I obtained a complimentary copy of Until I met you in exchange for an honest review. I did not realize this was the second book in a series, but it was easily read as a standalone.

Unfortunately this was not a good read for me, and I was never able to connect or like any of the characters. The author had a good writing style, but fell flat on the character and theme development. What was most disturbing about this novel is it incorporated two relationships, and went back and forth between two couples. This made for a weak plot, and distracted from any themes the author was trying to portray.

Until I Met You is the story of Austin and Libby. Libby was a sweet character, a woman who has made some poor choices with major consequences and now has to live with herself. I thought she was sweet. I liked the way she tried to be brave even when she wanted to run away.

I did not like Austin. He was rude, moody and angry for much of the book. A lot of the time he took out his anger at Libby who did not deserve it. Austin seemed to expect everyone to be perfect. In a lot of ways, he reminded me of Mr. Darcy and I did not like Mr. Darcy until after his transformation.

The secondary story was Nate and Olivia. We met this couple in You Belong With Me but their story is really fleshed out in this story.

Nate was also moody and couldn't seem to make up his mind what he wanted from his love interest. But I preferred his character to his brother's.

There were some parallels between Austin's story and Nate's in part because of the theme of forgiveness and grace that was woven through Until I Met You.

"Forgiveness is never deserved. It’s a gift. If you earn a gift, it’s not a gift anymore— it’s a wage. The way I see it, if people deserved forgiveness, then there is really nothing to be forgiven."

I've looked forward to reading this book since I read You Belong With Me last year and it was a pleasure to be back in Heritage. Did I wish I had liked the male characters more? Yes. Do I regret reading this book? No. Until I Met You had some great secondary characters and reminded me of the importance of forgiveness, not only for others, but also towards myself.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publishers; a positive review was not required.

Author Tari Faris returns with a new inspirational contemporary romance set in the small town of Heritage, Michigan.

In Until I Met You, Libby Kingsley moves to Heritage to become the town’s librarian, without knowing that the library is filled with outdated books and occupies the basement of another building. To really serve the town, she needs new books AND a new building, The only funds available are already being used for the town square project. Landscape architect Austin Williams just wants to get that job done (his dad underbid on the project but isn’t able to do it). What happens when they both have good ideas for the town square and need to work together?

Farris writes with a touch of faith and humor, sprinkling both throughout the story. While this book could be read as a standalone, the reader would benefit from reading the novella, P.S. I Love You, and You Belong With Me (book 1).

Austin returns to Heritage to help their family business. He is also dealing with a father who is starting to exhibit signs of Alzheimer’s and he is estranged from his brother who happens to be the local pastor. Meanwhile Libby moved to Heritage to be closer to her brother and his family. The book starts off slowly, and miscommunication abounds in both families, as well as between Libby and Austin. Themes of grace, forgiveness, and family are central to this book.

Recommended for adult collections in public libraries. Fans of Becky Wade, Courtney Walsh, and Kara Issac will delight to read this series.

Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.

Until I Met You by Tari Faris 4.5 stars

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

I want to thank @100_pages_an_hour for recommending the prequel, P.S. Goodbye. I needed a contemporary read that time and it really hits the spot. This is a good one too.

Until I Met You is the story of the Williams brothers. Their relationship with their family, friends as well as the women in their lives. Nate is a pastor but can’t forgive himself with his colorful past. It also affects his relationship with Olivia. I like that Olivia is so open with her love. Austin is trying to save their family business but his anger towards Nate is not helping build a relationship with Libby. I like that Libby is a librarian and wants to encourage readers. It’s fun to see a character that likes to research.

Tari Faris’ books have a lot more romance and kissing than some other christian romance books I have read. But what I love is the message of the story and it all points towards leaning to God. They all have flaws but with the grace of God, they are being led to the right direction. Trusting Him is hard but we continue to work on it just like the characters in this book.

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

I adored reading about Libby and Austin. First I’ve been curious about Austin since that little hint in previous books. Second, his story hinted at redemption and I’m a sucker for redemption story (read redemptive heroes/heroines become my favorite).

The way we get to see Austin AND Libby transformed hooked me and kept me reading to see how their story would in. I have to say there are some really touching scenes in this book. I mean, break out the tissue, touching. And that alone made the book worth the read.

I’m so glad I read this (because the cover whispered “read me” and I have to listen to book covers) and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

Finding healing thru forgiveness (w/a parental caveat)

This is a sweet Christian romance built on a framework of two brothers whose relationship needs some serious healing. While Libby's relationship with cranky neighbor, Austin, is the main focus, Austin's damaged relationship with his brother Nate, and Nate's relationship with Olivia are all part of the tangle that the story needs to sort out for our protagonists to find their happily-ever-after.

The challenge for authors writing enemies-to-lovers tropes is they have to make one of the protagonists believably dislikeable to the other without making the character dislikeable to the reader. Austin's character pushes it quite a bit. Libby's got her issues, but she's the sweet that can mellow out Austin's bitter.

Meanwhile, Nate is torn between what he wants versus what he thinks he deserves, and poor Olivia is caught in the middle of his battle.

The road to these characters' personal growth & reconciliation is difficult, but ultimately happy. I'm eager to check out the rest of the books now!

*Parental caveat: I would definitely encourage parents of teen readers to discuss how relationships with damaged people in real life, outside of fiction, don't usually turn out so well & love only conquers all in the Christian sense.

*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic

*Religion: overtly Christian, but organic to the story and not preachy

This was ok , but I felt lost at times, I couldn’t always find a distinct voice in the characters, pacing felt off and I wasn’t really keen on some of the characters, I’m sure plenty others will enjoy but this wasn’t for me

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Two incredibly sweet love stories!

It sure was a nice surprise to have two love stories ... Libby and Austin ... and Olivia and Nate. The situations were very realistic as brothers Austin and Nate did not get along. When they were younger, Nate had alcohol issues that caused Austin to have to change his plans of University and instead work in the family business to keep it afloat. Now Nate has turned his life around and become a Pastor and moved to Heritage. Trying to make up for his past sins, he gets his family business a job in Heritage that will hopefully keep the business out of bankruptcy.

Libby was new to town ... starting over in Heritage, where her brother lives. She had anxiety issues that had incapacitated her the last three years ... this is her trying to move on. At first, she didn't like her grumpy neighbour ... Austin, but it didn't take long for her to see beneath his gruff exterior. Olivia has been in love with Nate since he moved to town, but Nate doesn't feel that he deserves to be happy ... never mind find a love of his own.

This is a sweet romance that will have you wanting Austin to forgive Nate and that the two couples find their happily-ever-after. This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last.

I received an early copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Tari Faris writes with everyday characters that are relatable and not inflated or unrealistic. Life can get messy sometimes but there is always the love, friends and our Heavenly Father to see us through the worst times to show us His perfect plan. Tari shows the best and worst in her characters and how the redeeming Love and grace of our Father will set us free. An excellent story of ordinary people discovering their extraordinary God.

This book was SO good!! It was refreshing to read a romance where the two main characters don't immediately fall into love! I liked that they both had to get past things in their own lives and thoughts before they could come together. I did wish we saw a little bit more of her brother and sister in law. It felt kinda weird that they immediately left in the book once she arrived. That part could have been developed more but it was still a great book!

The newest edition in the Restoring Heritage series is a story where we venture back to the small town of Heritage, Michigan and see friends from P.S. Goodbye, the prequel novella, and You Belong With Me. In Until I Met You, we see the story of the Williams brothers, Pastor Nate and his brother Austin. Nate really likes Olivia and Olivia really likes Nate but Nate's past before he became a pastor is holding him back from a relationship. But Olivia is tenacious.
Austin is carrying the load of the failing family landscaping business that Nate almost destroyed during his rebellious younger years. Their dad has early onset Alzheimer's disease and is now in a assisted living facility so the third generation business has fallen on Austin's shoulders.
Libby Kingsley has moved to town to take the job as the town librarian and be near her brother and his wife and their soon to arrive baby, who decides to come early. Austin is living in the house next door and working on it for low rent while doing the landscaping for the new square. Libby and Austin bump heads right away but have to work together on the library on the square. Libby has some baggage from a prior relationship and is not interested in another one. Austin is angry and resentful toward Nate and it spills out on Libby. How could the two ever become interested in each other?
This is a story about forgiveness-of others and one's self. In order to move forward in their relationship and with others, the brothers have to deal with their issues. This is an inspirational story of faith, forgiveness, love, and setting reasonable goals for one's life and yet with a sweet, feel good ending. I am looking forward to the next book that we got a glimpse of at the end of this one.
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

Thank you NetGalley, Revell and Tari Faris for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Until I Met You is the second book in the Restoring Heritage series by Tari Faris, but my first book by her. I had no issue reading this as a stand alone, but the ending of book number one will be given away! I also think it’s worth pointing out that this is a clean, christian romance! There’s drama aplenty but the steam is kept to a minimum. This doesn’t stop the two main characters, Librarian Libby Kingsley and landscape architect Austin Williams from sharing some great chemistry!
Austin Williams is a pastor with a past. I really liked how they handled his personal demons as well as his family situation. I think the idea of forgiveness in one’s self and others is an important theme throughout! Libby also has a great amount of growth and is an easy character to connect with and root for.
This is a great palate cleanser for those nights you need to refresh after a heavy book!

Nice, wholesome, romance that transports you to a small town and makes you not want to leave. A Very heartfelt story.

Libby Kingsley has decided she needs a fresh start. She and her yellow lab, Darcy, move to Heritage, Michigan where she has family and a job waiting for her. Unexpectedly, her family has to leave town upon her arrival, leaving her alone to settle in. Her initial attempt to meet her hot next door neighbor Austin is a disaster as is the library she is supposed to work in is a disaster.
Even though an attraction between the two develops, there are complications. Both come with baggage that is tough to leave behind. Austin is a complicated character. He has a troubled relationship with his brother, Nate. He feels his future was stolen by Nate's selfish and reckless actions. He feels pressured to save the family business. With one broken engagement behind him, can he possibly take a chance on a new relationship? Libby survived a horrific event which shook her to her core. Will she find the strength to move on?
The narrative also includes Nate and Olivia's story. Nate is now a pastor and doing everything he can to right old wrongs. Olivia is in love with him for who he is now. Will that be enough for him to realize what he really wants?
The characters stories are interwoven and readers follow them through their struggles. Strong feelings and misunderstandings don't make things easy for them. Mixed messages, frustrations and family conflict also come into play. Personal histories collide. Even so, the characters challenge and complement each other. Then there is the mystery surrounding Otis who is a statue of a hippo.
The author brings to readers a heartfelt story written with warmth and nuance. Packed with faith, the hope for second chances, courage and love this book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Last year, I had the chance to read Tari Harris' debut novel You Belong With Me...and I loved it. It didn't feel like a debut, but rather a new novel from a seasoned author. So, when I saw her second book- the next book in the same series- was out, I couldn't wait to check it out! And let me just say, it did not disappoint!

Do you have to have read book one to enjoy this one? I would honestly say probably not... but I think you would get the most enjoyment out of it if you did. There's certainly a lot of backstory there to give us a better understanding of the story, and to introduce us to some of the town's more unique quirks too.

Like the first book, Until I Met You has a great blend of romance, small town quirks and building restorations... three things that I personally enjoy! And while we get to revisit our romantic leads from the previous book a little, this story focuses primarily on new to librarian Libby and pastor Nate's brother Austin. From their first meeting, well let's just say that this wasn't exactly love at fist sight... but their constant head butting certainly made for a rather entertaining read! I enjoyed their fun chemistry even if there were moments I wanted to shake some sense into them. Clearly that just meant I was emotionally invested in the story, right? They weren't the only romance in the story though, we also got to see more from Olivia and Nate too... and their relationship was of course just as complicated and entertaining too. The romance was great of course, but more than that I really loved these beautiful stories of forgiveness and grace... and not just of each other, but of ourselves as well.

Overall, if you love a good romance and a good story of second chances, this is certainly one worth checking out. I cannot wait for the next one.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

This is an incredible book on forgiveness, grace, family, love, and so much more. Taking place in a small town, we have two romances going on. Faith was such an integral part of this book. It wasn’t just a cover to wrap it in, it was the bones, heart, and life. I read a lot of books, and this one has so much to learn from. I think a lot of these things are not necessarily new for us hearing them, but they are presented in a real way that sinks in and cuts to the heart of the matter. I can honestly say I can’t wait to see what will come next and I am excited and wait with anticipation of learning and realizing more.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Until I Met You is a well-written continuation of the Returning to Heritage collection. It gets 3 stars from me for engaging dialogue and good characterisation. As in the first in the series, we get two romances in one. And again, both plotlines are woven together seamlessly. In fact, they unfold as dependent on each other.

Although I had a good time reading the first in this series, most of the characters and their backstories were a vague memory a year on. So, I struggled a bit to connect many of the dots that might have enriched the story further. Generally, this is an issue with strongly-connected series with releases spaced apart annually. And unfortunately, in this book specifically, it seems the author mostly writes on the assumption that readers have excellent memory/have recently re-read or newly read the first story/haven not read much in between each release.

The main thing that brought this book down from 4/5 stars is the two male leads (*spoiler alert*) - one is consistently rude, distrustful, blows hot and cold and offers superficial apologies (later proven as such when he does the exact same thing over and over) while the other refuses to commit to his love interest but repeatedly tells her to not to date anyone else (and actively stands in her way).

In real life, these are two men I would caution women to stay very far from for their mental well-being 😂. So, you can imagine it was pretty difficult for me to get behind these two romances. While I understand writing human characters that display flaws and weaknesses alongside growth and maturity, this one seemed to be mostly flaws with little growth.

I do look forward to the next in the series though. The preview reads great. Thanks to Revell and Ms. Faris for a complimentary copy via NetGalley. These opinions are mine.

I grew up in a small town. Each one seems to have its own personality and quirks whether in the people or in the traditions. For Heritage, it's a statue of a pig named Otis that mysteriously travels around town. No one knows how he moves but laying a cabbage in front of him just might do the trick.

I enjoyed Libby's story. She's undergone some hard things but she's ready to start again and take a few risks in life. I enjoyed her interactions with her neighbor Austin. They both have a ways to go to learn to trust but are willing to try. They have a great chemistry.

I love literature and all things books. I loved the setting of a library and all the Austen references. This was a fun read with a serious message of grace and forgiveness. I'd highly recommend it.

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book was more about the town of Heritage. Libby had moved here for a fresh start with a new library. Imagine her surprise when the library was in a dusty room with 20 year old books. She petitions the town to put a new library in the town square with the help of Austin. He was not happy at all. Nate *(his brother) was the local preacher and was supposed to be helping but was often too busy. Lots of spiritual meanings and learning about forgiveness

There were two love stories in this book, the primary love story and a secondary love story. I really liked one of the love stories, but I didn't like the other one as much. I really disliked the character of Austin. He seemed too angry and mean.