I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I really loved this book, Denise Hunter is one of my favorite authors. Characters Mia and Levi are great people of faith. Their love story is heartwarming and shows realistic difficulties. Mia who is an actress goes on a honeymoon for one to the Bluebell Inn and tries to learn more about here family origins. She meets a kind but strong willed innkeeper named Levi who owns the inn with his sisters after their parents death. The two have instant chemistry and their personalities compliment each other. This story drew me in from the beginning and kept me interested until the end. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!

Carolina Breeze is book two in Denise Hunter's VERY enjoyable "A Bluebell Inn Romance" series. Oldest sibling, Levi, is the main character in this story, but sister Molly's story is also continued from book 1. This book COULD easily be read as a standalone, but you don't want to miss book one, Lake Season, which provides the background for this book. Mia, a movie star from Hollywood, travels to Bluebell Inn for her honeymoon - but without her groom as the engagement was cancelled just weeks before the wedding. As Mia escapes to Bluebell Inn following an unfortunate experience in Hollywood, she learns more about her family's history, becomes involved in a mystery, and falls in love. This book is almost impossible to put down once you begin reading it (as are ALL of Denise Hunter's books!). FANTASTIC read. I can't wait to read about youngest sibling Grace's story, as well as updates on Levi and Molly, hopefully coming in book three!

This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. The author made the book come to life with her words. The people in the story become your friends and you hate to see the book end. This book would be wonderful for a book club, it has discussion questions at the end. It is a beautiful sweet heartwarming story and I can't wait for the next book in this series. This book was a joy to read! Thank you Thomas Nelson--FICTION via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the second book in the Bluebell Inn series. After reading the first book, I was eagerly awaiting this second book and can not wait for the third book. This is a charming, romantic story with a bit of a mystery within as well. In the first book, readers are introduced to three siblings. The first book focuses on Molly. In this book, readers get to know Levi who has been doing all of the marketing and business aspects of the inn. Levi is really struggling with the financial aspects of the inn and trying to act as if everything is okay when talking to his sisters. A guest, Mia, comes to the inn to get away from her life. She was supposed to be there on her honeymoon, but the wedding falls through. She is working on healing from the difficulties she has faced and Levi and Mia become friends. After discovering a journal, they began a search to discover a missing necklace. This story is refreshing, engaging, and a great escape to a relaxing environment. After reading this story, I want to go stay at the Bluebell Inn! This book can be read as a stand-alone, but you will enjoy reading the first book before this one. I loved this refreshing series and can not wait for the last book to release! I highly recommend this book (and all of Ms. Hunter’s books) and know you will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.

I’m a fan of Denise Hunter’s books, and I’ve read many of them through the years. This series is one of my favorites that she’s written. The setting is perfect, and makes me wish I could actually visit this Inn and get to know these characters. This new book in the series is as good, if not better, than the first. It’s one of those books that it’s with reluctance that I finished the last page, because I love these characters so much. I’m already looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

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

Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter is the second novel in the Bluebell Inn series. It is a sweet story with good characters. It follows the first novel nicely and keeps the plot flowing. Hunter has a great way of describing the setting and being from North Carolina, I really enjoyed the details. Carolina Breeze is a very feel good novel. Make sure and read book 1 first.

Another well-written book from Ms Hunter. Perfect beach read! Memorable characters, delightful setting.

This was a sweet romance and the second in a planned trilogy centered around the fictitious Bluebell Inn on a mountain lake in NC.

While I think I enjoyed the first book a little more (Molly’s...”Lake Season”), this one was engaging as Levi strives to fulfill his parents’ dream of running a successful inn and taking care of his sisters while also having a life of his own. Mia, an actress escaping to the inn as a hideaway from scandal, longs for family connection and love. Guess where this is going??! 😊 Oh, and there’s also a bit of a mystery to solve (which also relates to the title of the book).

While I do enjoy the romances, I really love the interaction/connection of the three siblings in this series. Heartwarming and charming. Looking forward to Grace’s story next.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

I found this book to be better than the first one in the series. Levi came across very rigid, which I guess is his personality, but it was a huge turn off for me and i had a hard time liking him. The love story was done well and i loved the premise of the famous movie star falling in love with the hometown boy.

It was also fun to see the relationship of Molly and Adam continue in this book.

This book is not one of my favorites from the author, but I am glad i read it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

You know that moment when you just finish an amazing book, and you aren’t sure how any other book will compare to the one you finished. That is my current situation. It is no secret that I love Denise Hunters books, and it is because every book of hers that I read leaves me with that feeling. “Carolina Breeze”, the second book in the Bluebell Inn Series, does not disappoint.
Denise Hunter is the author of 36 books. She is the recipient of many awards such as the Foreward Book of the Year Award, and the Holt Medallion Award. She has had three of her books made into Hallmark movies, “The Convenient Groom”, “A December Bride” and “The Goodbye Bride”.
“Carolina Breeze” follows Hunter’s traditional style of writing. She writes chaste romance books, with faith and religion intertwined. Hunter offers varied sentence structures, providing the reader with a more interesting reading experience.
Like its predecessor, “Lake Season”, “Carolina Breeze” takes place in North Carolina, which just happens to be one of my favorite places. The Bluebell Inn sits on the edge of a lake and provides the ideal setting for the romance that blossoms in the pages of this story.
As the second story in the series, readers have already been introduced to the back story of Molly and Adam. Molly is one of the Bennett siblings and their story can be learned about in my review of “Lake Season” by clicking here.
In “Carolina Breeze” we get more intimate with Levi, the oldest of the Bennett siblings. He takes his role of big brother seriously, after the death of their parents. He carried the stress of running the inn, and seeing to it that his sisters are taken care of. When a celebrity, Mia, comes to the inn, Levi finds that his life changes drastically. Once uptight, he now takes time to laugh and fall in love.
I must admit, when I read “Lake Season”, I did not think that I would like Levi’s story. I thought that he was too rigid, however, Denise Hunter made me fall in love with him. The traits that I once found irritating are now endearing. I learned more about his inner workings, and why he is the way he is.
Even though Molly and Adam had their time to shine in the first book of their trilogy, their story continues in “Carolina Breeze” and I became even more smitten with him. He is seriously my literary crush. I enjoyed that Hunter didn’t forget about them, and I look forward to reading the last book in the trilogy to see how all the sibling’s fair.
The last sibling, Grace, is the sibling we know the least about. She is the youngest, having just graduated high school, and her story will be unveiled in the final book “Autumn Skies”.
I loved this story and am enjoying learning about the Bennett siblings. This was a quick read, however, I kept stopping because I didn’t want to finish the story and be forced to choose another book to read.
The storyline was believable and provided enough drama to keep my intrigued, but not so much that I felt like I was watching a soap opera.
There were a few sensitive topics that might trigger a reader. Each of the main characters, Levi and Mia, have had parents pass away. The scene in which Levi loses his parents is described in more detail. There are also elements of parental neglect and alcoholism is mentioned loosely.
The overall rating I would give this book is 5 stars. It was an amazing read that has me ready to revisit Bluebell Inn.
“Carolina Breeze” is set to release on May 19, 2020. It can be purchased on Amazon in the following formats: Kindle $8.99, Paperback $12.79 and Audio CD for $15.84.

Carolina Breeze is the second book in Denise Hunter’s Bluebell Inn Series, though it’s a stand-alone story, and you don’t need to read the first book to enjoy this one. The Bluebell Inn is owned and operated by 3 siblings after their parents died in a tragic accident. Levi is the oldest sibling, and has put his career on hold and moved home from Colorado to help run the Inn with his sisters.

Mia is an up-and-coming actress who finds herself embroiled in a Hollywood scandal. She decides to take a break and use the non-refundable week her ex-fiancé booked at the Bluebell Inn for their honeymoon. Mia is tied to the Bluebell Inn, and looks forward to learning more about her family.

Mia and Levi are thrown together on multiple occasions, and have a pretty instant attraction. They are both very likeable characters, and I found myself rooting for them to get together. The interactions between the siblings adds to the story, and gives the characters a little more depth than typical romance novels.

I enjoyed the author’s writing, the characters, and the storyline. Five stars for sure!

I received a copy if this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

“Before she even opened her eyes Mia Emerson knew it was going to be the worst day of her life.” - Opening line of “Carolina Breeze” by Denise Hunter

Having thoroughly enjoyed “Lake Season”, the first book in the Bluebell Inn Romance series, I tucked into “Carolina Breeze”, book two, with glee! Denise Hunter delivers a cozy romance mystery like none other! I love spending time with these characters in this town, each carefully created, warm and sincere. Mia arrives traumatized by her life and finds a soft landing at the Bluebell Inn. Levi offers a listening ear and finds he can trust her in return with his financial concerns.

Whilst working on the inn, the two find an old journal referring to a valuable piece of jewellery hidden in the house. Curious, they investigate further and this adds a historical element to the book which I found interesting.

Molly and her beau from book one are included in this story and it is lovely to see how their relationship has developed. Grace adds her wit and I’m so looking forward to her journey in book three. Whilst reading “Lake Season” will add to your enjoyment of this one, it isn’t required, this one is awesome in and of itself!

As in life, it’s never straight forward and through their time together, Levi and Mia tackle tough topics like forgiveness, self-worth and trust. In sharing their wrestling, Denise shines a light on the hope and healing to be found in Jesus and the Christian Faith. She handles it honestly but beautifully.

Without a doubt this one is a favourite for me, I loved every minute reading it and highly recommend it! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale!

Carolina Breeze is the second book in Denise Hunter's series A Bluebell Inn Romance. This tale begins with celebrity, Mia Emerson, suddenly needing a space place to hole up. The media is going crazy with a story that is not true; however, it could easily ruin her career. When she decides to hide out in North Carolina, at the inn where she was supposed to be honeymooning, Mia has no idea how her life is about to change!

Levi, the oldest member of the Bennett family, is currently working as the inn's manager. He meets Mia as she enters the inn, but he does not recognize Mia as a celebrity. It is not long until his sisters set him straight. As Levi takes on the job of chauffeuring Mia around the area, you see their acquaintance turning into something more. You wonder how their relationship can survive all the rumours and gossip!

This tale is full of secrets: first, the family attempting to keep Mia's location away from reporters and second, Levi keeping the truth from his sisters that the inn is in financial trouble. When these secrets finally come to light, this tale will have you quickly reading through the final pages to discover where these characters will land!

This is a fun tale.....with a bit of romance along the way!

Denise Hunter has done it again with a funny, deep, and wonderfully sweet story in Carolina Breeze. Hunter is the master of relatability, especially in regard to characters and emotions, which makes her stories a perfect depiction of real life while still captivating the reader.

I devoured this book. It is so sweetly, achingly romantic, and Mia and Levi’s relationship is perfectly captured, as Hunter flawlessly portrays growth amid faith and love. Hunter is not only a master at depicting romantic relationships, but her ability to write familial relationships is unmatched. I laughed out loud several times when the Bennett siblings interacted, and I was also able to relate to the harder moments siblings can experience in their relationship. Hunter is able to show several sides of relationships, both romantic and familial, in ways that will leave the reader profoundly moved.

Readers will also love seeing the continuation of Molly and Adam’s story from Lake Season (Book #1 in this series), and are offered intriguing sneak peeks into the fiery yet complex Grace, whose story will be the subject of Autumn Skies (Book #3 in this series, releasing October 20, 2020).

Hunter’s books are ones I have only recently discovered, but readers will never be disappointed with one of her books. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Carolina Breeze and any other Denise Hunter book you can find!

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

I will start by saying I have ready every one of Denise Hunter’s books, I always enjoy her writing. For me, this particular novel was not my favorite. I felt the diamond mystery seemed like a bit of an afterthought, it didn’t even come up until near 40% and felt a little forced to me. Despite this, I still recommend it as others may not have the same experience as me.

Carolina Breeze is another utterly charming book by Denise Hunter. This is the second book in the Bluebird Inn series and I think it is one of my all time favourites of Denise Hunter’s series. Delightful, heartfelt, very romantic, and with just a touch of historical mystery.

Carolina Breeze continues the story of the Bennett siblings. Levi and his two sisters, Molly (who featured in book 1) and Grace are bringing to life their late parents’ dream to restore their home into an inn. But it hasn’t been easy. Their latest guest has the whole inn booked for a honeymoon. But it doesn’t take the three siblings long to discovery Mia Emerson is a Hollywood star and she is hiding out at the Bluebird Inn after her marriage fell through and a colleague dragged her into a scandal that threatens her career. As Levi works to provide Mia with everything she could need during her stay, he is drawn to her hurt and vulnerability. Together, Mia and Levi challenge themselves to find Mia’s ancestor’s long lost diamond necklace, rumoured to be hidden at the Inn. But Levi has so many worries, he’s not sure he can take on more responsibility and Mia’s life is set to catch up with her.

I love the Bennett family. Love how they argue and annoy each other, but also how they are there for each other despite all that. While we got to know Levi a little in Molly’s story, it was very much through her eyes, so it was great to see him through another lens in Carolina Breeze. He is trying so hard to keep the inn afloat and protect his sisters, even if that’s the last thing they want. I thought he might keel over due to a heart attack or something in the novel, he is so stressed. Mia is wonderful for him. She helps him to relax, to enjoy the moments and gives him other things to think about. Levi is equally good for Mia, giving her security and someone to really listen to her.

The setting is so charming and relaxing in Carolina Breeze. Having experienced the Inn’s remodelling in book one, it was fun to just sit back and enjoy the calming atmosphere of the lake-side getaway. But the Inn and its previous owners have a bit more excitement in store for the Bennetts and their guests.

Denise Hunter certainly knows how to pen a romance. I was 100% onboard the Mia and Levi ship. They make such a great pair and their chemistry is off the charts. Those kisses!!

I can’t wait for book three, which I am presuming will be Grace’s story. I love her character, her dry sense of humour and no-nonsense ways, so I’m really looking forward to getting to know her better. Update: Okay, I just went and found the synopsis for book three. Definitely Grace’s story and whoa boy, that is going to be good. I need it now!!

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

(This review will go live on publication date.)

I enjoyed the first book in Denise’s Bluebell Inn Romance series, so I was grateful to read this book about the second of three adult siblings running an inn in North Carolina.

I love the setting and revisiting characters I’ve come to care about. Levi is a by-the-rules kind of big brother, shouldering the responsibilities of the family’s inn, at least financially, on his own. He’s keeping secrets from his sisters. He's also against dating any of their guests.

Our heroine is an actress, which was a fun profession to follow. Denise does a great job naming male motives, which I appreciated. I liked that they had to fake a relationship for the sake of her PR, but it wasn’t as romantic as it could have been, perhaps due to missed opportunities.

There were a few places where the males didn’t sound like males, and I’m not referring to Alpha versus Beta male POVs. They just sounded syrupy. Overall, the book felt an attempt to avoid any type of conflict or danger or trouble. Conflicts were resolved quickly. The characters get over their problems quickly.

Also, unusual for her writing was a lack of well-written romantic scenes. Many of those scenes felt contrived rather than natural. We also had some head-hopping, but that was likely worked out in the later version. There were several clichés that made her characters seem/sound older, in terms of their generation, than they were supposed to be. Some of the conflicts and character reactions also felt contrived and dull, juvenile.

Unfortunately, I also found some redundancies at least in the ARC. The story lost me when the romance seemed to resolve too early. We lost touch with the why-not—why they cannot be together. The external conflicts regarding the inn didn’t keep me hooked. I gave up at about 72 percent.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series since I enjoyed the first one so much. I wish the author and publisher well.

In the first book, the older sister found love. In this book, the brother has his turn. Mia is an actress who comes to the inn escaping bad press. She was supposed to come here for her honeymoon, but her fiance called off the wedding. She is in a delicate condition so the brother and his 2 sisters cater to her. Mia also has a connection to the inn. Her grandparents ran it many years ago. She gets very comfortable here but can't seem to escape the press...

Story Line: 5 Stars
Depth: 4 Stars
Faith: 4 Stars
Love Story: 5 Stars
Overall: 4.5 Stars


Picture a quaint, cozy inn on a small lake in Bluebell, North Carolina and all the delight that image conjures up. From page one of Denise Hunter's newest book, Carolina Breeze, the reader steps into this serene setting and easily gets swept away into the beauty of this story!

Book two in the Bluebell Inn series focuses on big brother Levi's story. As he and his two sisters, Molly and Grace, continue running the inn inherited from their parents, Levi finally gets a chance at love he didn't ask for and never saw coming. Steeped in responsibility, he acts as a lone ranger, taking care of everyone and everything - but not telling his sisters just how much financial trouble the inn is really facing. Not until Levi is willing to let go of controlling it all can he truly relax into God's best for his life.

Meanwhile, Mia Emerson, a rising Hollywood movie icon, comes to visit Bluebell after being dumped by her fiancee and facing scandal that could ruin her reputation and career. From the moment she and Levi meet, their connection is real and genuine. Levi promises to keep her location a secret and together, they slowly open up hearts and vulnerabilities to each other, while searching the inn for a lost piece of treasure.

Denise Hunter has delivered a solid, incredible read - even better than the first book in the series! The love story is touching and exciting, the story pace kept our lights on a little too late most nights, and the faith and depth gave us something to really sink our teeth into.

Ms. Hunter tells heartwarming, small-town love stories. This is a sweet book, with the promise of falling in love and a of a happily-ever-after. A great escape, a cozy comfort.