3.5 stars
This was my first story by Kathleen Fuller. She has such cute covers on her books. I was so excited to finally have a chance to read one of her stories. I enjoy opposites attract stories. I read this as a standalone story, but I can see how reading the series in order would add a lot to the overall reading experience.

It took me a little bit to get started, but the momentum got going and it ends strong! Rusty is such a sweet and often overlooked hero. I felt that his southern charm and true gentlemanly ways were wonderful, but his grammar may have dumbed him down a bit for part of the story.

I enjoyed more than one storyline happening in Sold On Love, Harper Wilson and Rusty Jenkins, Harper's parents, and Rusty's delightful Grandpa, in addition to the gift of friendship for both Harper and her Mom.

Fans of Kathleen Fuller are sure to enjoy this contemporary romance set in a small town.

Thank you to the publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

A lighthearted rom com with a My Fair Lady twist.

I was drawn to the Maple Falls series because it is set in my home state, Arkansas, and there aren’t a ton of books set here. I also love small town settings. So while contemporary romance isn’t really my cup of tea, I’ve given these books a try. Overall, I thought it was a nice book, even if it wasn’t the perfect read for me.

Rusty will definitely steal the show for a lot of readers. He is very gentlemanly and is always polite to not only Harper, but to everyone that he comes into contact with. I liked this about him. What I didn’t care for was the way in which he was sometimes portrayed. The southern drawl is laid on very thick and it sometimes felt like he was being cast as…not very smart. I get that he’s supposed to be Harper’s opposite, but I wished he hadn’t come across as such a bumpkin. For instance, there is a scene in which he and Harper are star gazing and he points out different constellations to her, showing that he is a thoughtful person. If there had been more of this, I think I would have liked the character more.

Harper was a little difficult for me to like, as well. As the synopsis suggests, she is very superficial. There are moments when she is vulnerable and we see a different side to her; one that likes to bake and hang out at home in her pajamas. But there didn’t seem to be enough depth to this character and I just couldn’t connect with her.

There is a subplot to this book referring to Harper’s parents’ shaky marriage. I really didn’t care for this; neither her mom or her dad were likable enough for me to really care about their story and it didn’t add anything to the book in my opinion.

I did like the setting of the book. It’s cozy and sweet, even if it is a bit idealized. Maple Falls sounds like a charming place to visit, especially in the fall, which is the time of year in which this book takes place.

I think those who love a good rom com with small town settings will definitely want to read Sold on Love.

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

Sold on Love is the third book in the Maple Valley series. While characters from the previous novels make an appearance, I do believe this could be read as a standalone with no problem. That said, you likely will get a better feel the friendship and town dynamics by reading in order.

This series has been such an enjoyable one for me. First of all, I love a good pun, so the titles of each of these novels with their play on words were definitely what drew me in. Thankfully, the stories inside were just as wonderful as their titles. In this one, we focus on Harper and Rusty. Harper is a real estate agent who loves fashion and Rusty an auto mechanic who is often covered in grease. I always enjoy a good opposites attract story... my husband and I are quite the opposites ourselves! (I did in fact see bits of us in these two characters!) I felt like these two were written well, and had me both frustrated at their misunderstandings but also rooting for them too... yes, they certainly drew me in and had me emotionally invested all around. There was also a bit of a side story with Harper's parents, and while initially I wasn't sure about that addition, in the end it was really enjoyable as well.

Overall, this is a great addition to the series. If you love a good, clean romance this is certainly one not to be missed.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

I love love love this series!

Sold on Love is the third installment in Kathleen Fuller's Maple Falls Romance series. In my opinion, each book gets better and better! I love the small town feel of each book, and Fuller creates characters that brim with life, humor, and romance.

Although I do recommend reading these books in order, You can fully enjoy Harper and Rusty's story without doing so. Prepare to fall in love with these characters and fight alongside them as they each try to find a place to belong with their family struggles and with each other.

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

Sold on Love is the third book in Kathleen Fuller’s Maple Falls series. Each book is a standalone. In this story the reader finds young up and coming realtor and fashionista Harper Wilson as she is working twice as hard with limited results in her hometown of Maple Falls, Arkansas. At this rate, not only is her business in a steep decline, but her lifestyle is also at risk. Not to mention her little red Mercedes dream car is failing her. It seems the only reliable constant in her life is her friend from childhood, Rusty Jenkins.

Rusty owns and operates his own garage, a legacy business from his grandfather, and is frequently visited by Harper and her troublesome Mercedes. While he is dogmatic about fixing all of the bugs in the vehicle, he is at a loss with its owner.

When Harper is tasked with getting an eligible bachelor for a local charity bachelor auction, she asks Rusty. However, it will take a complete makeover to get him ready for the event. When his aging grandfather volunteers to participate, well that’s another story. The elder, Senior, is very ready to go.

Rusty is also interested in selling the family home and relocating to a home that will be more accessible for his grandfather’s failing vision. And, of course, he has a developing friendship with Harper that he only dreams of being more. The double sales could be the boost Harper’s failing business could use. But is her business failing by natural causes or is there an unknown enemy trying to defeat her?

This is a very interesting story with several plot lines woven together. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

What a sweet story. Harper and Rusty are complete opposites in many ways, yet they do share a brokenness from their past that is something they can relate to.

I also enjoyed the fact that we have Harper’s parents story in here as well, I won’t say much about it, but it’s a nice addition to the main story.

It was nice to see the other characters from the previous books as well and see how they are doing and what they are up to.

Overall, a good read.


A copy of this book was given to me me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I always liked Harper in previous volumes despite and because of how driven she is. She knows what she wants and she works hard to get it. It doesn't always make for a likable character, which is why it's a bold move to make this book all about how that drive and her need to present a perfect facade has separated her from all of her support just when she's drowning in worries.
Rusty is a sweetheart and I've been impatiently waiting to get the HEA he deserves. The fact that he's so incredibly different from Harper on the surface is perhaps what I like the most about this couple. They both push the other's comfort zone to show that just being themselves is enough. I particularly like how they both make the other really look at the path they're on to decide if that's truly what they want.
Another part I enjoyed is that there's also the story of Harper's parents as they face up to the mistakes of the past in their marriage and they decide what they want to do moving forward. It's a great exploration of a more mature relationship and the pitfalls of years of marriage that often doesn't get discussed.
It's a story full of many misunderstandings and lack of communication that manages to keep the drama just light enough to keep things interesting without it ever getting too dark. Plus Rusty and his grandpa, Senior, are too cute for words and I would have still loved the story if it had only been the two of them getting serious and discussing things.

This being the third book in the series makes it a bit of a prerequisite to have read the previous ones to fully enjoy the relationship dynamics and the people living in Maple Falls. That said, I think it would still be an enjoyable reading experience if one were to jump right in with this one, you just wouldn't get all the background goodies.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson-Fiction for the early read!

Absolutely Charming

Harper and Rusty's story is absolutely charming! It grabs you from the very beginning and keeps you engaged right to the end. At first glance, Harper and Rusty, appear to be as different as night and day, with nothing in common. Harper carries herself with all confidence and is always dressed to the nines, with not a hair out of place. Rusty, on the other hand, is very down to earth and humble, and fashion is the furthest thing from his mind. They share nothing in common with their occupations or much else. However, taking deeper look at each of their stories reveals some likenesses. One of these is the hurt and difficulties they've each experienced with their families. While they don't see it, this shared bond plays a small part in how they somehow become kindred spirits.

I loved the romance, humor, and everything about Harper and Rusty's story. I also loved the message that I gleaned from it: People will generally look at what they see on the outside, the clothes the person wears, what occupation a person has, what type of car someone drives, and all sorts of things to make an assumption about a person or pass judgment on them. However, when you take the time to look and see what's on the inside, what's important to the person, how the person treats others, and so on, that's what truly matters. Not what's on the outside.

Watching how Harper and Rusty evolved from friendship to more was absolutely beautiful If you want to see how it all plays out, I highly recommend you read and find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

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

I've read other books in this series, but this was my favorite! I adore rough-around-the-edges guys like Rusty! They are so genuine and real! Rusty is a mechanic and people in town just sort of put him in a "hole" of what they expect. He somewhat fits that part by being "shaggy" in dress and hair! However, underneath it all, he's an amazing guy who has had some hard knocks, both in his childhood and in his relationships. He's most at home in his garage, fixing cars. That doesn't mean he's not lonely. Harper, on the other hand, is stylish, drives a Mercedes, and seems to have the world by the tail! She's a popular real estate agent in town and appears to have it all. However, looks can be deceiving. Her life is crumbling. Real estate sales are non-existent these days, she's having issues with her parents and her ex has decided to come back to town to cause some problems. She is finding that hanging out with Rusty is the best part of her life! Who knew? When she convinces him to be in a bachelor auction and does a quick makeover, she is pleasantly surprised at the physical changes but he's still the sweet guy she is coming to depend on more and more. I also enjoyed the story of Harper's parents. Rusty's grandpa was great too! I literally couldn't put this book down until I finished it! I didn't want it to end!

This is a sweet romance. It takes place in a small town and follows the lives of several characters. The two main characters are Harper and Rusty. Harper is a real estate agent struggling to keep her business afloat. Rusty is the town mechanic always working on her car. They go on a slow journey to finding themselves together as a couple and having forever together.

A charming and delightful romance. Seeming to be polar opposites this couple has a certain magnetism that cannot be denied. A sweet read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed within review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed this opposites-attract story. It was a step up from the previous book in the series for me, and I ended up reading it in just about a day!

There is some alcohol consumption a couple times, which I always have mixed feelings about myself now that I’ve quit drinking; it’s easy for me to opine into how many drinks is too many. But, thankfully both scenes were short (and shorter than similar instances in, again, the previous book in the series).

Rusty is entirely endearing, especially when the reader is tipped off he’s a dead ringer for Sam Heughan, lol. Yes, please!

And, the growth both Rusty and Harper (and Madge/Don) go through over the course of the story is touching, meaningful, and thought-provoking. It made me do some introspection of my own!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is so good! It's a clean sweet small town romance that was a joy to read. It's well written and holds your attention from the first page until the last. I loved everything about this book, the setting, the characters, and how it deals with real life problems. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sold on Love by Kathleen Fuller is a super sweet, clean, and fun read. I loved both Harper and Rusty as characters and felt there was plenty of backstory given on each of them. I did realize after starting the book that it is the third in the Maple Falls Romance series and will say that having not read the first two books did not affect my understanding or enjoyment of this story one bit. Harper is a girly girl, fancy, fashion-loving real estate broker, while Rusty is a mechanic, seems like what my dad would call a "grease-monkey" (that is not negative!), fishing enthusiast, and not into fashion or his appearance. Basically, the two could not be more different. Harper has recently come out of a relationship with an egotistical jerk and Rusty has yet to find true love. The two of them are drawn to each other, but they are about as different as two can be, aside from both being good people at heart.

#BookReview: SOLD ON LOVE by Kathleen Fuller

This is the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone.I have read the first one and I was really looking forward to reading Harper’s story. I ended up liking Rusty more. Harper exuded confidence and class but deep down she had her own insecurities to overcome. She loved to bake which I enjoyed. Rusty was known to be a nice guy in Maple Falls and owns Rusty’s Garage. Their romance was sweet with some misunderstandings. I enjoyed the bits and pieces about real estate, except the one about Brielle.

I had an oh oh feeling about how Harper addressed her parents. There are a couple of instances that reminded me that we are all different. We differ in handling stress for example. There was no emphasis in the book that certain habits were unhealthy. But it points to the fact that there was room for improvement. Change can be hard but we can do it, if we want to.

Overall, I liked the character development and how things ended. If you enjoy clean, small town romance with Christian characters, this one’s for you.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Series: Maple Falls , Book 3
Pub date: 02 Aug 2022

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

This is my third book by Kathleen Fuller. I like so much about her books, including this one - they are Christian fiction, slow moving romance, the characters have other interests besides each other, and the women are strong and independent.

Rusty and Harpers story was fun to follow. Their misunderstandings could happen to anyone. Madge ( Harpers mother ) and Don ( Harpers father ) story was not necessary and not as enjoyable. I still enjoyed the book.

I will be looking for Kathleen Fullers next book.

Harper Wilson has been the good girl. Always pushing to be better because that's how she was raised. Her real estate business has been rocky lately so she keeps trying harder. Rusty Jenkins is hard working mechanic that owns the garage that he works from. It seems that with Harper's red Mercedes it is always breaking down and Rusty is determined to fix it for the last time. This has brought them together in Harper's eyes as just friends. Little did she know that classification was going to change her life. With a little help from her girl friends, she has decided to re-evaluate her life. Rusty of course was all for it. He was ready to settle for being a loner but Senior had other plans for him. The ending was priceless.

Quite enjoyed this book. For being published by a Christian publishing house, it was surprisingly less hokey than expected! I also enjoy a well groomed man in a suit so that was a particularly lovely visual!

3.5- Mixed feelings about this book. I didn't relate to Harper as much as I did to the other ladies in this series, but whoooo boy, Rusty? Yes please. ;) I love the way the romance unfolds and I adore the ending.

That being said, something bothered me about the way the characters handle stress... i.e. resorting to retail therapy or over-eating and then stressing about weight. I wish the author had emphasized more that those are not healthy ways to deal with emotions. The characters feel bad about resorting to those tactics, so it's not written in a positive light, but to me it felt like more could've been done.

All things considered, I very much enjoyed reading the book and if there are any more in this series I will snatch them up!

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

sold on love is the third book in the series, you can read it as a standalone, really enjoyed the story, I am going back to read the first two in the series.