Another great story built around the lives of the fabulous five, a group of friends who have grown up together in small town where everyone looks out for each, romance for the tomboy this time, and a criminal father adds to the excitement. Loved this book, couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

If You Adore Me brings together the Fab Five, friends and sometimes enemies, who are working on mending their relationship in their hometown of Sugar Maple, with the help of their former teacher and current mayor, Ms. Horton. This is Stella and Knox’s romance – definitely a case of opposites attracting!

Stella has a hard exterior and a tender heart of gold. Her childhood was so difficult she works hard to keep it hidden. Stella was doing well considering the ‘hand she had been dealt.’ She owns her grandfather’s garage and is great with cars, Stella still struggles financially but again, does well on her own and is proud of how far she has come. She makes it work.

Know is part of the film group doing exposes on Sugar Maple businesses. He is a bit disappointed the next business on the list is Stella and her garage. He has not had luck in the past with garages. In addition, Knox has his own hidden demons from his days in the military.

Place these two to together and they are like oil and water, except that each need the other desperately to keep their respective business going. As with any small town, there is a bit of community involvement and manipulation to add to the issue. But, when Stella and Knox need help the most, they come through for each other with the help of their friends and unusual community. This is a sweet light-hearted and clean read!

Carissa and drew have become very close. Carissa's baking segment was a success. Knox lost a woman who he cared for in Iraq. The next segment is Stella's car shop. I thought Stella could be tough and fair but annoying sometimes. Stella and Knox could be frustrating but I enjoyed their story

Gripping novel with very realistic storylines. The author captured my attention even though the summary wasn't something I thought I'd enjoy. It reminded me of God's favour towards me in all circumstances.

Thanks go to the author and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of If You Adore Me by Ciara Knight for the purpose of reading and reviewing. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced me.

If You Adore Me is set in a small rural town in Tennessee and has a lovely array of supporting characters. At first, I had trouble getting into this book, but then I discovered it’s the second book in the series, so I continued reading, and I’m so glad I did. The story started coming together for me. As with other Ciara Knight novels, this book has warmth and shows the advantages of living in a small town.

Stella Frasier’s character does fit the mold of most heroines in romance novels. To say she’s unique is an understate. At first I wasn’t sure I would like her, but I soon discovered she’s a great character with many facets to her personality. I identified with her concerns over in having a relationship with the hero after what happened when they knew each other in the past.

Knox Brevard is a great hero with many of the characteristics I adore, and just his good looks. His character has plenty of depth, and I could understand his need to hold his emotions in check because of the trauma from his past. I enjoyed his baby steps in opening up to Stella, and his willingness to accept Stella as the independent woman and not try to change her. He’s exactly the right guy for her.

The romance between the hero has plenty of trials to overcome, but most of them are external and that worked for me. The emotional connection is strong and satisfying. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending!

If you like small town romances with a great cast of characters and an emotionally charged plot, then you with love If You Adore Me as much as I did. It had been a while since I had read one of Ms. Knight’s heartwarming novels, and this one is a fine example of why I enjoy her books. Happy reading!