Forever With You by Barb Curtis is a wonderful debut novel set in Sapphire Springs, and I already know I will be reading each one of these in the series because this one left me feeling SO happy!

A second chance romance with great character development, and a storyline that included going after your dreams, being a good friend and being loyal to your family that just really spoke to me. I am shocked this is a debut novel, because it was so well written and easy to read, while covering some tough issues and wrapping them up in a believable way that kept me interested throughout the book.

Just what I needed to read right now, thank you Forever / Grand Central Publishing for sending me this incredible book!

Eighteen years ago, Leyna and Jay were high school sweethearts, planning their future together. Fast forward to today, Leyna is embarking in a partnership with Jay's grandfather, and who walks into the conference room but Jay, who Leyna hasn't seen in the intervening years!

Their reunion is difficult; Leyna needs closure why Jay walked out on their dreams, and Jay needs to be heard and understood. They work through their issues, facing family difficulties and finally a loss. Along the way, they uncover deceit and fraud, family ties and love.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. You can purchase your copy here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085DJZWJZ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
This is the first book in the Sapphire Springs series. The second book in this series, Only For You is set to come out on June 29th, 2021. Maybe by then, there will be BOOKCON and some book tours. I CANNOT WAIT for this next book to come out!
Jay Wynter left his hometown, Sapphire Springs to make a name for himself without the affluence of his name. But, as we know, once you think you are out, they just pull you back in. We begin this book with Leyna Milan, dealing with three catastrophes prior to breakfast. Leyna had inherited her grandfather’s Italian bistro with the stipulation that she must open a second location at his best friend’s winery. His best friend, Stefan Wynter is Leyna’s ex-boyfriend, Jay’s grandfather. Oh the tangled web we weave. Leyna is stunned while in a meeting with Stefan Wynter and in walks Jason Wynter, who she knows as Jay. It had been eighteen years since he broke her heart and walked out of her life like a poof of smoke. Stefan drops the bomb at the meeting that after the two week Festival that they are currently planning for that he is retiring as CEO and naming Jason as his successor. Who doesn’t love when someone throws a grenade and runs? YIKES! If Leyna didn’t have the need to run the restaurant at the winery, it wouldn’t be such a big deal, but having to deal with Jay again? How is that going to work? He devastated her, they had made plans for the future and he just up and left. How can you do business with someone that you have such hatred for after all that they have done?
We are then taken on a journey of uncovering deceit, uncovering truth, underhanded behavior, betrayal and unlawful actions, among many things in this book. I loved this book so much and cannot wait until the next book in this series. I am disappointed that the author only has 3 books on Amazon. I am hoping this is just the beginning of her series and book 2 is not the end. I am hoping there are more restaurants and expansion and maybe even vineyard fun in the following books. Maybe a Hallmark or Netflix series? Pretty, pretty please! Hallmark loves wineries in their movies!

A touching story of second chances.

Leyna has recently taken over her grandfather's restaurant after his passing and she has big plans for it. But there's a clause in his will that says she has to open a second restaurant at his best friend's vineyard. She's resigned to do this, even if it doesn't really go with her plans or her budget, and then her "most significant ex", the grandson of the vintner, shows up and is expected to take over for his grandfather. Working together was not in her plans and not in Jay's plans either. However, working together all the time, and figuring out the mystery of Leyna's grandfather's legal bills, just might lead to some sparks...

This is a charming second change, enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers story set against the backdrop of a small town near Niagara Falls, NY.

I love small town, second chance romance books and this was the middle of the road for me. I didn't dislike it but I didn't love it either. What I did appreciate was getting to know Jay and Leyna, the townspeople and town. I will definitely come back and visit Sapphire Springs when the next book is released.

2.5 stars

Second chance romance,
Enemies to lovers,
Wine, wine and more wine,
Slow burner.

I enjoyed this sweet romance.

Jason (Jay) and Leyna are high school sweethearts, however when Jay left, he broke Leyna's heart. Years later, Jay is back and is here to help.

Did I love this book, no! Did I hate this book, no!
It was an easy, sweet romance, however at times I found myself skimming paragraphs, there were too many descriptions and dialogues that didn't really impact the storyline.

The characters were well developed, however, I wasn't invested in them. If they got back together or not, it didn't really impact me. (Which in my opinion, is kind of the point of reading a romance book). I think my lack of interest in the characters as a couple came from the repetitive thoughts. I kind of found myself getting frustrated and thinking to myself "we know this already". For example, Jay is dyslexic and I think was mentioned so many times within the first chapter. Yes, I know it is an important detail, however, as a reader, I got the point that was trying to be made the first and second time it was mentioned.

I did enjoy the secondary characters and also the mysterious twists and turns throughout. It was a sweet read and could easily have gotten more stars with a little bit more editing, in my opinion. The book has great potential.

Thank you to @netgalley, @readforeverpub and @grandcentralpub for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very good book. Jay and Leyna had been a couple 18 years ago and suddenly he's back and they are told they are going to be partners in a restaurant up at the vinyard his grandfather owns. There are several people that betray them and Jay and Leyna take awhile for them to get back to normal. Most of the main characters are very likeable, but there are a few that need to be chastised. Jay's grandfather is a very good man that only wants what he thinks is best

I got this book from NetGalley for an honest review

I love it when a debut author nails it right out of the gate and Barb Curtis has certainly done that. I loved this book. It's a classic small-town romance featuring a second-chance love story. Jay and Leyna were high school sweethearts when Jay all of a sudden takes off for France after Leyna graduates, breaking her heart. After his grandfather suffers a medical emergency, Jay returns to town to help with the family vineyard. After 18 years, Leyna still has feelings for Jay but isn't sure she can get over them so they can work together on a partnership with the vineyard that has already been in the works.

I really liked these characters. I felt the chemistry and that their story was believable. Yes, they could have overcome a lot through communication, but Curtis does a great job of really portraying what these two are feeling and why they don't open up so quickly. The family and friends surrounding them were a great addition to the story and leave you wanting more about them in future books. The small-town feel was fantastic without being too cute or unbelievable. The setting featuring a family vineyard and restaurant had me salivating at times. All in all, this is such an enjoyable book. I think readers of Marina Adair or Catherine Bybee would enjoy this one. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Forever With You is the perfect Cozy Comfort Read!

Set in a small town with a stunning vineyard, Leyna who had just renovated her grandfather's restaurant, is shocked when her sexy ex Jay (THE Ex... the one that broke her heart) shows up at a meeting un-announced and just as surprised as she is to learn his grandfather wants him to take over the family vineyard.

But there's a catch. Leyna and Jay's grandfather's have worked up a plan where their newly acquired businesses are obligated to partner with each other...

Clearly heartbroken, Leyna wants to distance herself from this Jay as quick as possible, but both her and Jay's grandfather's have different ideas for them....

Forever With You was absolutely the light hearted read I needed to end the month with and reminded me how much I love to read about love. So sweet and had the perfect amount of steam for those of you that like details but not ALL the details 😂 I absolutely recommend this for Romance lovers!

I loved the characters. All the favorites in a small town novel that made you wish you could taste the delicious wines and stroll through the vineyard.

Their love story is simple and sweet just like the writing in every page of Forever With You.

So will they abandon their grandfather's legacies or find a way to work in business together? ... Could Leyna still resist Jay's charm after he left her so broken 20 years before?? Find out November 10th!

Thank you to @netgalley and @readforeverpub @grandcentralpub for this E-ARC!

Forever with You is the first book in the Sapphire Springs series which is based on the small town of Sapphire Springs. It’s a great tourist attraction with a bed and breakfast and winery. The book was fast-paced, interesting, and had pleasant characters. The story flowed effortlessly and was easy to read. It was a beautiful second chance romance and I fell in love with the town and characters. I can’t wait for future books and to see some of the side character’s dreams come true.

I'm a sucker for books set around a winery, even though the scent of it makes me queasy IRL! I was reminded of the Blue Heron companion series that I really enjoyed - such a cozy upstate NY setting. Like that series, this book was set in a cute town there too: Sapphire Springs. I usually like the little town to be fully fleshed out when I start the series but I have a feeling it'll get better and more lively with each installment.

This story followed Leyna and Jay, high school sweethearts who broke up before college and are forced back together through business. Jay's family owns the local vineyard, run by his grandfather at the moment, and Leyna has taken over her grandfather's beloved restaurant downtown. When Jay's grandfather retires and essentially leaves Jay with the business, the ex-lovers have to work past any weirdness and get their joint venture (a restaurant on the vineyard property) up and running. Naturally, sparks fly again as they realize what went wrong and how they can move forward. There were some legal issues and mysteries to solve that added another layer to the story.

This was super enjoyable - I don't have any major complaints, aside from the usual drama at the end to force the couple apart. It wasn't a classic "omg just communicate you guys" and had more to it, but it all worked out. I'm a huge fan of a second chance romance and this one really did it for me!

I love starting companion series and wondering who the next characters will be! I have a few ideas - there were a ton of townspeople and friends introduced that could be featured in coming books. I'm super curious about what the deal is with Leyna's brother. Cannot wait to read more in this promising new companion series!

“Obviously she still hated him after all these years. He wondered if she could ever hate him as much as he hated himself.”

What You’ll Find:
✔️Small Town Romance
✔️Second Chance
✔️Closed Door
✔️Slow Burn
✔️Dual POV

Jay and Leyna were highschool sweethearts with plans for the future. That all changed when Jay left their hometown, and his families winery, to be successful on his own merit. But he’s back years later, as successor, to run the winery. When he and Leyna find out that they will have to work together to follow Leynas grandfathers wishes to open a second restaurant, will this give them a second chance?

I thought this was a really cute closed door romance debut. I loved the small town feel and the town the author created. I enjoy a winery type setting for a romance and this one was perfect. The MC’s were likeable but I will admit I didn’t quite feel their connection. I enjoyed that the story allowed them to grow independently before coming back together but the way in which they handled it felt a bit younger than their stated ages for me.

There was some great feels in this story though. It had more of a family love vs romance feel to me, which was still really nice. Some great side characters, like Stefan, who really knew how to get your emotions in the end. It could have been a little less detailed, flowing smoother- but I think it was meant to set the series up just right. It took some time, like wine does, to really savour. I hope it’s ok I enjoyed Emily the most. The hilarious spunky best friend- I just felt I connected to her. And I hope that she’ll have a story next- because I see great potential for her story!

Thank you to the author, Forever Publishing and Grand Central Publishing for this eARC for my honest review.

This is a sweet heartwarming second chance romance that you don't want to miss. The author brings the book to life with her words, you can see the scenery and the people become your friends. I look forward to next book in this series. Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I received an advance copy of, Forever with You, by Barb Curtis. Jay Wynter returns to his hometown of Sapphire Springs. This book was ok. The characters were decent, I was just a little bored though.

Forever With You is the debut novel by Barb Curtis and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
Well honestly I prefer the first person narration BUT in Forever With You it's the third person and in my opinion it totally fits better to the story itself and the mood of it too.
This book is the story of Leyna and Jay. Both were childhood sweethearts and everything seemed picture perfect until it didn't anymore. Jay broke up with Leyna and left her behind... then they meet again... years later and back in Sapphire Springs. Leyna is furious and can't believe Jay is back in town. But a rough start turns into so much more and both find out that they grew up and can deal with all the effects of the past broke up.
Awwwww! You really need to fall in love with Leyna and Jay like I did!
I loved both characters and all their friends and the people in Sapphire Springs! I really wanna move to this small town please!
I totally felt with Leyna! Of course her heart was broken at first... and then when everything changed I also fell in love with Jay too. ♡
Both personalities were so likeable! They're like friends to me now that I know their whole story. I laughed with them, I cried, swooned and felt with them. Every step of their way to a HEA?! You'll have to find out for yourself! ;)
Thank you so much Barb Curtis for sharing this really good second chance love story!
I can't wait to read more from you! ♡

Thanks to Forever Publishing for the ARC via Netgalley.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

The reason Jay Wynter left Sapphire Springs was because he wanted to be successful his own way and to build a career from scratch away from his families backing.

But, he's now a successor to Wynter Estate, so he must return to his small hometown to face everything AND everyone, he left behind - his high school sweetheart, the person who also happens to be his stunning new business partner.

So, Leyna Milan knows that family legacies come with strings attached, and she's determined to prove to anyone that she can run her family's restaurant.

She didn’t expect that by honoring her grandfather's wishes, it meant opening a second location, that too on her ex's property or having guard the heart he shattered years before.

But, working together closely, she’s coming to realise that maybe a first love deserves a second chance.

So will Jay and Leyna give their first love a second chance??? Will she prove that she’s capable of running a restaurant???

This is a sweet second chance romance set in the lovely town of Sapphire Springs- at a winery! Jay left his family's vineyard and his sweetheart Leyna twenty years ago to study and work in France. She stayed in town, working with her grandfather's restaurant Rosalina. Turns out their grandfathers had a deal to bring a second restaurant to his vineyard. Jay comes home when his grandfather falls ill and well, you know what happens next. I liked this for these two characters, as well as for the setting. Then there's the storytelling, which keeps you reading past when you should have put it down. The fact that Leyna is sharp at business is an extra- she's got clear eyes. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a nice start to a new series and I'm curious who in Sapphire Springs will be the subject of the next installment.

A second chance romance set in small town wine country--we couldn't have the more perfect setting for the rekindling of old feelings! Our leads, Jay and Leyna dated in high school before Jay left for an apprenticeship in France and Leyna went to college. Now, 18 years later, Jay is back to help his ailing grandfather run his vineyard while Leyna has already taken over her grandfather's restaurant. While a partnership forged by the grandparents bring them closer together? Or is it better not to mix business with pleasure?

This book was really sweet. I really loved both Jay and Leyna and was rooting for them the whole time. There were excellent subplots revolving around Leyna's inheritance and who would take over Jay's grandfather's vineyard. They added intrigue to the romance plot but seemed purposefully present rather than thrown in. I also loved learning more about the process of making wine and wine in general! This book was clean, but not in a way that made you feel like you were missing out, or that the characters were cookie cutter perfect. I think there was just the right amount of everything.

I'm assuming we're getting Leyna's friend Emily's story next and I can't be more excited!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

5 stars - 8/10

I never know what to expect when reading a new to me author but I definitely liked what I got from Forever with You.

Jay and Leyna are getting the second chance that they should have never needed. I loved how this couple kind of flipped the script of what you expect from the main characters. There were parts of this book that I skimmed since it felt like the story was dragging but I am looking forward to where this author and series goes.

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever, and Grand Central for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I truly enjoyed this book. I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-second chance romance
-enemies/rivals to lovers
-forced partnership
-a wonderful story about family
-a bit of a mystery
-slow burn tension
-closed door romance that is just so sweet
-wine, wine, and more wine

I really enjoyed this second chance romance that took place at a winery. It was just well written and enjoyable. I found myself laughing, calling out for the characters to finally kiss, it sucked me in, in the best ways. I really enjoyed Jay's character. He was insecure about his dyslexia. Both Jay and Leyna were dealing with being the heirs to the family business. While Leyna stepped up, with the pressure of being a woman, Jay fled.

This book is like a sweet Hallmark movie that you want to sit down with a glass of wine and enjoy. I can't wait for more in this series and from this author.

Trigger warnings: grief, parental abandonment, death of a parent/grandparent

Rating: 5
Steam: 2