"But loving someone isn't never failing them. It's you choosing them and them choosing you day in and day out, even when the failures happen."

I love this small town of Heritage, MI and I am so glad that I got the chance to go back. Tari Faris once again brings the readers into the tight-knit circle of Heritage, where gossip blooms like wildflowers but also where love, acceptance, and mercy flow like a wild river. I enjoyed catching up with the myriad of characters from the previous books in the series and loved getting to know Leah/Jon and Madison/Colby as individuals and couples. With easy-to-read writing style and characters that pull at your heartstrings, this book will captivate you and help you fall in love with Heritage a little more.

I really loved Colby and his faithful steadfastness and relentless unconditional commitment to Madison. His living out his faith softens the edges of Madison who's had a tough life with disappointments, hurts, and pain. Jon has so many seesawing emotions to battle - from hot and cold reception of his long-time crush Leah to struggling for his rightful place in his father's company to working for peace and solidarity with his teenage sister - but his optimism and thoughtful care of Leah makes him a great hero. There are tried and true life and faith lessons embedded into each character's faults and triumphs - lessons about facing fears and failures head-on, receiving and extending mercy and grace, inviting others to share the journey, allowing God to lead and love. And, of course, there is Otis....

If you enjoy contemporary romance with heart and substance, you will absolutely love this book. I received the book from publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

You know that feeling you get when something you really, really love finally comes to an end? That bittersweet satisfaction? That wish for more but the sigh that comes as you turn the last page?

Yeah. That's how you'll feel after reading Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris. Hearts will be broken, and then mended better than before. Secrets will be revealed and tears will flow. Old fictional friends will return, and some will surprise you.

And one of the greatest mysteries of the series will be solved. But you'll still wish you could live in Heritage!

My thanks to the publisher for an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Since You've Been Gone
by Tari Faris
Book 3 in the Restoring Heritage series
Rating: 4.5/5

One of the things I love about Tari Faris is she likes to give the reader two love stories in one book. The characters are great and it's nice to catch up with characters from the other two books in the series. However, this book can be read by itself without confusion. I do still recommend reading the other two books though because they are also great.

Leah is back in her hometown and wants to revive her grandfather's general store. However, she needs the cooperation of the Kensingtons without compromising her vision. When she discovers Jon is back and helping run the company, she doesn't know how to handle it. For some reason, Jon has always had it out for her and she can't explain why. Meanwhile, Jon has had a huge crush on Leah since high school but his words always seem to be misunderstood when he speaks to her. Can these two find a way to partner in business and maybe in love?

Madisen is back in her hometown but only briefly to renovate her childhood home to sell it. When Colby's friend invites him to lay low in Heritage, he takes a chance and even offers to help Madisen with renovations. As a Christian musician who's looking to avoid scandal, Colby finds Heritage more interesting after meeting Madisen. She has her own secrets and is afraid that her small town will judge her based on her actions during high school. Can Colby convince her to open up her heart to her town again and maybe even him?

The themes of redemption and learning to trust and forgive are prominent and really resonate with the reader. I love how naturally the author incorporates faith into the story. I always love returning to Heritage and am sad the series is over.

Highly recommend if you enjoy Christian contemporary romance with humor, heart and small towns.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.