinn's and Grady's pasts, Just Let Go sparkles.

The setting of Harbor Pointe, a small town where everyone knows everyone and the inhabitants are delightfully quirky, very much reminds me of Melissa Tagg's Maple Valley. As a huge fan of Tagg's series, this discovery made me incredibly happy. If you're looking for a sweet romance full of heart, you'll definitely want to pick up Just Let Go. 5 stars.

Note: This is the second Harbor Pointe novel, but each book stands alone. Book one features Ryan and Lane, two minor characters in this book, and I'm so glad that I have a copy waiting for me on my TBR shelf!

Courtney Walsh has hit the ball out of the park with this one. I think it’s my favourite of her novels yet. In Grady and Quinn, she’s created two flawed, but very authentic characters who are the best kind of complement to one another, both for story enjoyment and character growth. Quinn’s lack of interest in Grady as either a person or an Olympic skier was exactly what he needed, and I loved that her disinterestedness didn’t feel contrived for the sake of conflict. It did, however, provide plenty of opportunity for Grady to stir the pot a little and get reactions out of her!

For all his faults, I found it impossible not to love Grady. He’s got a rugged mountain to climb—literally and figuratively—if he wants to be the best his field again, and it was very satisfying to see the gradual change in his character as he began to take some responsibility for his actions and discipline himself in a way he never had before. And Quinn wasn’t without the need for some introspection, either. Both of them needed to learn about grace and forgiveness, and the ebb and flow of their relationship as it developed felt completely true to their characters and the lessons they were learning about themselves.

There was also a great community of secondary characters in the story: Quinn’s father, sister, and nephew along with a few other long-time friends who have become like family, and also Quinn’s friends, Lucy and Hailey. They each had their contribution to make to the story, which was stronger for having them in it.

If you're looking for a story with fantastic character growth, a highly-satisfying romance, and plenty of opportunities to smile and snicker along the way, you won't be disappointed with this one.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh


Abandoned by her mother when she was 9, Quinn’s need for control was overpowering at times. It wasn’t that she was bossy for the sake of being in charge – she needed to feel like she had at least a semblance of a possibility of having things work out the way she hoped. The “perfect” world she worked so hard to create was safe but caused her to miss out on so much. She became a creature of habit and was shackled to the town she loved, fearing to travel or change her routine.

I couldn’t help but fall for Grady. True, he had a terrible temper. True, he was cocky. True, he didn’t exactly live an exemplary life. But there was a hint of vulnerability to him and as the layers of his heart were revealed, it became obvious that he was a broken and hurting man, doing his best to handle the guilt that ravaged his soul.

Reading Just Let Go was quite an adventure! At one point in the story, when Grady thanked Quinn in the diner, I was laughing so hard I had to stop reading. I seriously don’t remember laughing that hard while reading a book for a while. Once I could contain myself, I read a little more but started laughing again as I thought about it. He was so arrogant and such a rat for intentionally saying what he did! Then, in the next chapter, just a few pages away, my heart ached as I got more insight into what happened with Benji and Grady’s motivation to ski and to win.

As with all of this author’s books that I have read, there were just so many things to love. I make a habit of highlighting lines as I read, marking ones that I want to come back to later and consider posting on my blog. I knew that I was highlighting a lot, but didn’t expect it would be more than 30. Oops!

Being a part of Grady and Quinn’s spiritual journeys was such a joy. This is a book that I want to read again and again.


This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net.

Get a preview of Just Let Go at amongTheReads.net


I would like to thank Celebrate Lit, Netgalley, Tyndale House Publishers for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

The author has skillfully crafted a relatable story which is simultaneously encouraging, challenging, practical, and entertaining. Story is such a powerful medium! Each character’s emotions, struggles, and triumphs leaped straight from the page and into my heart.

Quinn Collins is firmly rooted in her small hometown and her comfort zone, both qualities I appreciate… in moderation. Unearthing the layers of her motivation and hurts reminded me how easy it is to let bitterness creep in and change our perceptions and how we live our lives. I love Quinn’s community and the way she is surrounded by her friends and family.

Grady Benson definitely has the arrogant professional athlete vibe going but oh, he is one intriguing character beneath the surface! I appreciate the authenticity of his journey. He has setbacks and insecurities just like the rest of us with the exception of a much bigger audience. Grady has a delightful ornery streak which I enjoy even though Quinn does not.

Just Let Go‘s engaging plot and heartfelt message are spot-on. I highly recommend this story and look forward to the next installment of the Harbor Pointe series!

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’ve been looking forward to getting back to the town where Just Look Up took place and wasn’t disappointed! Don’t be alarmed if you haven’t read the first book as this one works just fine as a standalone. However, since Just Look Up was my absolute favorite book of last year and I talked about it all the time I’m hoping my regular followers have picked it up and read it by now!

I really enjoyed getting to know Grady. Sometimes it is nice to have a hero that isn’t perfect. In fact, he was one of the more unique heroes I’ve read lately. I also liked his career as Olympic athletes aren’t the main characters in the books I read very often. I enjoyed Quinn’s business too. Flowers aren’t one of my great loves because they are expensive and die too fast, but I always think it is so sweet when I see men buying them.

There are some books I fall in love with because of the dialogue and interaction between characters. This book was one I grew to love because of the development of the characters through their inner turmoil. Both Grady and Quinn are working through things from their pasts. Honestly, they are both living with so much pain from things they couldn’t have controlled and are using their present lives to almost try to change their pasts. It was hard to watch them basically punish themselves. This book was a great reminder that reconciliation and forgiveness are for everyone. And that God is always there to listen even when you’ve pushed Him away. I felt like I learned a lot from both characters.

I actually truly despise small towns in real life, but I love to read about them. In fiction, I love how everyone knows everyone and knows everything happening all the time. I love their fun hometown businesses. I love their neat traditions like a Winter Carnival where the whole town pitches in. I also love how everyone helps each other when they have a need. I really enjoyed all the time the characters spent at the diner. In fact, my favorite scene took place in the diner and I laughed for quite a while about it. After you read the scene come back and let me know!

I hope that we’ll be getting a third Harbor Pointe novel soon because I’m not ready to say goodbye!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion.

This was a completely charming and delightful story. It pretty much captured and held my attention from the first page!
Characters – Grady--Olympic skier. Stuck in town to do community service because he let his anger get the best of him. He’s used to getting whatever he wants. Rather a self-centered brat, if you will…
And then there’s Quinn. A small town florist. All she’s ever wanted was to be the owner of that little flower shop. She tried so hard to be perfect. She wanted her mother to notice her. She wanted to be loved for who she was. She’d spent her entire life searching, her goal just out of reach. Can she put that behind?
And the two meet. How can they have anything in common?
He’s been a bad boy his entire life, while she’s always been the “good girl”.
Yet, in spite of everything, they find themselves drawn to each other.
This story really pulled me into it. I didn’t want to stop reading, and I didn’t want the story to end. The characters are gripping and all too real.
So many life lessons here.
Let go. Don’t waste your energy on making yourself into someone you are not, be the best you can be!
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

Kudos to Courtney Walsh for making an entitled, hard-partying jock a lovable hero. For all of Grady Benson's flaws, just enough of his personal heartbreak is revealed, bit-by-bit, to allow the reader to see behind the veneer, making him a full-dimensional character rather than the caricature he could so easily have been.

The same goes for the more naturally likable, if bristly, Quinn Collins. For all of the order she's created in her regimented life, her insecurities are what make her shine. Not just the hurt from her mother's abandonment, but the natural fears and flaws that dog so many "good girls," from a tendency to become self-righteous (even if it's only an internal disposition) to her fear of being so un-worldly as to be unattractive and unworthy of the attentions of someone like Grady.

Having recently read a romance heavy on history and super-light on the personal interplay needed to develop an authentic romance, I relished Grady and Quinn's scenes. Their progression from adversaries to friends to intimacy (the emotional kind) was well-paced, as was their resolve to change, each adopting some of the other's best qualities. Nothing felt forced or rush, but rather a more realistic one step forward, two steps back with a long road yet to hoe.

Delightful summer (or anytime) reading!

I love watching the Olympics and often wonder about the high-profiled lives some of those athletes lead--especially the ones who are the rebels. Grady finds himself stuck in small-town Michigan one winter and the timing couldn't be worse. It's do or die with his career and a judge decides he needs to learn a lesson. The small-town feels and quirkiness really shine through and it was fun to see all of that through Grady's eyes.

It's so enjoyable to watch a character soften, become more likable, and start to live up to true potential. I must admit that I didn't care for Grady too much at first, as he was really cocky. Quinn is a sweetheart, but almost too rigid in her personality and tolerance of others, but she's got a heartbreaking past of her own. They are polar opposites and so good for each other.

There are so many risks taken and I loved watching the characters try, because if you don't try, you can't fly. There are some unexpected moments that really twisted my heart up and so much emotion--I smiled, I cried, and I really felt the hope of second chances.

Content: mild romance; vague mention of past intimacies/innuendo; mild violence; moderate religious elements

This second novel in the Harbor Pointe series by Courtney Walsh is another beautifully written story about second chances and past memories finally put to rest. In this story we meet Quinn who has just realized a life long dream of owning a flower shop her own mother once owned. Quinn is sweet and kind and has a loving family supporting her at every turn. In walks Grady Benson, an Olympic skier who enters town with a chip on his shoulder. He is reckless and he is selfish. Now how do you get these two totally different characters to fall in love? With a little help from some family, some friends and some love from above! I had a hard time putting this one down as I was so drawn into the story. Courtney fast became one of my favourite authors with her last book and she does not disappoint with this latest novel. I’m now patiently awaiting the next book. I was so graciously gifted this book by Tyndale House for an open and honest review.

I enjoyed this book from page one to the last. There were some great lessons to be learned in this book. That’s something I’ve come to appreciate about this author. Her books are not only well written but also have purpose. Even if you don’t know about flowers and skiing, you will definitely enjoy this book. Quinn and Grady are fun and relatable characters. There are times you’d like to high give them, shake them or hug them. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, All views expressed here are my own.

First off … I love the cover. It’s beautiful.

Second of all … I love the book. It’s fantastic. Grady Benson has to be one of my favorite book heroes in a good while. I. Love. Him. #fangirl I don’t think I can do him justice in a book review, so I won’t try.

If you read Just Look Up, some familiar faces appear in Just Let Go. But, that’s not a mandatory read before this one. Each could stand alone. (Which is good, knowing my track record!)

Walsh admirably creates relatable characters, several gut-wrenching storylines, and a sense of place that made me want to grab the next plane to Michigan. (And I just got off a six-hour flight from Hawaii. I know, rough life.) Quinn reminds me of a young Kathleen Kelly in You’ve Got Mail. If Kathleen owned a flower shop rather than the Shop Around the Corner … Quinn and her shop would be it. (“You know how in the flower district there are all those shops…so you can find whatever you want? This is going to be the book district.” Obscure quote? Maybe. But tell me you didn’t read that in Meg Ryan’s voice. #micdrop)

I highlighted SO many things in this book. Yay for Kindle copies and the ease of highlighting in-app! Seriously, though — I haven’t highlighted a fiction book, especially this much, in (also) a good while. I may be somewhat of a control freak myself, and was convicted several times on that front as I read. Just Let Go will stay with me for some time, and is one I certainly plan to re-read.

I received a free eARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Courtney Walsh invites readers back to the small tourist town of Harbor Point, Michigan in her June release.

While Brooks and Lane make appearances, but this story is all about Grady and Quinn. Two people who are worlds apart and, at first glance, complete opposites.

Grady is a world-famous alpine skier, intent on winning gold at the next Olympics. Quinn has spent her entire life in Harbor Point, content running the local flower shop. But both of these characters hold so tightly to a goal, they’ve missed things along the way.

Now Grady is forced to spend a few weeks in Michigan. Working closely with Quinn, the two slowly learn to appreciate the differences in the other. Their differences cause them to take a new look at their lives.

Walsh has the ability to draw me into the world she creates and makes me feel like a local of this fictional town. Her characters are flawed but likable. The relationships are real and sometimes raw.
Just Let Go is a story of finding balance, believing that in the midst of disappointments and difficulties, it’s okay to give God our dreams. Because He just might have something even better in store for us.

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.

Just Let Go is as delightful as its gorgeous cover; a beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness, and starting over, of learning to work for your dreams and learning when to let go.

Grady is a professional skier, Olympian, and, according to the world, a wash-up bound for forced retirement. A self-imposed road trip leads Grady to Harbor Pointe, where a judgmental comment leads to a fist-fight, which leads to Grady being sentenced to weeks of community service and being stuck in the infuriatingly small town. As soon as she sets eyes on Grady Benson, Quinn Collins knows he is bad news. They come from different worlds - while he was off living the high life and has no qualms putting holes in the walls of diners, she has lived her whole life in Harbor Pointe, working towards her dream of owning her own flower shop, creating the best design for the upcoming Winter Carnival, and entering her designs into the Floral Expo. She is on the verge of realising that dream and the last thing she needs is to babysit the egotistical skier for the duration of his community service. But there is more to Grady than is reported in the tabloids, and Quinn is holding onto her own hurts. Can the two learn to work together?

Just Let Go was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it was everything I expected it to be. After reading Just Look Up and loving it, I was excited to read this second novel in the Harbor Pointe series. Each of the two books can be read as standalones, with complete story lines, a few character crossovers, and the same delightful, small-town setting. Just Let Go is a complicated and layered story of relationships, dreams, and the faith needed to overcome the hurts of the past.

The character growth and development in Just Let Go is outstanding. Grady is not your average, perfect, happy-ever-after ideal hero. He’s got some serious flaws -like a huge ego, a painful past that is holding him captive, and a lifestyle that matches his carefree, risk-taking, I-don’t-need-to-work-for-anything attitude. And while most girls fall at his feet, he’s certainly not Quinn’s idea of the perfect man. Grady takes pleasure in irritating Quinn and pushing her buttons, while Quinn tries her hardest to avoid him altogether. But between working together on the Winter Carnival and Grady taking an interest in the skiing abilities of Quinn’s nephew, Quinn can’t seem to avoid him. Their relationship starts off volatile and endures plenty of bumps as they navigate a slow friendship and share hard truths with each other. The romance is all the sweeter for their troubles.

Yet, it is not just Grady who has past hurts and regrets to work through. Quinn has faced her mother’s rejection, the pain of which has kept her tied to Harbor Pointe and endlessly working for a chance to prove her worthiness. She has never allowed anyone to get close to her heart, so she is beyond surprised when she finds Grady a little bit charming underneath that infuriating smirk.

With all the charm of a small town and its caring community members, Just Let Go mixes touches of family and friendship with romance, faith, and self-discovery. My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer as I could have happily read much more of Quinn and Grady. Yet, I will content myself with glimpses of the continuation of their story in future Harbor Pointe novels, and I greatly look forward to whatever story Courtney Walsh crafts next, which is sure to be as delightful as this one.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.