Member Reviews
Classic Denise Hunter...Give yourself a present and savor this sweet, compelling, real story. You will not be disappointed. Five Stars!
Carolina Breeze is the second book in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. I hadn’t read the first book, yet I had no problem following the plot. Set in the North Carolina town of Bluebell, Carolina Breeze follows Mia, who is returning to her family roots for what was supposed to have been her honeymoon, and hopes to avoid the attention of the media. During her stay at the Bluebell Inn, Mia becomes acquainted with the three siblings who run the inn, and a sweet romance soon kindles between Mia and innkeeper Levi. A bit of a mystery subplot lends interest to the story as well. Despite the fact that Mia and Levi’s relationship felt a bit “insta-love”, overall Carolina Breeze is a lovely, clean romance that anyone can enjoy.
Thanks go to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
#CarolinaBreeze. #ThomasNelson
This is the second of the Bluebell Inn Romance series, but can be read as a stand alone. Here we learn about Levi, the brother. He has sacrificed a lot to get the Inn where it needs to be but is shouldering it all on his own. Being the oldest, he feels it is his responsibility to look out for Molly and Grace in all aspects of their lives. Which turns out to be a disaster! Mia, the actress who needs to get away from scandal, heads to where her grandparents first owned the same inn that Levi and his sisters own. It is a sweet romance of two people from very different lives, coming together. I was curious about the title of the book which is actually named for the item Levi and Mia begin searching for. There is a christian based theme throughout the book, so you will get a clean romance. 3.5 stars
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Denise Hunter once again provides a sweet love story with complex characters as she tells Mia and Levi’s story. Can they overcome past hurts to find and trust the love they both desire? As usual, along with the lovable characters, there is a hint of mystery that needs to be solved to complete their story. You don’t want to miss the second book in Hunter’s Bluebell Inn romance series.
Oh I really enjoyed this story. These are my favorite kind of characters - one who feels she is overlooked and unappreciated, and one who feels uber-responsible. This makes for a great pair, who can help each other heal from past hurts. This is such a sweet story, and one I read in two settings. Denise Hunter never disappoints. Her stories have wonderful settings, authentic characters, a bit of suspense, and a whole lot of heart.
Thank you, NetGalley, for my complimentary copy.
Denise Hunter penned such wonderfully compelling characters in "Carolina Breeze" that I read it all in one sitting! I was quickly transported to the Bluebell Inn and its wonderful owners as they struggle to save their historic inn. I also loved reading about Mia's difficulties leading a Christian lifestyle in Hollywood and her journey back to God. This was a wonderfully sweet, romantic novel that I greatly enjoyed!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Carolina Breeze was just “okay” in my honest opinion. I saw all the five star reviews and, quite frankly, began questioning my way of thinking. But, alas, I have more confidence than that in my ability to discern a good read. The dialogue was pedestrian, no excitement, dull. I felt like I was watching a never ending soap opera. Maybe better suited in a YA category. Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved this book! Neither Levi nor Mia are in a good place to begin a relationship, but there’s just something about the feeling of calm and willingness to open up to each other that just feels right. Add in a common goal to find a possible missing gem, a bit of the unexpected to prolong their time together, and suddenly those obstacles don’t seem so overwhelming. Along the way Levi also learns to open up more with his sisters and try to relinquish some of the control he tries to have to make everything right. This was a great return to Bluebell and I hope there are more books planned in this series!
I loved the first book in the Bluebell Inn Series so I was extremely anxious to read the second. Let's just say I didn't get very much sleep because I basically read it straight through. I couldn't put it down! It was equally as romantic as the first and just as touching. There were times when I wanted to smack Levi on the back of the head but Mia was his match in every way. Plus my favorite characters from Lake Season were included in the story. Perfect for lovers of Hallmark movies!
Carolina Breeze, book 2 in the Bluebell Inn Romances by Denise Hunter, makes readers want to find this inn and soak up its atmosphere for a week or so.
Jilted bride, and up-and-coming starlet, Mia Emerson has just wrapped her biggest movie to date. Unfortunately, her married co-star's actions leave her in the midst of a scandal that could cost her the role she really wants. Needing to get away, she remembers her paid-for honeymoon at the Bluebell Inn, in North Carolina. She has always wanted to learn more about her grandparents, the former owners of the inn. What better time to get out of LA, and what better place to go? No one would ever look for her there, and since her former fiance rented the entire inn, she shouldn't be discovered there if she doesn't want to be.
Levi Bennett has been working feverishly to get out of the hole his finances are in since opening the inn. He does everything he can to keep spending down, but his sisters seem intent on ruining them. Of course, they don't know money is as tight as it it because Levi has hidden his two maxed-out credit cards from them. Everything he does comes with his father's last admonishment, "Take care of your sisters" ringing in his ears. How can he do that when they are both so independent that they just do what they want without his input?
When Mia checks into the inn, Levi is a bit clueless as to who she is, but his sister, Molly, sets him straight. He has been tasked as her driver for the week, and the more time they spend together, the less he sees the "star". In reading Mia's grandmother's journal, she discovers that her grandmother had a very valuable blue diamond necklace, The Carolina Breeze, that Mia is positive her mother never inherited. As Mia and Levi go on a treasure hunt to see if they can locate the jewel, they discover a mutual attraction that brings on an all new dilemma. Can they navigate the paparazzi, and their opposite-coast lives, to find a love that just might last?
Denise Hunter always has a way of looking into her characters' hearts and finding their most vulnerable spots. Mia has always felt abandoned by her father, and later in life, by her fiance. Beautiful as she is, she almost expects to be tossed aside. Levi, as the oldest child and only son of the family, feels hyper-responsible for his sisters, even though both are quite capable of handling their own lives. He takes so much on his shoulders that he makes himself ill because of the stress. Taking on Mia's problems is second nature for him, but it's a pretty huge step when he starts to share his with her.
If you are a fan of Denise Hunter's books, don't miss this one! This is sweet, contemporary romance at its finest, with a hefty dose of faith and prayer coming from both sides. I loved this story!
Just an ok read that failed to entice me to want to read more. There was no real connection between the characters and I could not find one to them either. Mia just moans over everything that happens to her and Levi can't figure out his own problems. The story just seems to drone on and on; No suspense, no steamy sex, no highs, no lows. I had to force myself to finish so I can't say I would recommend reading this one.
Loved loved this book. I read it in one day. Mia is an upcoming actress when there is a scandal and she decides to take refuge away from Hollywood. She goes to stay at the blue bell in where she meets Levi and his sisters and they help hide her identity. To hear more read the book
This book was so good. I experienced happy tears, sad tears, laughter and heartache. I loved how Mia and Levi discovered the inns heritage and I look forward to Grace's book. I also hope they don't end up selling the Inn in Grace's book because it will make me sad.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you netgalley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.
Denise Hunter KNOWS how to do Clean Christian Romance with the perfect blend of pop culture and real life. I am loving this series she is doing on the three siblings that own the Inn. This book reminds me of a great Hallmark movie plot ONLY BETTER. It is not cheesy at all, but still manages to be sweet and have the romance and dialog that keeps the pages turning. Once again, a win from Denise Hunter!
When Mia, an rising actress, gets entangled in a Hollywood scandal she escapes to the Bed and Breakfast originally booked for her honeymoon. With the help of the family who own the Inn she is able to reclaim her career and possibly find a good man to love.
Carolina Breeze is a nice, clean love story. It is set in the mountains of North Carolina. The area description is nice, but not overly done.
The main characters are the innkeeper and the movie star. Though their characters are not dealt with deeply they are well enough done that you feel like you know them in a not too personal way. The minor characters are done nicely too, to the point you know their basic personalities and flaws.
The story flowed well and kept my interest. I did not skip any pages during reading (which I have done in a slower story). It is not a deep story, it is light and an easy read. This type of book is the "happily ever after" kind. It is a Christian book, but not in a preachy sort of way. More in the way that the main character knows the need for Christ in her life. It was light on Christian and more heavy on relationships.
I received an ARC copy of this ebook through Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing to read and review. A positive review, or any review for that matter, is not required. This review is my own, honest opinion. With that being said, and knowing this is an ARC, I do hope that it has another editing review before publishing. There were a lot of errors, the most consistent was the words with a space in the middle, like this: ex perience. It was annoying. I give this a 3 out of 5 star rating.
Denise Hunter knows how to write romance. Her first book in the Bluebell Inn series satisfied readers with her sweet romance between Molly and Adam. Now Molly's brother finds himself smitten with the romance bug. Mia Emerson has hunkered down at the inn. Along with her, an entourage of excitement and craziness follows. Levi has always been the family member with the calm, cool, no-nonsense demeanor. Now he needs to figure out how all the emotions he experiences fit into his well-laid plan. I especially enjoyed watching Levi grow into himself and re-discover emotions he'd buried. I also liked Mia's determination to be herself in the midst of accusations by tabloids. Hunter created a sweet story that shines light on trust, support, and love. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
When movie star, Mia Emerson’s engagement ends in disaster and is accused for supposedly having an affair with her co-star, she flees to Bluebell, North Carolina, her supposedly honeymoon destination and where her late grandparents grew up. There she meets, Levi Bennett, one of the owners of the Bluebell Inn.
Levi made a promise to his father before he died; that he would take care of his sisters. As time goes on Mia and Levi begin to fall in love, but with secrets from the past begin to come to light, will they be able to stand strong or will a future together be too good to be true?
Denise Hunter has done it again. This is more than just a love story, Denise shows the importance of the love of family.
I graciously received an advance e-copy from netgalley for review. All opinions are my own.
Love Denise Hunter's books and this was no exception.. This is the story of Mia who gets caught in a scandal that she really has nothing to do with. She leaves and goes on her honeymoon by herself which happens to be an old Inn that her grandparents had owned. Here she comes into her own and falls for Levi. You need to read this GREAT READ to see how it all comes together.. I was given a free copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers and everything I have written in my review is my opinion only of this book.
Denise Hunter is a forever favorite of mine. Her story telling ability is like a best friend – comfortable, inspiring, challenging, and completely irresistible.
Carolina Breeze, the 2nd in her Bluebell Inn Romance series, takes up where its predecessor leaves off. Only in this book, we delve into the life of Levi, another of the Bennett siblings. Throughout the entire book, Hunter keeps her readers enthralled with perfectly timed tension, budding romance, the hunt for a treasure, and interpersonal challenges that threaten to heal relationships or tear them apart.
Prepare to be irresistibly drawn into this tale. It is not an easy book to put down!
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.