Mia Emerson is an exception to the rule. A Hollywood star with Christian morals and values. Levi Bennett is the big brother I wish (in many ways) that I could have. Responsible and protective and a man who keeps his promises. When he meets Mia, she is in the honeymoon suite, but not on the honeymoon it was booked for. Her life has has become very difficult due to circumstances she could not control and she is trying to understand it all. Levi is dealing with stress and responsibility and he feels like he is drowning in it. When they start spending time together, the chemistry is strong but will they both be able to lay aside the hurts and responsibilities in order to find the love they want?
Book 2 in the Bluebell Inn Romance series. It is a little less charming in the dialog but at the same time very sweet and strong. In book 1 you had a story that linked past and present. In this book there is also a link to the past but it isn't as interesting in the making or the solving as it was in the first book. This is a Christian romance series but is not preachy in anyway. Just very sweet. I have the guilt of spending most of my entire day reading it. Laundry will wait, right? The copy I read was an advanced reader copy thanks to #Netgalley and Thomas Nelson publishing. #Carolinabreeze

This book was such a good escape. I enjoyed the characters very much and found the story to be charming. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Another great story from Dennis Hunter. The Bluebell Inn series continues with Levi’s story. The plot starts out simple and quickly gets complicated. Mia decides to go to the Inn for her honeymoon, alone. Sparks flew between Levi and Mia, right off the bat. There are many twists and turns throughout this story and it held my interest the whole time. The characters are well defined and thought through. The romance is sweet and clean. We also learn more about Molly and Adam ( from book 1, Lake Season). Looking forward to next hearing Grace’s story, (Autumn Skies). I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was a sweet small town romance. It is published by a Christian publisher but anyone wanting a sweet, small town romance could enjoy this one as faith is not central to the story. I loved the premise of an upcoming star falling for the small town guy. The character development is done well enough that you are interested in what happens but I was still wanting a bit more here. I would definitely recommend for those that want a clean Hallmark movie romance.

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you need a feel good read pick up Carolina Breeze. It’s the second in the Bluebell Inn Romance series. They are fine to read as stand alone novels but they are about the same family. .

We return to the Bluebell Inn to find the siblings Molly, Levi and Grace all still running the Inn. When celebrity guests rent out the whole Inn for a week, they all wonder if this will finally put them on the map. But Mia Emerson, the Hollywood actress shows up by herself and doesn’t want anyone to know that she came on her honeymoon alone. .

Levi ends up being Mia’s driver for the week. As they start to spend more time together both of them let down their guards and share their confidences with each other. Mia has had some bad press and hopes it doesn’t ruin her career. The Inn is struggling but Levi hasn’t told his sisters yet. Oh and then there is a treasure hunt, some drama and romance! You will like this one!

Carolina Breeze is the middle book of the Bluebell Inn series by Denise Hunter. Levi, Molly, and Grace are siblings who have inherited the Bluebell Inn, and are in the opening of the second season when they have a single guest who rented out the whole Inn for a honeymoon week. Mia Emerson is an up-and-coming movie star who has been the victim of some false publicity orchestrated by the wife of a co-star of the movie she just finished filming.

Because Mia's ex-fiance had already paid for the week at Bluebell Inn, Mia decides to leave town to get away from the negative press and go to the Inn and use up the week that has already been paid for. The Ex had also arranged for Levi to be chauffeur for the week they were in North Carolina; and because of that proximity, Levi and Mia become attracted to each other. Mia's grandparents had once owned the Inn and it was a bit of searching for family/nostalgia.

This book includes it all: a treasure hunt, paparazzi, sibling conflict, break ups and make ups. The characters are significantly developed and move the plot at a steady pace. It is one of those books that is hard to put down. I stayed up way too late (early?) reading the book to finish it off. It is the story of Levi's and Mia's romance and a continuation of Molly's and Adam's romance. I am assuming the next one in the series will be Grace's romance.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a personal chauffeur for a week.

Thomas Nelson and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Carolina Breeze tells the story of Mia Emerson, an actress who decides to get away from Los Angeles after she is unwittingly caught in a manufactured scandal. She just broke up with her fiance, and ends up going on the honeymoon on her own, just as a way to escape This takes her to Bluebell Inn in North Carolina There she meets Levi Bennett, who is running the inn with his sisters. Mia and Levi are both very reserved, but slowly get to know each other. There are complications with Levi's issues running the inn and Mia's past history.

I wanted to read Carolina Breeze because I enjoyed the first book in the Bluebell Inn series, Lake Season.

This was a very enjoyable read! Levi and Mia are both a bit closed off emotionally, and the reader gets to know them slowly as they get to know each other. They are both very sympathetic characters who want connection - although they approach it cautiously.

There is a fun subplot about a long-ago missing blue diamond that may or may not be at the inn. I enjoyed the details of the search for the diamond!

There are also subplots about Molly (the protagonist of Lake Season) and her boyfriend and Grace, the youngest sister, who wants to start a business instead of going to college.

The Bluebell Inn series is faith-based and faith is handled beautifully in the books; characters show their faith by their actions and strength of character.

I recommend Carolina Breeze (and the earlier book, Lake Season) highly for anyone looking for an enjoyable beach read or weekend book getaway! I already am looking forward to the next book in this series.

4.5/5 - I have loved every single thing I’ve ever read by Denise Hunter. Carolina Breeze is the second book in her Bluebell Inn series. This series follows the Bennett siblings who are operating the newly-opened Bluebell Inn in memory of their parents, who were killed just before the events of the previous book, Lake Season. The previous book featured Molly Bennett and Adam Bradford, a reclusive author who came to the Inn hoping to find inspiration to write his next book.

This story features older brother Levi Bennett, who is struggling with the cost of starting up a business like Bluebell Inn. He has tried to spare his sisters from the growing financial stress, but the weight of that secret is getting harder and harder. Things take an interesting turn when famous actress Mia Emerson comes to stay at Bluebird Inn for what was supposed to be her honeymoon. Unfortunately, her engagement has recently been broken off, and Mia’s stay at Bluebird Inn has more to do with avoiding a huge tabloid scandal involving her married costar than it does her own nonexistent marriage.

I would have been just like the Bennett siblings and seen Mia’s stay as an opportunity to draw up some excellent publicity. Imagine how exciting it would be to own a small business that is noticed by a celebrity? I love the way the Bennett siblings work to keep Mia’s stay absolutely private. I feel like they balanced their excitement over her celebrity status well with their desire to keep her safe and protected and happy. I was overjoyed to see that Levi and Mia got along so well together, even going so far as developing feelings for one another.

I loved the scenes involving Levi and Mia. Levi’s decision to be her personal chauffeur means that the two have plenty of on-page time together without any other characters, and it was during these times that their relationship began. I especially loved it when Mia would go hiking and Levi would drive her or even hike with her. And just like the previous story in this series, a little mystery pops up involving a journal and some old jewelry. Levi and Mia continue their page-time by working together to solve the mystery. Ms. Hunter is really great at establishing a lovely relationship between her characters, and I always find myself super emotionally invested by the end of the story.

The Bluebell Inn series is a strong one and I’ve enjoyed every page of the two books that have been published so far. I only wish I already had the next book in my greedy little hands!! I’m eager to find out more about Grace, the remaining Bennett sibling.


<i>I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you, Thomas Nelson!</i>

Carolina Breeze is the follow-up to Lake Season. The series involves three siblings, after losing their parents. vow to continue with their parents' dream of opening up the Bluebell Inn. This is Levi and Mia's story. While I did enjoy his one, I didn't like it as much as Lake Season. The reason being I was never invested in the romance between Levi and Mia. It felt a bit forced to me and I didn't really feel like to had time to grow.

What I loved more about this book was the relationship between the siblings. Poor Levi felt like he had to take the world on his shoulders. While a bit misguided, he did what he could to make sure his sisters had what they needed. I loved how they came together in the end. If you loved Lake Season, there is a scene with Molly in this one that will make you smile. I do look forward to Grace's story. I do recommend this one.

When I crack open a Denise Hunter story, I KNOW I’m in for a spectacular journey! Carolina Breeze, book 2 of the Bluebell Inn Series, is NO exception. First off, I adored the setting! A historic inn next to a lake? Set in the mountains? Yes, please! That's my favorite atmosphere in real life, and so it's a no brainer that I would absolutely love this setting. Also, the author does a spectacular job of placing you in the scene. You can almost inhale the mountain air!

What I also been lovin’ about her recent novels is that they've included a sliver of mystery among the juicy romance! It's such a great combination!

In true Denise Hunter fashion, the sparks between the main characters register at conflagration proportions. I caught a glimpse of Levi in Lake Season, and I couldn’t wait for his story. It was so much fun seeing cool, level-headed Levi get completely flustered by Mia’s presence. And just to warn future readers, grab a fainting couch or **at least** a fan for the kiss scene. It is amazing!

All in all, this is a charming story that is sure to delight. I totally recommend it.

I got a copy through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

I enjoy Denise Hunter’s books and this one doesn’t disappoint. This book 2 of the Bluebell Inn series. It can be read alone but after reading Levi and Mia’s story, you might want to go back and read Molly and Adam’s story. Mia Emerson comes to Bluebell Inn because of a Hollywood scandal and broken engagement. She decides to go here where her honeymoon was supposed to be and her grandparents used to own the Inn. Levi Bennett and his sisters Molly and Grace own the Bluebell Inn together. You will get caught in the story and Levi and Mia’s lives and the history of the Inn. It’s a great easy read, Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the E-ARC. This is my own opinion.

Denise Hunter has written another gem! I love this second book in the Bluebell Inn series. I adored the characters in the first book, Lake Season, and it was wonderful to read more about their lives in Carolina Breeze. The three siblings that own the Bluebell Inn, due to the passing of their parents, are a united front working together and that warms my heart. That does not mean that they always get along and agree, it means that they know what is important and they keep each other close.

I am a big fan of this author. She creates life-like characters, has fantastic scenery description and always has an intriguing plot. This book focuses mainly on the eldest of the siblings, Levi, and a woman that stays at the inn, Mia. It was lovely to read about their relationship and how they both became more insightful of themselves in the course of getting to know each other.

I truly enjoyed this book and read it in one day, since I was so absorbed in the story. I want to thank Thomas Nelson--FICTION and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

O.m.w. I loved this book. Legit read in about a day because I had to find out what happened!

I read “Lake Season” earlier this year and loved it; “Carolina Breeze” absolutely lived up to my expectations and hopes. Character development, deep topics, finding one’s identity and welcome first and foremost in Christ...everything was just spot on and powerful.

And really, can I just go stay at the inn now?! Wow! Hunter does a fantastic job at creating a sense of place and welcome. I could almost taste the muffins, and would love to try out some of the nearby hiking trails.

Is it too much to hope for a book 3 in the series, that will tell Grace’s story?

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

Carolina Breeze A Bluebell Inn Romance Book 2 By Denise Hunter

I really enjoy Denise Hunter's writing. It was easy to read and the story will completely immerse you into the beautiful setting and the wonderful and likable characters. I really enjoyed and loved the first book and excited to read this second installment. In this installment, A celebrity's cancelled wedding is staying at the inn and a new romance start between Mia and Levi. Levi struggling to keep the Inn going discovers a journal that a jewel may be hidden in the Inn.

This installment was a fun read that I really enjoyed in Denise Hunter's style of a small town romance. Hunter's characters are always fun to read and the writing is easy to read and keeps the interest going with lovely pacing and great dialogue. I recommend this book.

Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

______________________________________________________________________________

Story Notes

Denise Hunter offers readers her second installment of the Bluebell Inn series that is fairly well done but lacks the depth and mystery of the first story.

Stories about fictional celebrities are a challenge for writers depending on their personal fame or experience through those close to them. Denise Hunter does pretty well with her story about it although some of the writing seemed a bit too contrived. But the story being told was a good one that started with a young woman who is an up-and-coming star in Hollywood. Mia Emerson has been blessed with two incredible acting roles that have challenged her as an actor but allowed her to stick to her personal convictions. She has been so excited to portray a strong female character in both pictures and hopes the next one will be even better. What she didn’t expect was to find herself in the middle of an unwanted and non-complicit love triangle with one of Hollywood’s “darling couples”. Her lead male co-star gave her a kiss after the wrap party for their latest movie when he had had too much to drink and now she’s being touted as a “homewrecker”. It doesn’t help that Jax is claiming that she came on to him and he was a victim. Hoping to escape the sudden barrage of untrue and hurtful accusations coming her way on all sides, Mia heads to Bluebell, North Carolina. She was already dealing with incredible hurt over her fiancee’s breakup with her only weeks before and this current fiasco gives her the reason she needs to get out of town. Thankfully, Wesley hadn’t cancelled their honeymoon getaway before it became non-refundable and she can take refuge in the quiet hometown of her late grandparents. Her arrival at the Inn seems odd to it’s owners, given that she is alone. But they don’t ask questions of their guests if they don’t first offer some explanation. Now if Mia can just relax and rest, she might be able to get a handle on all the bad press and reclaim her reputation. Levi Bennett is one of the three owners of the Bluebell Inn and keeps the accounts/budgets straight. He made a promise to his sisters that he would help them finish redoing the Inn that their parents had dreamed of and get it running well enough to sell at good profits. But everything is not going as well as they hoped. They have put all their funds into the Inn but there seem to more projects to do even though they have finally opened for guests. Levi has kept the fiscal reality from his sisters and has maxed everything out of his personal accounts to try to build a name for the Inn as a preferred destination. But if more people don’t start booking reservations soon, they will have to close before the end of the year. The arrival of Mia Emerson turns Levi’s life on it’s head. She is not the demanding celebrity that others might be and her family connection to the Inn draws all of the Bennets into friendship with her. Not sure what to do about his unexpected and untimely attraction to Mia, Levi tries to maintain his professionalism while also helping Mia explore the hiking trails in the mountains near Bluebell. But Mia’s peaceful retreat is soon spoiled when the press find out where she is staying. Suddenly there is more at stake for Levi and Mia’s friendship that could easily turn into something more. Add to this their search of the Inn for an supposed heirloom sapphire necklace that belonged to Mia’s family and there is plenty of excitement to go around. Can either of them trust that what they have together is real, or is it simply each of them trying to help the other by leveraging good press? Much will be settled if they can set aside their hurts from the past and give each other a chance to show that their love is real. I really have enjoyed getting to know the Bennets and their town of Bluebell. It sounds like a wonderful destination for peace and quiet. The three siblings are each tough but kind in their own way and I like that Ms. Hunter gave each of them a distinct voice. But this story wasn’t as good as the first one. I loved the mystery that was woven through the first one that allowed the characters to really connect in a search for answers. This one had an element of mystery but didn’t create the same connection between Levi and Mia. I felt like some of the story was a bit contrived, especially with the “celebrity” side of things. And I didn’t like that Mia didn’t really receive any redemption of her reputation in the media world by the end of the story. If you’re going to add other contrivances, that should always be included to give closure to the story. Perhaps there will be more closure in the next book. I really liked that there was a good inclusion of Molly and Adam, the main characters from the first story. It was great to hear a little more about how their relationship is progressing and how it’s affected by the hardships of running the Inn. So, while there were some very good things about the book, it wasn’t my absolute favorite plot line. I will still recommend it as a good read as I did enjoy most of the story. I am excited to see what Grace’s story will be like, whenever that’s to come out.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Mia is an actress who was recently dumped by her fiancee'. Five months later, the male lead in her current movie comes onto her, and the tabloids print the pictures. The problem is that the male actor is married to everyone's sweetheart. Mia certainly did not welcome his advances, or want that kiss. This could destroy her career as there is a morality clause in her contract. Feeling the need to get away, she goes on the honeymoon her ex-fiancee' has paid for. She hopes to not be recognized , to get the much needed rest.
The honeymoon was at Bluebell Inn. Levi and his sisters, Molly and Grace own and run the inn. Levi is desperately trying to hang onto the inn financially, and keep his promise to his dad.
Molly and Grace are adorable.
The down side to the book for me was too much information on the kisses, thus the four star rating. Not something I wish to read about.
I was given a complimentary of this to read by the publisher, Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

This is the second book in the Bluebell Inn Romance trilogy and I enjoyed this one as much as the first one. Denise Hunter has written a beautiful story that meshes beautiful descriptions of the mountains and trails in North Carolina with the family story of Bennetts running the inn after their parents death. Mia Emerson needs to get away from the scandal and paparazzi in LA, so hops on a plane to Bluebell, North Carolina. It was supposed to be her honeymoon, but after her fiance called off the wedding earlier, the Inn was still fully booked for the couple and she needed the privacy. Levi had no idea who this beautiful young woman is until his sister, Molly, recognizes her. Why is she there alone? As the world tries to find Mia, Levi takes care of her, protects her privacy and gets to know the real Mia.

This was a beautiful heartwarming story with both Levi and Mia coming to grips with what is important in their lives. Dealing with the paparazzi, the celebrity gossip and the news stories that are all over the place, Levi becomes extremely protective of Mia. When theat protectiveness becomes even more, can they overcome the distance, the differences in lifestyle and the baggage that they carry to move forward in a relationship? Once again, the Bennett family moved into my mind and heart while reading this story. It is a story of love, both family and romantic, friendship, loyalty, guilt, limitations and promises. I enjoyed the characters in the story and would love to spend time at the Bluebell Inn. If you have not read the first book, Lake Season, I recommend you do, although you do not need to read them in order. The first book is Molly's story and I am looking forward to finding out what is in store for Grace in the next book.

Carolina Breeze is a sweet romance about faith, hope, and love. It was so adorable and easy to read that I didn't want to put it down. Mia and Levi are beautiful characters and made this story perfection.

This is my first time reading Denise Hunter and I absolutely loved it. Mia is a super famous actress that is going through a scandal and was dumped by her fiance. She decides to go to Bluebell Inn in North Carolina. That is where she and her fiance were supposed to go on their honeymoon. The inn is special to her and has a family history that she so desperately wants to learn more about.

As soon as he walks in, she notices the handsome innkeeper named Levi. He has been preparing and pulling out all the stops for Mia thinking she is still going to be on her honeymoon. Levi is so attentive and caring and realizes that something is off with Mia.

He finds out about her drama and wants to help. They start to spend more time together going on hikes, enjoying the scenery, and even going on a treasure hunt to find her grandmother's valuable necklace.

I adored the friendship between Mia and Levi. It started off so innocent and once real feelings blossomed it made it feel so pure. They were able to open up like they never had before and let out their hopes, dreams, fears, and even chat about their faith.

I give Carolina Breeze 5 stars. It is a charming story set in a magnificent town. Mia searched for one thing in her life and that was to be loved. She finally felt that feeling and the journey she took alongside Levi was magical.

An interesting premise with a jilted celebrity embroiled in scandal, a family of siblings working together to honor their parents’ legacy, a struggling but lovely inn, and a dash in intrigue with just a hint of time slip.

I’ll admit I enjoyed Lake Season a bit more, but that’s probably because the whole celebrity angle isn’t my thing and I found some elements a bit contrived. But their relationship is sweet and I enjoyed the continuation of Molly and Adam’s story. Definitely a cute, sweet romance, even if not my favorite of Hunter’s works.

I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley that had no influence upon my decision to read or review. Opinions expressed are my own.

Although there wasn’t anything particularly original about the way this story unfolded, reading Carolina Breeze was a pleasant way to spend a few hours. It had several elements I enjoy in contemporary romance—the family dynamic between Levi and his two sisters, an idyllic location, and even a little mystery thrown in. Add in a Hollywood star on the run from scandal and you’ve got a little something extra to add some spice!

Mia and Levi were generally likeable characters, but for me, they were missing that extra something that would have taken them beyond romance book characters to life-like characters. Too, there were aspects of Levi’s character that I felt didn’t quite gel, in particular the way he went about taking on so much responsibility for the success of the inn and his sisters’ futures. The sense of responsibility itself wasn’t my issue so much as the way he acted on that sense of responsibility, which didn’t always feel natural for his character. But I enjoyed the way he and Mia slowly warmed to each other, and there’s plenty in their story to satisfy romance lovers.

For those who have read the first book in the series (I haven’t, but this book stands well on its own), there is a little bit of a continuation to Molly and Adam’s story as well. In theory, I didn’t mind this little sub-plot being woven in, but the way it played out felt contrived for the sake of added drama. Perhaps if I had read the previous book and therefore knew those characters better it would have seemed more believable, but it didn’t work for me.

Still, an enjoyable read overall, sure to satisfy many contemporary romance lovers.