Since You’ve Been Gone by Tari Faris is a delightful contemporary Christian novel. It is the third book in the Restoring Heritage series but can be read as a stand-alone.
There is the theme of dreams. We all have them. We need to pursue our own dream and not take on the dreams of others. We need to make our own paths.
Like-wise “she was no longer defined by her past or her father’s choices.” We are defined by who we are in Jesus.
We all have a past. Sometimes we view our shared pasts in a different way to others. We were so involved in our feelings and had a fear of rejection that we fail to see what is staring us in the face.
Friends are important. We all need friends who will support and encourage us.
There are some misunderstandings in life. We see something but fail to interpret it correctly. We judge when we should be loving. My heart broke for a character who as a teen wore make-up to disguise the bruises… and no one saw the hurting teen beneath.
Hurts in the past may mean we wall up our heart. “Walling yourself up doesn’t make you safer. Just lonelier.” We live in a prison of our own making. We need to take a chance and let love in. “Love is letting someone in and trusting them even though they have the potential to break your heart.”
There is the theme of fathers – some good, some bad. We must not make the mistake of judging God with the characteristics of our own fathers. “If she couldn’t make this work, God was bound to give up on her for good.”. God is the perfect Father. He can be trusted. He will never give up on us. We can trust in His plans and in His timing for our lives.
Grief hurts, no matter how many years have passed. “I don’t think that grief ever goes away. It just looks different.”
Since You’ve Been Gone was a charming read with some important godly lessons for us all. I loved it.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

My thoughts: there are two romances going in this book by Tara. The contemporary romance set in the upper part of the lower peninsula of Michigan near Ludington àn area I am well familiar with. I like the romance between the musician and his girl the best, it seemed more real. The main one I couldn't connect with the characters as well. The hero was bossy and the heroine clung too much to her past injustices and kept harping on them over and over and over. I loved Otis the hippo and a sweet older man who might have had something to do with the town's biggest secret. All in all I recommend this as a sweet romance with us weak Faith message. Check it out you might like it too. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

If you loved the first two books in this series, you’re in for a treat with the third!

After spending a few years in Costa Rica helping her brother’s mission organization, Leah Williams returns to her hometown of Heritage, Michigan, keen on revitalizing her grandfather’s business: The Want It Find It store, abbreviated WIFI for short. Sure, the acronym is a bit misleading, but she can’t help but want to try to make it as grand as it was for her as a kid. When she goes to the bank to get a loan, she expects to meet with Dale Kensington, who is well known throughout town and a hard nose for business. Instead, she finds that she is working with his nephew Jon, who made her life in high school insanely difficult. She tries to find anyway that she can avoid him, but utterly realizes that she will have to put their differences in the past and work alongside him as a business partner. Can this relationship get any worse?

So, if you’ve read the first two books, then you know how the formula is going to for in this series: two relationships spring up between people that you would least expect that have to reconcile their differences to make it work. Two of the people are from Heritage and the other relationship has one from Heritage and one outside. Ultimately something happens from the past that jeopardizes one of the relationships, but then the “wronged” person learns something they did for them that makes them realize they love them and BAM, you have a future marriage. All that said, the story lines of the characters are all different and each resonates differently with readers. I love the return of Madison Westmore from the first book, who was such a disliked character. Her maturity and backstory will soften readers’ hearts towards her and make all enjoy the story!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

This is a novel about coming home and second starts or chances. Heritage is a lovely small town but it's still hard to overcome everyone's memories of how or who you used to be. Both Leah and Jon and Madison and Colby seem doomed in their efforts to find common ground but when forced to work together, they start to see the real person behind the memories or facades.

This story also highlighted the value of a few good friends who are willing to speak truth to you when you're blinded by your emotions. One such friend encouraged Madison, "Don't let your story be something that weighs you down. Let it be what sets you free" (location 3617). Good advice, made possible, I think, when you know that your sins are forgiven and you are saved by God's grace.

I enjoyed the story but Leah's personality was a little abrasive to me. It was hard to see her jump to conclusions so quickly and twist everything Jon said or did. A highlight of the story was learning more about the history of Otis, the hippo that mysteriously moves around the town square. I appreciate when a series brings closure and doesn't leave something like that hanging.

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book. I enjoyed it and would recommend it. All opinions are my own.

This was another cute read in that sort of slow burn romance people love to read about.
Premise
Leah Williams is back in the quaint town of Heritage, Michigan, and ready to try again to make her business a success. But blank slates are hard to come by, and a piece of her past is waiting for her there. Heir to the Heritage Fruits company, Jonathan Kensington is the guy who not only made Leah's past difficult, he also seems determined to complicate her present as well.

Jon is trying to prove to the Heritage Fruits board that he, not his manipulative uncle, should be running the business. The board insists Jon find a new owner for the building that will house Leah's business. To avoid forcing a buyout of Leah's part of the building, Jon strikes a compromise with Leah, and the two go into business together. With her vision and his know-how, it might work. And Leah might realize he's loved her since high school. If only he didn't keep on shooting himself in the foot by boxing her out of important decisions.
I like the storyline between Jon and Leah although they didn’t have as much chemistry that draws me in with other titles it was still a cute story nonetheless.

I must admit; I enjoyed this book more than the typical contemporary romance. While I read contemporary fiction from time to time, it is usually just for fun when I am in a rut. But this book had more depth to it than a lot of books in the genre. It is a story that I think will stick with me for a long time.

Leah was a stand-out heroine. She was unique in many ways and set herself apart from many of her contemporaries. I loved that she had her own sense of style and was a very driven person. Her dedication to reopening her grandfather’s store was stirring. I liked Jon. He’s not my favorite sort of hero, but his love for Leah and dedication to his sister was endearing, making him a solid character.

Heritage is most definitely a character itself in the book. I love these small town settings that offer plenty of quirks. Descriptions of the quaint little town, its diner and small businesses, as well as Otis, the moving brass hippo, will have readers wishing they could head to Michigan themselves to spend a week in this charming place.

Fans of Melissa Tagg and Becky Wade will love this book. If you’re looking for a contemporary romance with a charming setting and a solid faith message, Since You’ve Been Gone is your ticket.

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

Leah is done with trying to fulfil others' dreams - it's time to work on her own. Unfortunately, her dream of reviving her grandad's store requires her to work with her high school nemesis, Jon. Worse, there's an attraction between them and she's seen from her parents how such relationships can end up. Jon may come across as confident, but since his parents' deaths, which left him in charge of his dad's company and trying to bring up a rebellious teenage sister, he's felt anything but. Will Leah ever be willing to really give her heart to anyone else - 100%? And will Jon find his feet in time to save the company - and his relationships with his sister and Leah?

I think I've missed a book or two in this series - I'll have to go back and read them because this book confirmed that I really enjoy this author, though it's not necessary to have read previous books to enjoy this one. The author did a really great job of presenting Leah's fears and the reasons for them, and I loved watching her gradually overcome them - and likewise Jon and his issues. I also enjoyed the growing relationship between Madison and Colby - it was beautiful. All in all, a great story and I'll definitely be looking out for more by the author. Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Number 3 but actually fifth book in the series with a .5 and a 2.5 included in the line up. The heroine I met in .5 and I remember thinking that's the next couple while reading 2.5 in December last year with just a snippet of a mention in the first few chapters. This story did not disappoint, with the added bonus of a secondary romance. Both romances take us on a journey of redemption and forgives with totally different elements in each case. No cookie-cutter writing here. Our main couple Leah and Jonathan have known each other practically their whole loves but do not have the best history. Our secondary romance Madison and Colby just meet in this book, though readers of this series met Madison previously and she may not have been a favourite. Redemption and forgiveness. As I read through any novel I get a sense of how I want it to end even if I can't see how with the situation is where I'm reading. If the author changes it up on me I'm not disappointed as long as I can believe it. I can also be disappointed to get what I want if it's done badly. I got a little bit of what I wanted and a little bit of a change up but I am 100% satisfied with the ending. If you've read the previous four books (2 novellas and 2 novels) you will be very happy to reconnect with some of your past favorite characters and catch up on what's been going on in their lives. One of the best parts of a series. If you are a fan of this series you've met Otis and I'm sure you've wondered like I have about him. Well there is a big reveal but you've got to read the book to get the scoop. No spoilers. :)

#BookReview: SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE by Tari Faris 5 stars

“Right now her head and her heart wanted very different things, and she didn’t know which one to listen to.”

It’s been awhile and I am glad to be back in Heritage. It’s fun to read about the people I have met in the previous books in the series. For the most part, I think you can read this as a standalone but I suggest you read the other books too. This is the best one for me. It hit the right spots at the right time.

Similar to her other books, there are two couples involved. I’d say Leah and Jon are the main leads and then we have Madison and Colby’s story. I have met Leah before with her sister, Caroline. Leah is back from Costa Rica. Jon is also in Heritage to take over his dad’s company. He doesn’t have enough experience but he knows he wants to keep his family’s heritage. Jon is consistent with his feelings for Leah. But they are nemesis because Leah misunderstood Jon’s actions for something negative. This one made me think how many times we have done this during our lifetime too. This can be applied in other situations in our lives. Something might be good but because our minds are clouded with pessimistic thoughts, we are not able to enjoy it.

When things don't go her way, Leah moves on to something new. It sounds familiar, doesn’t it? We tend to do that unknowingly sometimes. My point here is the book is full of lines that can be applied to our lives. To pause, ponder upon and pray about. Extending grace and forgiveness are themes of this book as well.

I have enjoyed the love story of the two couples. Different stories but relatable. This book is full of supportive friends too. I like how Madison calls Leah’s group of friends as the Conjoined Five. I have cried and laughed with all of them. Heritage is a small town that brings people together to cherish and love forever.

Thank you @Revell and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Since You've Been Gone is a novel with two romances. The first features Leah and Jon. I love Jon. He is a hard working man with a lot of responsibility and so sweet. Leah I liked. She was a tad annoying at times but over all she could be my friend. The second romance was my favorite actually. This featured Madison and Colby. I loved both of them. This is a sweet and inspirational read.
We actually find out in this book how Otis moves around. So that was fun.
3.5 stars
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Since You’ve Been Gone is a very well written romance. Loved the plot and character dynamics. Highly recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

With an engaging style of writing and great character development, the author pulled me into this story quickly. This book can be read alone but if you read the series in order you have a better understanding of the other characters and backstory. I enjoyed Jon and Leah’s romance and the tension between them. It’s refreshing to read about a boy having the crush on the girl back in high school and I thought the author nailed it with how teens can misread each other’s intentions.. The relationship between Madison and Colby went too quick for me and wasn’t believable. I think with the obstacles they had to overcome, they are real and difficult but we’re too easily wrapped up in this book. They deserved their own book with a lengthier storyline.

This is book three in The Restoring Heritage Series and it is Leah and Jonathan's story and the secondary characters are Dolby and Madison and it is a must read. Tari Faris is a new author to me and as I love to reading work by new authors I decided to give it ago and I was so glad that I did as I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I love a happy ending which this book certainly provided that. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the start and kept you turning the pages right until the end, it was so well written that I couldn't put it down as I wanted to see what would happen next between these couple's. There are twists and turns along with forgiveness, hurt, betrayal, pain and many other situations and that is what makes this such a great story and I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future. I recommend you read this book and you will definitely not be disappointed.

I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this book.

Double the sweetness!

After Jon's parents were killed, he stayed in Europe playing basketball and let his uncle run his father's business because he just wasn't ready to accept their deaths. But when his sister gets kicked out of her London boarding school, he decides its time to move back to Heritage and run his father's business ... like his dad wanted him to. Leah is back in Heritage to re-open her grandfather's store WIFI, and all she has to do is convince Jon's uncle to give her a chance to make that happen. But when she walks into the meeting, she's shocked to see Jon himself ... the guy who made fun of her in high school. Can they be partners in this business without falling in love ... or killing each other?

Madison never intended to be back in Heritage after a rough childhood. But here she is dealing with her dad's estate ... she only hopes she can renovate and sell everything before it's too noticable that she's pregnant. Colby's music career is all but over after his singing partner stole the money they were raising for people in need. His friend convinces him to come and lay low in Heritage. On his first day there he never expected to meet a beautiful woman who didn't know who he was ... and that point alone intrigued him. She offers him a job helping her paint and he jumps at the chance in hopes of getting to know her better.

These two love stories are sweet romances that will have you swooning. I cheered throughout the book for Jon & Leah and Colby & Madison to have their happily-ever-after. A great addition to the series.

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

In the concluding novel of this series, we have two relationships budding, but we also get to revisit past characters and catch up with them. We also learn the mystery behind Otis the Hippo! (I know it's odd, but this was one of my favorite parts.) One theme of the book is about growing forward and allowing others to do the same. Just because someone makes mistakes in the past doesn't mean that they should always be defined by them (and isn't this a lesson that SO MANY people could keep in mind these days). Jon and Leah have a bumpy past; Madison worked so hard to hide her upbringing, but can't seem to escape it; and Colby has had his name publicly drawn through the mud for something he didn't do. In shades of nuanced grey, the characters grow and mature, learning to let go.

Some books have a lesson that touches you.

Then, there are other books, books like Since You've Been Gone, where the lesson just reaches out with each smooth turn of the page with a brush of love from the author's heart to paper and then into a reader's touch. The way she wove such a careful story of redemption, healing from wounds inflicted by those who should be the ones you can always go to, and that each and every person is special was one not easily forgotten.

Tari Faris is an auto need to read, where is my copy, kind of author. She's been that way since I read You Belong with Me when it first came out. The way that the characters come to life, the town becomes a piece of your heart, and you never want to stop reading it makes me wish there was more.

Jon, oh, okay, Jon! He's just so close to stealing Nate's place as my favorite of the guys, but so are Luke, Grant, and Colby, oh, and I can't forget Chet! They are just such sweet guys that I loved reading about. The girls are also so awesome, can I just be Hannah when I grow up? Yeah, and then there's of course Leah. Yikes, it was crazy relating to her about things but not being able to imagine what happened to her and her family in the past. And, sweet Jimmy! I loved finding out what happened with him though I totally called it. Abby is somebody I really want to see more of in the future.

The sibling relationship/guardianship and raising a little sister for Jon and Abby were so bittersweet... I worried there for a bit that there wouldn't be an outcome I liked. Did I like it? More than I can say but you need to find out for yourself if you agree on that ending!

As happy as I am that this series has ended, I am saddened to leave the world of Restoring Heritage and the characters that are now like old friends.

Warnings: 18+ due to romance, past abuse, mentions of drinking/drunks, unwed pregnancy before the book starts and a character knows God, etc. Mentions of attraction, sexy is used, some other focuses on attraction.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Two romances in one endearing and charming story. I have not read the previous two books in this series. Heritage sounds as if it would have been a great place to live. Love Otis. Sweet and tender moments, which may cause some tears to fall.

I can't be the only person who appreciates seeing characters work out things that I deal with in my own life. Somehow seeing it in fiction helps clarify real life. Very rarely are they actually going through what I am, but the underlying thoughts are often the same or very similar.

My thoughts on this book are fairly random and disjointed but here are a few things that stood out to me...
- Leah is such an awesome character. I wish I could be as cool as her :)
- The Otis mystery is solved and not at all what I was expecting! I didn't spend much time guessing but I never would have guessed that!
- I was not expecting Madison to come back but it was actually really good.

I think the biggest thing I noticed was the themes of unconditional love and pursuing love. You kind of had that in the other books (I'm mostly thinking of Olivia) but it was much more obvious here. Our characters had past mistakes and hurts that led to them running or pushing away anyone who wanted to be close and love them, but their friends and family wouldn't give up and just kept offering love no matter what. It was very sweet.

This was a nice series and I loved all the uniquely Michigan aspects!!! Now I have to decide if I'm going to spend the money to read the novellas :)

First time reading this author. Had I known this was Chrisitan fiction, I would probably not have read it.

Lovely conclusion to the Restoring Heritage Series!

Five young women are at the center of each novel/novella. In Since You've Been Gone, Leah's story is front and center. After her father abandoned his family, Leah has a difficult time trusting and instead chooses to leave a job, project or relationship if things don't go exactly as planned. When serving overseas didn't work out as she wanted, Leah returns to Heritage to re-open the store built by her grandparents.

Jon and teenage sister Abby also return to Heritage after Jon's basketball career in England ends and his sister's behavior is less than ideal. Jon returns to the company he owns, but has let his uncle lead in his absence. Tension abounds between Jon and his uncle with their competing priorities.

It was heartwarming to turn the digital pages as Jon, Leah and Abby grew as characters. The ending was wonderful. And I can't leave out Otis. The reveal wasn't surprising, but the details behind it were. This town ornament was a fabulous inclusion in the series.

A secondary story line for musician Colby and troubled Madison was equally engaging as the primary thread of Leah and Jon.