This is a wonderful Christian contemporary romance with great characters in a small town setting, and all that you would expect where everyone knows each other. We get to watch the ups and downs of the development of a relationship of two different couples. Jon and Leah have known each other all their life but with a lot of misunderstanding and resentment from high school, especially on Leah's part. Now they are thrown together in a business deal and things can get pretty tense. Colby and Madison meet for the first time. Colby is taking time off from his Christian music career after a bad situation while Madison, a new Christian, is home to close out her dad's estate. All of these people have lessons to learn about overcoming issues that can hinder living life to the fullest...issues dealing with trust, overcoming fears, forgiveness in order to love and have strong faith in being the person who God created. Loved it! Tari Faris has another winner!
I received a complimentary ARC from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

After waiting months to find out what happens next in this entertaining series by Tari Faris, I quickly read this final book of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters in the story. The plot kept me interested and her writing style kept me turning the pages. I would definitely recommend this book and series to anyone looking for a fun, clean, romance story.

Ah, the last book in a series.
I have throughly enjoyed my time spent in Heritage!
And this book finally gave some great insight.......I'm not talking about the romance or the character growth, I'm talking about Otis! If you don't know what I'm talking about grab the first novel in the series!
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My questions about Otis aside.
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I enjoyed this story.
I always love a good redemption story and probably loved the secondary couple the most. I love when an author can take a character that you don't like, and give their story in a way that makes you root for them! This always reminds me personally to remember that even people in real life have a reason for how they act.
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I really loved Jon, he was so patient and sweet, I loved how her really grew into his place and I cheered for him to stand up for himself.
Leah did get on my nerves a few times with how quickly she jumped to conclusions, yet when I saw her grow I saw much of myself and was able to take away reminders for my own life.
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Hhe book was well brought together, with some humor, great banter, great romance and a satisfying ending.

I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions in this review are my own and honest.

I haven't had the pleasure of reading either the first book in Tari Faris' Restoring Heritage series or the novellas, but I loved the second book, and couldn't wait to dive into the third. I'm in awe of the way this author can tell a heart wrenching romance with lots of witty banter and laugh out loud moments along the stay, while still making sure that Jesus stays at the heart of the story. I had a feeling right from the opening lines that I was really going to love this one, and I'm so thankful that's exactly what ended up happening.

Tari Faris is truly a mastermind at crafting stories that connect the characters to the heart of each and every one of her readers, and oh did this book give me all the feels. From the synopsis, I knew we were going to be getting Jon and Leah's long awaited romance, but I ended up surprising myself that this wasn't actually my favorite part of the book. Readers are treated to a second romance between two characters, Colby and Madison, and their story is beautiful, heartwarming, and an always needed reminder that things are never all they seem, and our Heavenly Father always has the master plan if we're willing to follow His guidance and wait on His timing.

Jon, Madison and Colby all show such growth throughout the entirety of the story, and I loved how redemption, grace and second chances are all heavily emphasized throughout the main messages. Since You've Been Gone is another stellar release from a fantastic newish voice to the Christian fiction genre, and I will definitely be recommending this one to anyone who is a fan of Christian contemporaries.

The only negative for me was Leah's character. I found her kind of selfish, flighty and quick to make judgements, especially where Jon was concerned. I wished we'd have seen a little bit more maturity develop in her character, but I loved the rest of the characters and the story, and was so thankful that we got not just one, but two beautiful romances in this contemporary tale.

Final Rating: 4/5.

Thanks so much to Revell for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Revell) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Since You’ve Been Gone by Tari Faris is the third book in her Restoring Heritage Series. As with her previous books, this one not only features a dual romance but continues on with the lives of beloved characters we’ve encountered before. Full of small town charm, Faris weaves a tale ripe with tension, personal struggle, love, and hope. I could not help but become invested in the story unfolding before me as the characters embedded themselves into my heart. Sweet, tender, relevant, and thoughtful, I absolutely adored this book!

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Since You’ve Been Gone. There were just so many different elements that I enjoyed. One thing that I really liked was the two storylines. Although the synopsis only mentions one couple, the second couple (Colby and Madison) have a fantastic story. The message of forgiveness, redemption and identity is such a great message that so many people need to hear.

Another great element of this book was the small-town feel of Heritage. Reading this series, I have fallen a little in love with this town. I loved hearing more about Otis (and I have to say I totally guessed part of his story from book 1). I loved the small-town relationships. This series is one you don’t want to miss.

This is definitely one of my favourite reads this month. If you are looking for a sweet Christian romance with a small-town feel and strong Christian themes then you definitely want to check out Tari Fari’s Restoring Heritage series. But you definitely need to start with the beginning of the series.

I may have just found a new author to add to my favorites list!! I would give this book 10 stars if I could! Absolutely sweet and clean with hints of romantic tension! I am totally hooked and plan to continue finding more and more books by Teri Faris!

This is the third and final book in this series, and while the books build on each other, the author does a great job of updating us.

My heart broke for poor Madison, and the life she has led, and the assumptions that others made.

We are given hurting individuals, Jon and Abby have lost their parents, and Leah's mom has passed away, but will she ever get over her father's leaving?

Will Leah's business ever get off the ground? Will Jon ever assert himself in the family business? Most of all will these hurting individuals see what is right in front of them?

Small towns do tend to dabble in other peoples personal business and assumptions are made, but updates are revealed and there are surprises. We don't always know what goes on behind closed doors.

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

Leah and Jon are back in Heritage to prove themselves. Jon has loved Leah since HS. However they clashed in HS. Leah is stubborn independent and full of life. Jon wants to help her get her store back on the ground. Jon is also trying to be a guardian to his teenage sister Abby. Jon is trying to build trust with Abby and Leah. Jon wants to help Leah with her dream. Leah took part of Jon's heart years ago. Leah brings color to Jon's gray world. Leah has trust issues. Leah realizes she has to trust Jon and take a chance. Tari brings all the characters in her books alive. All her characters seem like old friends. This is wonderful small town romance series. I also love the secondary love story. My favorite quote from this book is: Loving someone is choosing them and them choosing you day in day out when failures happen.

Since You’ve Been Gone is delightful! I love the wonderful array of characters and personalities. The townsfolk are so lively, familiar, and colorful and even the mysterious hippo adds to the towns charm.

I loved each character so easily, as if I was a part of the Heritage community. Madison and Leah are so very different, but I connected with them both and empathized with their stories. And Jon and Colby stole opposite pieces of my heart to make it feel so full and fulfilled. I loved these love stories and empathized with each character’s path to healing.

And then there is Otis, Heritage’s beloved traveling hippo. I adored his consistency and familiarity throughout this series, and the mystery and reward of his slice of each book.

As I finished SYBG, I felt a bit of sadness (that the series was ending) but a huge smile still stretched across my face. This is a meaningful, fulfilling, and inspiring tale that shows us the importance of forgiveness, faith, friendship, and perseverance. Tari Faris is quickly rising toward the top of my list of favorite authors. I’m certain to read her next book.

Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.

This isn't the best book I've read this year, but it is a light read that is entertaining for a few hours. I wasn't too sure about it in the beginning, and I wasn't sure I wanted to finish it, but the more I got into it. the more I found to like about it.

The character I liked best in the whole book was Otis, the brass hippo. In this book, the reader finds out Otis' secrets, including how Otis came into being. and that alone makes the book worth reading. I am glad that this is the last book in the series, because Otis is the lynchpin that held the series together.

Tari Faris is a fairly good author whose style of writing was a bit formulaic for me. It's still a good "palate cleanser" type book that goes well between heavier reads.

Leah has come home to Heritage to sort out her grandmother's home and possibly reopen her grandfather's store. The one thing standing between her and reaching her goals is Jon, the boy who teased her unmercifully in high school. Somehow, they have to come together to make a partnership for the business. Jon's Uncle Dale tries to throw a monkey wrench into the works at every turn as far as the business goes. Working things out for Leah's and Jon's relationship becomes a full time job in addition to getting the store back into operating condition.

I give this book four stars.

Revell Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

An inspirational series-ender from Tari Faris! Since You’ve Been Gone concludes Faris’ Restoring Heritage series in a satisfying and compelling way. I really liked Jon’s character, although Leah annoyed me sometimes. I liked her in the end, though. There is a secondary romantic plot line, between Madison and Colby, that I ultimately enjoyed but I wish it had been given more time to develop. The relationship was rushed and their points of view were included but limited. Still, it was inspirational and I always appreciate Faris’ writing style.

Fans of small town romance won’t want to miss the Restoring Heritage series or Faris’ gift for writing about faith, love, and friendship. I promise you’ll never regret picking up one of her stories. 4/5 stars

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

A new author for me, and I really enjoyed this clean story with a hint of spirituality in it, but not overly religious, shows how a faith and reliance with a trust in God to give the desired outcome. Two stories in the one book entwined together both with HEA, I would recommend this book.

This is such a great series (and I am hoping it’s not the end of Heritage stories….) - I think this is one of my favorites so far!

When Leah and Jon were in high school, there were a number of misunderstandings between them - namely that Leah is still so scarred by her dad’s abandonment that she makes a number of assumptions that are simply not true.

Dealing with his own trauma - Jon’s parents were killed in a car accident, which leads to his inheriting his dad’s company along with the burden of his family legacy, and guardianship of his 17 year old sister; he is going through a lot...but none of it changes the fact that he has been in love with Leah for years.

When they go into business together the potential for success (and perhaps more misunderstanding) is high, but when a series of unfortunate events occur, will Leah run again? Or will she allow for the possibility of a forever love?

This series is not only a lot of fun with its quirky characters, beautiful friendships, and small town awesomeness, it’s touching and even thought provoking. It is easy to recommend this entire series (and you knew I was going to say this but….start from the beginning, as it will make your reading experience even richer!)

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris is book 3 in the Restoring Heritage series. I've read the first two books in this series and I have to say that this book ties everything up so beautifully. Heritage is a place you will want to visit again and again. This book could be read as a standalone novel, but I think it is even better read after the first two books. What sets Tari Faris's writing apart? It's not the small hometown or the sweet romance. It's no the quirky characters and interesting predicaments. All of those are definitely present in her books. But Ms Faris has such a unique voice. She weaves together authentic stories that make the small town of Heritage feel like home to readers, even those who have never lived in a small town before. Visit Heritage! A hippo named Otis and characters that feel like family will be there to meet you. I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

With small town charm and the return of beloved characters, Since You've Been Gone, the third installment of author Tari Faris’ Restoring Heritage series, is sure to delight readers of contemporary romance. Ever since reading the first book in the series, Tari Faris quickly became a favorite contemporary romance author of mine. If you've ever lived in a small town where everyone knows everyone, you will love the town of Heritage, Michigan and its residents. I wish Heritage and was real, so I could move there and be friends with all my favorite characters!

This book focuses on Leah Williams and Jon Kensington’s story, along with Madison Westmore and (newcomer to the series) Colby Marc's secondary storyline. Beloved characters from earlier books continue to play a role in the conclusion to the Restoring Heritage series. Readers could jump in and start with this book, but it is recommended to read the series from the beginning to get to know all the characters who are featured. If you've been wondering about the mysterious Otis the hippo, you must read this book!! All your questions will be answered!

Since You've Been Gone is highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance, especially readers who enjoy novels by authors such as Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Courtney Walsh, Melissa Tagg, and Susan May Warren. It is bittersweet to say goodbye to this wonderful cast of characters and the town of Heritage, but I can't wait to see what Tari Faris has in store for us next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I really liked that there were two story lines in this book that intersect in the town of Heritage, Michigan. There was pain and rejection, along with healing and redemption. I enjoyed this book and would like to read more from this author.

Classi.c Tara Faris. Return to Heritage MI w/ the continuation of the Restoring Heritage series. A sweet book w/ new and returning characters. Engaging. Contemporary. Five stars

Since You've Been Gone is the third book in the Restoring Heritage series. Small town stories where two couples find their way back in Heritage, Michigan.

There are a lot of characters to keep up with. Mostly from the other books in the series. Even though I have read the other two, it was a bit difficult remembering about the others, as they played out their roles in the story line.

Leah and Jon's story revolves around her grandfathers general store, which she wants to reopen. Jon offers to help, which starts a round of clearing up misunderstandings. Madison returns to Heritage to sell her childhood home, and meets singer Colby Marc. Madison has a to battle her bad reputation, but Colby tries to win her by proving that people change.

Tari has a way of writing good clean faith filled fiction. Because of all the characters involved, I would suggest reading the other two books in the series first.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Leah is back in her hometown and she is anxious to reopen the store she inherited from her grandfather. Jon is back in town and taking over the business which his father left him. His business directly affects the business that Leah wants to restart. Jon and Leah have history from High School when Jon was infatuated with Leah but Leah never noticed because she was too gun shy about relationships. This is a wonderful story with interesting characters and interaction. I'm now curious about the first two books in this series. I will definitely put this author on my list of favorites.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.