Member Reviews
"Carolina Breeze" is the 2nd book in the Bluebell Inn series, but can easily be read as a standalone. I fell in love with the characters in this novel and look forward to reading the others.
Bluebell Inn is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Mia Emerson, a famous actress, caught up in a scandal in California flees to Bluebell. Her mother was raised their and her grandparents that she never knew used to own the inn before their deaths. Levi Bennett and his two sisters run the Inn now after their parents deaths. They meet Mia and all of them surround her with love and hope. Mia feels a deep rejection and feels no one loves or puts her first. Fantastic summer romance read! You won't regret picking this novel up! I hope you fall in love with it like I did! It was another late night read!
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the eARC
Carolina Breeze is the second book in the Bluebell Inn series by Denise Hunter. If you havent read the first book, no worries, you will not be lost. But, you will love this book so much you will want to read the first book ASAP. I really loved this story, the characters are well develooed and the plot is well written and held my interest. I look forward to the third book. Thank you netgalley for the complimentary arc. The opinions are my own.
Caroline Breeze is a contemporary romance novel written by Denise Hunter. It is book two in the A Bluebell Inn Romance series.
Summary: Mia Emerson is a rising star in Hollywood-until a horrible lie threatens to ruin her career for good. In desperation, she flees to the Bluebell Inn in North Carolina to hide out from the paparazzi, and hopes the story will blow over and she can get her life back.
Levi Bennett runs the Bluebell Inn with his sisters. As least, he’s trying to-but he’s up to his neck in debt. If something good doesn’t happen soon, he and his siblings’ dreams of bringing the inn back to life will die for good.
Both Mia and Levi’s lives are out of control. Can they trust God-and each other-enough to see them through these difficult times?
My Thoughts: I was very excited for this book. I LOVED book one-it was fantastic-and so maybe my anticipation was too much? This book was good, but I didn’t think it was as good as the first one.
For me, there is a fine line between a sweet romance, and “he was drawn into her eyes” and “she couldn’t get enough of his broad shoulders” kind of stuff, which is a bit too much for my tastes. This book was definitely more on the sappy side than the first one.
Of course, this is just personal preference on my part. If you enjoy the sappy stuff, this book is still pretty good. I really like the characters in this series, the plot is interesting, and the writing is good as well. So, I still plan to read the next one when it comes out.
I would like to thank Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you.
*This book will be released on May 19, 2020.
Carolina Breeze is another great read that shows off Denise Hunter's ability as a great author and story teller.
The story takes place in the beautiful Bluebell Inn, owned and run by three siblings, Levi, Molly and Grace, whom inherited the inn after their parents sudden death. .
Mia Emerson is a famous actress who flees to Bluebell Inn to escape a big Hollywood scandal and recent breakup of her, also famous fiancé. Mia chose the Inn because it had previously been owned by her grandparents. The hard part of her being at the Bluebell was the fact that she was staying in the honeymoon suite which had been booked and paid for by her ex-fiancé.
Levi Bennet is a very kind hearted man who struggles while trying to do things on his own.. Levi is a man you would want in your life, unless you are one of his sisters! Levi tries so hard to do what is right for everyone, making decisions that he doesn't have the right to make all because he is trying to live up to his father's dying request that he takes care of his sisters. Levi works so hard and is a great guy but he almost loses everything including Mia and his sisters loyalty and respect, by trying to do things on his own.
Levi and Mia have a fascinating love story that you do not want to miss.
This book is full of love, suspense, forgiveness and grace, it is a must read!
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review, using my own opinions.
A most enjoyable read:
I loved this book! There was just the right amount of mystery, drama, angst, tenderness and romance. The romance between Mia and Levi is gentle and sweet; but they are from vastly different worlds and so it was enjoyable discovering how they were to overcome this. It was also fun seeing straight laced Levi become besotted and fall in love!
Another facet that I enjoyed was that as in book one, this also contains a link to the inn's past and the investigation to find the "Carolina Breeze" was a nice thread to follow. This book is part of the Bluebell Inn series and it would definitely be advantageous to read them in order. Now I can't wait for Grace's story...
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Denise Hunter continues her Bluebell Inn trilogy in book 2, Carolina Breeze. The reader gets to catch up with the Bennett family and finds Molly’s relationship is getting more serious with Adam, Grace delaying college choices, and Levi trying to control it all on his own. Mia Emerson, a famous, jilted movie star, comes to the inn to avoid a scandal and learn more about her family. Levi and Mia start a mystery of finding a lost necklace and grow closer in the process.
Carolina Breeze is a classic Denise Hunter romance and readers will enjoy the lighthearted romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Thomas Nelson, but all opinions are my own.
*** I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
I found Carolina Breeze to be a very enjoyable read. It is not a terribly original storyline, but I enjoyed it none the less. It is a story of love, family, survival, history, and, of course, scandal! I really like Denise Hunter's books and would continue to read the rest of this series, though I haven't read the first, which I gather was the story of the main character in this book's sister (apparently this inn tends to attract famous people!). Overall, I'd recommend this book for a light, beachy read.
Finding myself back at Bluebell Inn is quite the treat. I fell in love with Adam and Molly's story and knew I would have to come back for Levi.
There's a certain vulnerability to the Hollywood elite actress Mia that Denise Hunter captured with perfection. Mia has always felt unworthy and as though no one has ever put her first. Rejected by society, her father, and her fiance, Mia has forgotten that there is One who holds her in the highest regard.
Levi is the epitome of the strong, silent type. His deathbed promise to his father anchors him in guilt and the need to ensure his sisters protection. What I love about Levi is his devotion. Even though he's wrong in his manner of dictating Molly and Grace's lives, there's a love there that is undeniable.
If you're looking for a contemporary romance with a majestic setting, it doesn't get much better than the Bluebell Inn in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I requested a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Awww this was such a sweet story. This is the 2nd book of the the Bluebell Inn Series by Denise Hunter. It’s about Levi (the oldest Bennet sibling) and Mia, a popular actress who’s in hiding from the paparazzi. Their friendship turned relationship was really sweet. I really liked them as characters and as a couple. They complimented each other really well. I like that they opened up to each other as well. I liked Molly, Adam, Grace, etc as well. I like that that they were prominent in the story. Anyways, the story was a really good one. It’s definitely more romance heavy and family drama. There’s also a small mystery in it as well. I think this book can be read as a stand alone although I think it’s best to read the first book for Molly and Adam’s story. I definitely recommend the entire series so far!
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
The latest summer romance by Denise Hunter has officially hit the shelves! Carolina Breeze, the second book in the Bluebell Inn Romance series, follows the story of elder brother Levi Bennett at Bluebell Inn in North Carolina.
Rising Hollywood star Mia Emerson is looking to run away from a scandal and runs straight to Bluebell Inn, where her ex-fiancé had booked their honeymoon before jilting her.
Levi Bennett is just trying to keep the inn afloat and manage the responsibility of his sisters since his parents died. He doesn’t have time to fall in love with the new guest at the inn, to get caught up in her life and story…or would it be just what he needs?
Carolina Breeze met every expectation I had for it: summery, light, sweet, and romantic. It’s a great read for when you just want to enjoy summer, or even escape from the winter blues.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley; I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
*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 have not read the first book in this series. That being said, I really enjoyed this book as the characters were well-developed while the plot had tension, romance, and drama. This book kept my attention and I had a hard time putting it down. If you are looking for a good romance story, that is very enjoyable to read I would definitely check out this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of the Bluebell Inn series, Lake Season, which is Molly’s story; and anxiously awaited Carolina Breeze which is Levi’s story. I was not disappointed! I loved revisiting the Bluebell Inn in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, getting reacquainted with the engaging Bennett siblings, and meeting the newest lead character, Mia, who is interesting and endearing. As in Lake Season, the plot and characters are well-crafted and believable. This delightful, but sometimes tense, romantic story is easy-to-read and relatable. I also enjoyed the bit of mystery that enhanced the story. I was not very fond of Levi and his controlling attitude in Lake Season, but his story in Carolina Breeze redeemed him in my eyes. The inspiring faith element is present throughout the story culminating in Mia’s revelation about her relationship with God. I highly recommend this book and look forward to Book #3.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This book touched me on many levels. It was about honor and duty. It was about romantic love and vulnerability. And, it was about finding worth not in how the world sees and treats us, but in what God has done to show us our value. I thought the characters were well developed and I could empathize with them. I liked them and was interested in how their stories would unfold. Carolina Breeze is a lovely continuation of the Bluebell Inn series.
These books make me so happy for some reason. Idyllic setting? Sweet, realistic, relatable characters? Slow-in-a-good-way plots? There's just something so perfect about these books.
I really loved Levi from the first book, so I was so excited to read his story. I could relate to his struggles to control everything and his need to make sure everything was handled. I loved his protectiveness of his sisters, even if it was overboard at times. Mia, also, was a really great character, and a lot different than I imagined the stereotype would be, which I enjoyed. Levi and Mia's romance was very sweet, despite a few too-heated kisses\attraction for me.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed Carolina Breeze, and I can't wait to read the conclusion of the series, even while I'm sad it's ending! I highly recommend this series if you love sweet romance, realistic characters, and idyllic summer settings.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
A mountain getaway on a lake with no worries at all. What a dream vacation! Oh yeah, someone has to pay for that to happen. Must keep working. Anyways, Denise Hunter's newest novel takes readers back to the Bluebell Inn with Molly, Grace, and Levi. In the first installment, readers became familiar with Molly and her love, Adam. In this addition, readers learn more about Levi and what he is sacrificing to bring this inn to life for his parents. Alot. Then Hunter threw in the heroine, Mia, and all her problems of becoming a famous movie stars. Lies. Deceit. Boyfriends. What a mess! It all comes crashing down in this sweet tale of love and hunting for a precious necklace that belonged to Mia's grandmother. Overall, Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter is a great beach read or when readers take a vacation up in the mountains. It is delightful and a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours.
I received a complimentary copy of Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter from Thomas Nelson Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
This book was cute. Mia and Levi complimented each other well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sigh. I really like this series. Is the setting a real place?? Because I would love to visit! In this second book in the Bluebell Inn series, we catch up with siblings Molly, Grace, and our starring character this time around, big brother Levi.
Caught up in the day to day running of the inn, being unsure of his future, and compounded by a promise he made to his dying father, Levi is pretty stressed out. Rather than consulting God about this, his stress leads him to make some fairly poor choices that include not being transparent with his sisters about the inn's current financial state. The dishonesty begins to affect his health and definitely impacts his attitude.
Actress Mia Emerson arrives at the inn to get away from her own stresses, including an untimely scandal (although she did nothing wrong) and the potential loss of her dream role. She's also trying to navigate some deep rooted father issues - and she's not giving God enough credit to handle her future, either.
Although this may be something that is worked out in final edits, I was confused by the initial portrayal of Mia as an 'up and coming actress' with some great roles under her belt. Luke later says he wasn't sure "how to tactfully point out that she probably had more money than Oprah," which doesn't match up to that first description in my estimation. Because, well, Oprah. However, this is a pretty small thing, because the story and relationships and mystery and other lovely things more than make up for it. If you haven't already, I suggest reading the first book before starting this one. I am glad to recommend this book!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I strongly suggest that you read the first in the series, Lake Season, before you read this one. Hunter does a good job on filling in the back story, but you’ll enjoy this new one even more if you’ve read the first book first.
I love the setting, the characters, the mystery subplot, and the swoon-worthy romance. I appreciate that the characters have to mature and learn new things as the book progresses. This is not a shallow, flighty story – there’s good depth in emotional and spiritual ways. And of course, there are plot twists and misunderstandings to make things interesting.
I look forward to the third book, and wonder if the third Bennett sibling will also fall for someone with a celebrity background.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#Caroline Breeze #NetGalley
I always enjoy Denise Hunter’s books and Carolina Breeze was no exception. Entertaining and well written plot with great characters. I highly recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.
What happens when a Hollywood Star flees from scandal to a hideaway inn? She meets the handsome innkeeper and can’t help but fall for him.
Levi looks past the headlines and sees Molly’s true character and vulnerability. Molly learns to let down the walls around her heart and finds trusting Levi comes easily.
Both characters face potential career hiccups and learn the best way to navigate through life is not alone, but with Someone...and someone else by your side.
This is another great read by Denise Hunter you don’t want to miss!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.