When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham – Review & Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: When You Look at Me
(Pleasant Gap Romance #2)
Author: Pepper Basham
Publisher: Woven Words Publications
Release Date: October 25, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

An unexpected mother-to-be
A romance-leery composer
And a forgotten melody from the past that holds the keys to their futures

When Julia Jenkins’ great aunt dies and leaves her a Victorian mansion with decades of secrets, Julia never expects to unearth a World War 2 espionage mystery. Struggling with her own past since an assault left her pregnant, her future as a solo parent leaves her dreams uncertain. The inheritance from her great aunt gives Julia the ability to take a step back into her future, but also sends her into the discovery of a love story she’d never anticipated. As she goes through her aunt’s treasured possessions, Julia uncovers some oddly written piano music with a musical code she can’t decipher on her own. Not to worry, introverted Englishman and composer, Henry Wright, is thrust on the scene by a pair of homespun matchmakers who know the ‘right’ man for Julia’s wounded heart.

Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate’s newest film. The Jenkins’ family’s southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he’s inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness.

But her broken past and his families’ expectations build a wall much greater than the cultures that separate them. As they work together to solve a musical mystery from the grave, will an unlikely romance from the past inspire their hearts to trust in a God who’s written the perfect melody for their lives?

PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon

IN MY OPINION…

There is so much to tell you about When You Look at Me so hold on. For those who read Just the Way You Are, you know a little of Julia’s story (don’t worry if you haven’t read it, you’ll get caught up quick). Suffice it to say, she endured and horror, fought back, and is now reaching  for her dreams. When she meets Henry (complete with an awkward and humorous meet-cute), she finds a kindred soul.

Henry is a bit of a reluctant hero but oh, what a one he makes! This man is uncomfortable around people, a bit of a bumbler, and gets lost in his work. But he is the perfect fit for Julia.

I loved how Henry and Julia talked. Yes, just talked. They communicated with each other, sharing their passions, their hearts, their fears, and so much more. They share life, even the mundane things like packing up boxes and baking. The foundation between these two characters is firmly set in friendship. Henry sees Julia as courageous (something she doesn’t believe she is at all). It’s through his eyes she sees herself differently.

Pepper Basham balances the difficulties and seriousness of Julia’s past with the promises and hope of moving forward (with some humor tossed in there because it’s the Jenkins family). Then she throws a family mystery in for Henry and Julia to solve, the beauty of both the Blue Ridge Mountains and England, and the shared passion for music. Oh, the music! It’s another character—one that draws you into its magic and binds these two people together even more. One that eases anxiety, calms fears, and releases frustration and anger.

This is my favorite Basham book yet and if this is what she’s got in her arsenal for readers, I cannot wait to find out what’s next!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance novels with grace, humor, and culture clashes. She’s a Blue Ridge Mountain native and an anglophile who enjoys combining her two loves to create memorable stories of hope. Pepper is also a mom of five, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of Jesus and chocolate. She resides in Asheville, North Carolina with her family.

CONNECT: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive:

• print copy of Just The Way You Are (Pleasant Gap Romance #1)
• print copy of When You Look at Me (Pleasant Gap Romance #2)
• a plaque which says: Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life…. love comes along and brings you a fairy tale

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 22, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm October 29, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. US addresses only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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