I love how Faris incorporates her faith threads - realistic, not pushy, and still causing you to pause and reflect. This story has all the makings of a sweet movie in fact, not your typical Hallmark - no much more than that. I enjoyed this story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A refreshing, sweet novel. Beautifully written. Believable characters. Tender. Endearing. Fun to read. Five stars.

What a great story. From cover to cover, the author brings to life her characters and their historic town. This story a beautiful and sweet romance that readers will immediately fall in love with. It’s about two siblings and their love stories. This story shares about real-life and has relatable characters that readers will not want to let go. A theme in this story is that life isn’t always easy and it doesn’t always go as expected, but somehow with God it always works out how it’s supposed to. Readers will not want to miss this new voice in Christian fiction.

Series: Restoring Heritage
Genre: contemporary, romance, Christian
Publisher: Revell
Publication date: September 3, 2019
Number of pages: 368

Other books in the series:
0.5-P.S Goodbye

When I read this book's description, I knew that it was for me! I love historic preservation and everything about Heritage and families and such. The spine of this book is also to die for! It's so gorgeous!

You meet Hannah and Luke. Hannah loves Luke and does everything in her power to make him stay and to make sure that he doesn't know that she is meddling in his life. Luke loves Hannah and always has felt that he doesn't belong. He feels like a part of him is missing since his father died when he was 5 years old and he was in the foster system for many years.

You also meet Thomas and Janie. Thomas is Hannah's brother and he loves Janie. Janie is heartbroken over Thomas breaking up with her and finds that he has easily moved on after their break up once she returns home from a summer overseas.

One thing Hannah loves almost more than Luke is her hometown of Heritage. She wants to prove to the town that she is not her mother and that she can bring life back to her hometown by entering a contest. That contest is to help beautify the downtown. Hannah is a bit of a klutz and more things happen to her than you would think during this project.

Can Hannah put aside her love of fixing things and proving herself to really put forth a relationship with Luke? Can Hannah save her town from the developers that are breathing down her neck to move in and modernize her quiet little hometown? Will Luke find what he is missing and looking for a place to belong and a family to love him? What will happen to Thomas and Janie?

I love that there are multiple stores intermixed in with the main story line and I want more and I can't wait for the next book to come out! There is a sneak peak in this book for the second one and it has you wanting it today!

Wow, I loved this story. This is the first book I’ve read by Tari Faris, and quickly discovered that this author knows how to tell a great story. The characters are believable and it was easy to become invested in their stories. I felt as if I’d known Hannah, Thomas, Luke, and Janie for many years. Each of these characters have had heartbreak in their lives, and each has to find the faith in God to claim the life that He has for them.

Hannah, was a driving force in this story and in the town of Heritage. She’s desperate to save her failing hometown, and she comes up with the “perfect plan” to do this. But as is the case with most perfect plans, things don’t go the way expected, and it then becomes a question of if the town is ready to pull together to accomplish Hannah’s goal.

There’s romance in this book, too. Ex-couples Hannah and Luke;, as well as Thomas and Janie, must deal with some serious individual issues before they can come together again in serious relationships. I liked the gentle reminders of faith and hope that the author incorporated all throughout this book. I came away feeling encouraged after reading this story. If you love reading contemporary Christian fiction, don’t miss this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book! Best friends who have secret crushes on each other and a bachelor auction! What more could a girl ask for! Luke was my favorite character, a good guy who wanted a family of his own and to belong, yet felt like he wasn't enough. He's always supported Hannah but sometimes she goes too far with her ideas. Hannah has tried to control everything ever since her mom left when she was a kid. She would like a happily ever after for herself but doesn't want to be rejected again. There were a lot of cute moments between Luke and Hannah as they fight their feelings for each other. I liked that we got a second story line about Hannah's brother, Thomas, and his ex-girlfriend, Janie. Janie was a strong Christian but was questioning what God was doing in her situation with Thomas and Hannah and Luke both were struggling a bit with their faith. I loved Nate, the new pastor, a tattoo-wearing, motorcycle-driving guy who's full of wisdom for everyone but seemed to have a bit of a relationship problem himself. He gave wonderful wisdom about putting God first. The conversation about adoption brought tears to my eyes; there were also some funny parts in the story. I loved the references to the movie, "Say Anything." I highly recommend this book if you like romance!

I received this book from Revell. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

Whenever you pick up a book by a new author, it can be a little nerve wracking. Thoughts such as: will the book be worth my time? will it take too much effort to get into? will I hate it? raise debate in my mind. But in this case, let’s just say that after a few chapters I was searching Google to see what else author Tari Faris had written.

I genuinely enjoyed this book. I loved plot that moved swiftly and kept my turning page after page. I loved the characters and how they played off each other. I loved the message of new beginnings, forgiveness, and identity. My only regret was that the book ended way too soon, and I am itching for a sequel.

I encourage you to give this book a chance. Settle in for a read that touches your heart.

I received this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a great book by Tari Faris. It had an interesting plot and romance. Highly recommended for those looking for a good read.

When I saw this title, I was reminded of this song (originally done by the Lumineres) and it pretty much sums up what the book is about. Hannah Thornton is a realtor who wants to rejuvenate her town of Heritage, Michigan. A developer wants to modernize the town with strip malls and apartment complexes.

Hannah hears about a contest to fund the rejuvenation and decides to ask the council to back the entry. They put up $10,000 for her to use in starting refurbishing the Manor House--a place that Hannah feels is the history of the town. As Hannah encounters various roadblocks, she leans on Luke, her neighbor across the street, and a man she's known since she was in grade school.

Tari Faris has written about three novels in one. There is the story of Hannah and Luke, of Thomas (Hannah's brother) and Janie, of Hannah and the city. While it's not hard to keep the characters and their stories straight, it seems like a lot to pack into one book. Hannah has been written as a modern Calamity Jane, all the while trying to overcome her mother's reputation. She feels she has to prove so much of herself, she ends up meddling in everyone's business.

This is a four star book that is an entertaining read for that afternoon where nothing is pressing on the reader's schedule.

My thanks to Revell and NetGalley.com for providing the copy I read for this review.

Romance, clean; Series but stand-alone; Christian
This novel starts with Hannah and her brother Thomas. Lovely portrait of small town life and all that entails, everyone in your business, along with having your back. Hannah and Luke were a great story, along with Thomas, and his choices. There was hope, healing, in the midst of misunderstanding, near tragedy, and drama of various kinds. Dreams changing, and morphing into a hopeful reality, with growing faith, and learning to trust in God's plans, and coming to understand that part of spiritual life again for many of the characters.
Lovely both Hannah and Luke, and Thomas and his choice, just sweet romantic reads as they learn to communicate better, share their true hearts, and trust that life will bring something better for them as they learn to be with one another, and give their best selves. If you are Christian Romance fan, this a perfect read. Honest, hurting, heartfelt, struggling characters with faith, and hope for good things for their hearts and their town. I love finding a new author and this will not be the first by this author that I will read. Can't wait to visit this small town again!

Fans of small town reads will enjoy this book!
Hannah Thornton has one main goal in her mind, restore the heart of her hometown Heritage, Michigan. As a realtor in a small town, she works hard to sell off historic properties. Unfortunately, people would rather buy newer properties than put up the money to restore older worn out houses. Even her own brother is selling his house to pay for all the things that his fiancée wants. When a local developer offers to buy up several properties, people begin to think it may be better to just sell out. Hannah turns to her oldest friend, Luke, for help. A local handyman with a dream of becoming fire chief, he reluctantly agrees to help her. However, Luke has been facing his own demons and this endeavor will either bring them together or drive them apart.
This was a fun read that had me keep turning page after page. I enjoyed getting to see Hannah grow and mature as a person as she learned to let go of control and let things play out. She came across as shallow at first (not as much as her brother’s fiancée, now there is a character) but she gained depth and bonded with me as a female reader. She overcame challenges and put up a good fight to make her dream come true. Likewise, Luke had his own challenges of abandonment, but turned out to be different than we he had believed his whole life. Once each character was able to truly move past themselves, the romance played out great. I’m looking forward to the next installment in Heritage.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

I love it when I find a new-to-me author and sink effortlessly into her story. It seriously took less than a page to hook me. I instantly liked Hannah, and loved her appreciation for the history of her town. The atmosphere in the snowy town of Heritage, Michigan makes me want to visit, and Hannah’s appreciation for the history of her small town makes me want to help her restore it to what it once was.

Luke is an interesting character and adds much to the story. He certainly feels like the boy next door, which is so appealing. The secondary characters make this story richer and the hippo is a smart and cozy sentiment I appreciate so much.

You Belong With Me is a sweet, fun, feel good, small town tale, and I hope to revisit Heritage again. The perfect blend of faith, friendship, romance, and restoration.

First line: Was she really the only one left who cared about this town?.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to post a positive review.

Realtor Hannah Thornton has loved Luke since they were children, but misunderstandings and bad timing has always got in the way of their friendship turning into something more.



Hannah is on a mission to save their smalltown from a large developer that wants to build a shopping center. She is passionate about her small town, and helping others.



Luke had a troubled childhood, and has always struggled to see himself as an equal with his colleagues. He sees himself as an outcast, unwanted and not good enough for the likes of Hannah. He admires her determination to preserve her hometown.



Thomas is Hannah's brother, working at the diner alongside his ex-flame, Janie, who he broke up without explanation. From outward appearances he has moved on, and is even engaged to another woman. Thomas struggles to fight for the love he wants, despite a secret that believes will keep them apart.



I liked how this book follows siblings Thomas and Hannah as they navigate life and love, growing in faith. There was good emotional depth, and layered backstories which the novel relies heavily upon. I wish that some of the characters had been more upfront about what they were going through at times. I also think I missed some 80's rom com references that would have tied the plot together more neatly in my head, if I had seen the movie. An enjoyable read, about big love in a small town.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow. This book blew my expectations out the window. I loved it SO much! The characters were endearing, I loved the foster child aspect, I was completely surprised by something that happened in the story, and the ending was fantastic!

There were a few things about the story that probably weren't realistic, but I loved the rest of the book so much that it didn't bother me. I think I got too invested at times, as I didn't want to put the book down. LOL

All in all, You Belong with Me was very good. I loved reading it and definitely recommend the book. I cannot wait for the next one!

*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.*

This author is new to me, I did like the storyline over all, I liked how the small town feel and how no matter what everyone seem to be there right when you needed them. I was not a fan of how I felt like there author wrote two stories into one, I wish she would have either wrote all of Hannah and Luke's story or she would have written all of Thomas and Janie's story. I also was not a fan how a good portion of the story seemed like you were dealing with high schoolers not adults, that does change but not till later in the story. I did enjoy that this book was a good clean read and would be suitable for all. Over all the book was not bad just had a hard time getting into it at first.

This one was a little overwhelming and predictable for me. I think it would have been much better if it was a lot simpler.

Title: You Belong with Me

Author: Tari Faris

Series: Restoring Heritage book 1

Chapters: 20 plus epilogue

Pages: 352

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction, Contemporary Christian Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher: Revell

You Belong with Me is the first book I've read by Tari Faris and I have to say it will not be my last. I loved the small-town setting of the book. The characters were believable even if they weren't always likable. There were times when the four main characters were just too stubborn for their own good, but people tend to be that way in real life. Hannah was an easy character to relate too because she's having a hard time letting go and let God. Which is something I am learning to do. I'm still a work in progress.
What I loved about You Belong with Me beside the fact that it was a subtle romance was how much it reminded me of a Hallmark movie. I'm a sucker for Hallmark movies they tend to be the only chick flicks that I enjoy and I love finding novels along these lines with even more depth to them. The Gilmore Girls references in the book were a nice touch.
Faith and belief in Jesus were woven through the threads of story that added to the book without turning the book into a sermon, allowing enjoyment to come from reading it for both the believer and non-believer. To allow the opening to talk with a non-believer about faith. The non-typical pastor with Nate shows that God can use anyone for His Glory.
As I send earlier I loved the small-town setting and the way that small towns come together when someone else in the town needs help. But more importantly, I loved the themes of faith and family. That family isn't always what you think it should be yes blood family is important, but so is the family that you chose and create. I look forward to the next book in the series as well as other books by this author.
I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary fiction, subtle romance. As well to fans of Becky Wade's books, Liz Johnson and Robin Lee Hatcher's.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher a part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I normally enjoy stories like this, but I was stressed out reading this one. I think the situations the four main characters were in seemed hopeless and they were unhappy, full of angst, and didn't have a sense of humor. Hannah and Luke's stalled romance was blamed on each other, and I was confused for much of the book why their dynamic was the way it was. Thomas and Janie were the same way- there is tons of past history alluded to but the reader is kept in the dark for much of it and I was just frustrated with them all. I wanted to sit them all down and tell them to just open their eyes and communicate. Although, that wouldn't make for much of a story then. I just think they were all wound too tightly for me to truly enjoy. A good dose of humor would have gone a long way for me in balancing the vibe of the book.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

You Belong With Me is Tari Faris’ first novel but you would never know it by reading it. This is a wonderful contemporary fiction read that reminds me of many of my favorite Christian authors books. It is a sweet story about Hannah and her best friend Luke and also Hannah’s brother, Thomas, and his ex-girlfriend Janie. The characters are wonderfully well written and I loved the town of Heritage that the book was set in. This love story is a great first book for Tari Faris and I look forward to reading the novel she will write next!

Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents. Unfortunately, selling houses in the town where her family name is practically poison isn't one of them. When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map--and hopefully finally repay the financial debt Hannah's mother caused the town. But at first no one supports her efforts--not even her best friend, Luke.

Luke Johnson may have grown up in Heritage, but as a foster kid he never truly felt as if he belonged. Now he has a chance to score a job as assistant fire chief and earn his place in the town. But when the interview process and Hannah's restoration project start unearthing things from his past, Luke must decide if belonging is worth the pain of being honest about who he is--and who he was.

Hannah is trying everything she can to make up to the town for what her mother did. In the process she is fighting a battle to save the historical district of the town from demolition in the name of progress. Luke has never felt like he has belonged anywhere. He grew up as a foster child. His foster mother wasn't mean, she just wasn't very motherly. His best friend was Hannah and they had each others back. This book is Luke and Hannah's journey to finding out that God cares for them for who they are and not that Hannah's mother was an embezzler or that Luke was a foster child.

I recommend this book.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.