Carolina Breeze
by Denise Hunter
Book 2 of the Bluebell Inn Romance series
Rating: 4/5

We return to the Bluebell Inn! I really enjoyed this next installment in the series but you definitely can read this as a standalone even though I highly recommend also reading Lake Season, the first book in the series, which I have also read and reviewed.

With her fiancé breaking up with her a few months before the wedding and her acting reputation in jeopardy, Mia needs a place to hideout until the tabloids find another story. Since her ex-fiancé had already paid for a nonrefundable honeymoon at the Bluebell Inn in North Carolina, she decides that is where she will escape to. She has always wanted to visit the place where her grandparents lived. When Mia arrives, she meets one of the owners of the inn, Levi Bennett, and realizes that her ex-fiancé opted for the deluxe package and rented out the entire inn and added Levi as a chauffeur. The two get to know each other while being distracted by their attraction. Levi seems to have the weight of the world on his shoulders as he tries to handle dealing with the Inn's finances, his two sisters, and now with Mia and her desired anonymity. He is also interested in helping her uncover some of her family history and they soon embark on a search for a lost blue diamond heirloom. Will either person be able to handle being separated from each other when Mia must eventually leave?

I always enjoy Denise Hunter's books. She is a great writer of romance and heart. She knows how to draw the reader into her world and she has a gift for writing relatable characters. The setting seems so unspoiled and peaceful that I want to go visit the town she modeled her story after. I only wish she had incorporated more faith into the story. There a few moments that are good but I felt could have been better, more impactful. The character development at the end seemed a bit rushed which was a bit disappointing. The characters are still thought-provoking and genuine. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am excited to read more.

I highly recommend this book for those that enjoy contemporary Christian romance with a bit of mystery.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

This was a really good book. I love stories placed in the Carolinas and this one also incorporated a B&B, so we were good to go almost from the start. It does have a movie star as one of the main characters, which is normally a turnoff for me, by Ms. Hunter made Mia so "unstarlike" (yes, I know that's not really a word), that I connected with her anyway. She may have had some problems that only superstars would have, but she also had issues that were so basic to mankind and the heart that it surpassed that for me.
I absolutely love Levi and his sisters! The family drama and the love all tie together nicely. The little mystery thrown in was a bonus that together with the romance made the book a delight to read. I can't wait for the next Denise Hunter book!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

I enjoyed meeting Mia and learning her story. She certainly has had a lot to deal with. It was interesting seeing what really happens and what a “star” has to deal with. We see that life isn’t always fair. What about Levi? Could you shoulder everything that he was trying to handle? Can you relate to what he was trying to do? I would love to visit the Bluebell Inn. It sounds wonderful. The countryside sounds so awesome and the folks in small towns are my favorite. I love these folks and the story. I hope you do too. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Carolina Breeze is the second installment in the Bluebell Inn Romance series by Denise Hunter. This story centers around Levi Bennett, the oldest of the Bennett siblings. Through a series of unfortunate events, actress Mia Emerson ends up at the Bluebell Inn for what was supposed to be her honeymoon. Levi ends up her chauffeur and tour guide for the week, but finds himself feeling a whole lot more than that. Will he let himself fall for a famous actress? You'll have to read and find out.

As I have come to expect from a Denise Hunter book, this was a well-written contemporary romance with likable characters and great dialogue. Just as in the first book in the series, I did appreciate a little bit of mystery in this one as well. The story also has a great setting in the mountains of North Carolina which made it even more special for this Carolina girl. This will make for a great summer read!

Although this could be read as a standalone, it is totally worth reading Lake Season if you have not already had the pleasure.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

“Before she even opened her eyes, Mia Emerson knew it was going to be the worst day of her life. But just like all other days, Saturday, May 30, would only last twenty-four hours. She could do this.” I thought this was a great start. It immediately drew me in. Little did Mia know that her worst day was about to get even crazier. When scandal erupts, Mia hides out in an unlikely spot, the inn where she was to have spent her honeymoon.
Like the first book in the series, Mia discovers a secret about the inn that leads to a treasure hunt. In trying to protect his guest, Levi, the innkeeper, gets thrown into Mia’s company and joins the hunt as well. Levi can be a bit overbearing at times so it was fun to see some of his own words come back to haunt him via his sister.
This is the second book in the series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I enjoy all the siblings and look forward to reading more about the youngest in the next book. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Bluebell Inn Romance series:
Book 1: Lake Season
Book 2: Carolina Breeze

Denise Hunter returns to one of my favorite places - Western North Carolina - for this second book in her heartwarming Bluebell Inn series. As with book one in the series, Lake Season, I was immediately immersed into the fabric of the Bennett family and their newly renovated and reopened Bluebell Inn. Hunter brings them all to life on the page as well as the beautiful lake and mountains surrounding them.

In book one, Levi is a bit of a taskmaster but in this story the author delves deeper into his character, allowing us to discover the layers beneath the surface and the motivating factors driving him. I enjoyed watching him begin to relax and find enjoyment in the friendship, and gradually deepening emotions, that slowly build between him and Mia. I also appreciated that Hunter didn't make Mia a stereotypical starlet but, rather, gave us a multi-layered, genuinely likable woman with relatable issues. I liked her and was in her corner the whole way. There's no sex on the page between these two but there's enough flirtation and simmering emotion to fully buy into their attraction. The relationship they form is built on a solid foundation of friendship, faith, desire, shared values, and enduring love. I happily accompanied them every step of the way.

The Bennett family dynamics are a central focus of this series as they work together to turn their late parents' dream of creating the Bluebell Inn into reality. It's heartwarming to watch their journeys as the siblings breathe new life into not only their home but also their family unit, as well as their individual lives. I'm enjoying Hunter's parallel journeys of rebirth and renewal. And, I have to say, as the oldest of five children, she really nails the sibling dynamic. I'm enjoying getting to know the siblings better in each book and am already eager for youngest child Grace's story, Autumn Skies, to be released in October.

*ARC received via Netgalley
*Opinions expressed are unbiased and my own

I love Denise Hunter and I'm loving this series. It's a romance so spoiler alert the couple ends up together. However I love the storyline, it's a typical romance without being basically generic. It was appropriately paced, the uncertainties were cute, endearing and genuine. The almost there misunderstanding/ fallout was neither over the top nor ridiculous.
I loved catching up with characters from the previous book. I enjoyed navigating the personalities of the characters of this book. Seeing how past affected present and the lingering effects of hurts. The topics explored in this book were great to look at in my own life and I really enjoyed it as well as learned from it.
This was a delightfully written book that was hard to put down. It's an easy and quick read not lacking in complexities to keep the reader engaged.

Carolina Breeze is a great follow up to Lake Season, but can also stand alone perfectly well. The Bluebell Inn is up and running but Levi is hiding the real financial problems.

When Hollywood star Mia arrives for her honeymoon without a groom, she bonds with Levi and a tentative friendship begins to blossom into love. One of Denise Hunter’s strengths is her ability to create a world and pull readers in. The town of Bluebell that I became fond of in Lake Season is now firmly claiming a tiny piece of my literary heart.

I became swept up in watching two wounded hearts take their first steps to wholeness and when fate steps in and destruction of the Inn also wrecks this fledgling romance, I felt every tear Mia cried and sighed along with Levi.

No spoilers but the problems with the Inn are not the end of the story for the Inn, or Mia and Levi. The only issue now, is waiting until October for the third installment. This book is enchanting and romantic and everything I had hoped for.

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced them in any way.

Carolina Breeze is a well-written novel with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. There is an excellent mystery involving a treasure hunt. The pacing kept me enmeshed in the tale from the first page to the last.

Mia Emerson’s character is an actress who comes on what should have been her honeymoon without the groom. Her grandparents owned the Blue Bell Inn, and she wants to learn more about them since she never met them. Her backstory had me vested in her character from the start. My heart ached for the bewildered and rejected child she must have been.

Levi Bennett is a hero with all the traits I enjoy the most. He’s a brother determined to do right by his sisters. When their parents die in a car crash, his dad lived long enough for him to ask Levi to watch over his sisters. He takes it to the extreme and shelters them from the reality that their parent’s inn is in deep financial debts which he has been juggling. He is no time for romance, but when Mia checks in, he’s a goner. His backstory also pulled me in and had me wanting to give him a hug and a shoulder to help him carrying what he perceives as his burdens.

The romance between Levi and Mia is sweet and creates a powerful bound of friendship. Levi can’t resist her though, so he recognizes his feelings for her could easily develop into love. Mia is struggling with a dilemma that puts her on the radar of social media which has the potential to ruing her acting career while recovering from the break off of her engagement. She’s pulled to Levi, but it takes her a little longer to realize she’s falling in love with him. I really wanted them to find a way to make their happy ending work!

If you enjoy Christian romances with characters that will tug at your heartstrings and have you rooting for them, then you will love Carolina Breeze as much as I. I plan to go back and read the first book in the Blue Bell Inn series. Happy reading!

Somehow manages to be even better than the 1st book!

Book 2 in Denise Hunter's Bluebell Inn series shifts the focus from Molly to Levi, and as much as I enjoyed book 1, I loved this one even more!

Mia Emerson is devastated. She's an actress whose fiancée dumped her just before they were supposed to get married, & whose latest costar, a married man, blames her for coming on to him when the paparazzi gets pictures that are actually him trying to make out with her.

She decides to escape the media at the Bluebell Inn that used to belong to her grandparents - where she was originally supposed to honeymoon with her rat ex. There she meets the Bennett's and finds Levi to be the kind of guy she had wanted her ex to be.

Levi shows Mia her grandmother's journal, & she learns about a blue diamond necklace that her grandfather gave to her grandmother which she becomes convinced is still there at the inn.

The story is fully engaging with sympathetic characters who you quickly become interested in & care about. It manages the perfect balance of fun & lighthearted with serious & thought provoking

Grace's story is up next, and is going to have a tough act to follow, but the author has certainly proven she's up to the challenge, & I'm looking forward to it!

*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic

This was a very sweet romance with a little mystery. I loved the setting of Bluebell, NC and the inn. I also loved the characters. The siblings are great and Mia is a doll. You really feel for her with all of the press and lack of privacy. The romance between Mia and Levi is very explosive. They both have walls up but boy! when they come down!!! I haven't read the earlier book in this series but will have to add it to my TBR pile. Loved it!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was another wonderful romance by Denise Hunter! Mia was a likable character, down-to-earth even while being in the Hollywood spotlight. She cared about others, from being a volunteer big sister to taking the high road and not trying to get back at the other person involved in the scandal. She struggled with rejection because of a messed up family situation and her ex breaking off their engagement; she was a Christian, though not very active in her faith lately. I liked how she remedied that later, along with finally getting closure about her parents. She also had to realize that God would never abandon her and that He was enough for her. Levi was a Christian, too, and would pray but was actively lying to his sisters about the inn's true financial state. It really bothered me because while I understood he felt he needed to take care of his sisters he kept lying to them even when they got into arguments about spending money and they were equal owners! I got annoyed with some other decisions he made later. I did like how he was respectful of Mia and didn't ogle her and that he was dependable and loyal, not to mention handsome. The romance was wonderful; she sure can write some great kisses! I also liked how we saw his sister Molly's romance continue with Adam. It was interesting to see Mia discover more about her grandparents as they searched for the necklace. I wished a little more would have been done with that. I can't wait for the next book! I recommend this story that works as a stand-alone but I definitely recommend you read the first book as it's still my favorite!

I received a free kindle copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.

Can you trust again when you are a jilted bride? Mia meets Levi who is struggling to keep his inn. Will the two find love with their attraction? Such a sweet family romance!!! I enjoyed this book and I look forward to more by Denise Hunter!!! Read and enjoy!!!

A sweet, tender romance that I have come to love from Denise Hunter. I thoroughly enjoyed returning to Bluebell, NC. The scenes are so well written that I can fully see the setting and the characters in my mind while reading. Levi is a bossy, controlling big brother who is not prepared for Mia, the famous movie star who shows up at his own. I loved learning more about Levi and his motivations as well as his heart. Mia is facing unbelievably tough circumstances and uses the inn as a safe haven from the media storm that is threatening to destroy all that she has worked so hard to achieve. Mia and Levi have instant chemistry and I love how they draw each other out. I also really love that even though the focus is on Levi, it is still about the rest of his family and how they interact together. A must read for all fans of Denise Hunter. It is the second book in a series and would be best enjoyed if read in order.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

I love me some Denise Hunter! Carolina Breeze was the perfect #stayathome read. It had a Hollywood starlet, a sweet romance, and a wee bit of mystery. A very enjoyable read.

Mia's latest film has just finished filming when her married co-star kisses her on the street before she can stop him - and they are caught by paparazzi. The resulting scandal sends her running to the Bluebell Inn, where her unknown grandparents lived many years earlier, in search of both a hiding place and her roots. The siblings who run the inn promise to keep the secret of her location, but soon someone recognises her and the press come in their droves. Meanwhile, she and Levi, the innkeeper, have grown close, and the press seem to consider a relationship proof that she might have been innocent, so the pair agree to maintain the appearance of dating. But between trying to run his sisters' lives and keeping the inn solvent, while keeping said sisters ignorant of how close to broke they are, Levi is struggling. When the last straw hits the camel's back, will Levi finally realise that he needs to share his burden - and that some things aren't his burden to bear in the first place? And will Mia work out what she's really come to Bluebell looking for?

I read and enjoyed the first book of the series, so when I saw a sequel I was thrilled. Sometimes sequels are disappointing, but this one wasn't. With glimpses of the continuation of the romance from the first book, it would be better to read the two books in order, but this could be read on its own without leaving the reader feeling like they were missing out. I feel like I've said this before, but this book really sucked me in and kept my attention throughout. While some bits were predictable (a man advising his sister's boyfriend to wait - what could possibly go wrong?!), others were definitely not - which was great. All in all, the writing is great, the characters feel real, the content is clean, and I'd really like to go visit Bluebell! A highly satisfying story.

Now I've just got to wait for Grace's story...

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

Carolina Breeze is a great vacation or staycation read; this is 2020 after all, and vacation plans are a bit iffy so staycations may be the thing. While it will work as a stand-alone read, the background knowledge from the first book in Hunter's Bluebell Inn Novels might increase the reader's pleasure. The Bluebell Inn is run by three adult siblings who seek to fulfill their late parents' legacy while striving to live their own lives. The Inn hosts interesting and sometimes famous guests who come to mean more to this family than just a brief acquaintance. The theme of this second installment relates to allowing oneself to be vulnerable with God and with those with whom we want to have more meaningful relationships, and to allowing others to help carry our burdens.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved being back at the Bluebell Inn and with the Bennett family, and we are also introduced to Mia Emmerson a successful Hollywood actress.
I loved how Mia was related to the inn, and how it all played out with her visit, sad and happy, all at the same time.
The author gives us a lot of family dynamics here, and through it all we find a love of God and those who he has placed in our lives. We see the pressure of every day life here, whether we are a celebrity, or just trying to make a living. I did enjoy the treasure hunt that went on here, but then when averse things take place we hope for the best.
I am hoping we will be back with this family and we have another sibling!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson. and was not required to give a positive review.

A Hollywood scandal, a cancelled honeymoon, and a missing diamond all swirl together to create the perfect summer read. Return to the Bluebell Inn as Denise Hunter continues the story of the Bennett siblings and their struggle to make their parents’ dream of a bed and breakfast come true. With just the right touches of mystery and romance, Carolina Breeze is perfect for curling up with on the beach—or in your favorite cozy chair.

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

I was so happy to return to the charming Bluebell Inn! While reading the first book in this series (Lake Season) I started anticipating Levi’s story and was thrilled to see he was up next. The setting of North Carolina was beautiful and the relationships crafted between the characters were just as amazing. This was the perfect novel to escape into for a few days.