Summer Harbor

Just a Kiss by Denise Hunter

September 6, 2016 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

When I’m in the mood to read a feel-good romance that is guaranteed to make me smile by the end, Denise Hunter is always a good bet. And with the third and final installment of her Summer Harbor series, readers get to experience the youngest Callahan brother’s journey as he returns from war.

If you’ve followed this series, you know that Riley’s heart already belongs to his best friend, Paige Warren. But in all these years, Paige has never seen him as more than a friend. She even dated his older brother for a time. And now that he has returned home less one leg, he knows he can never be the man Paige deserves but being forced to live with her is testing his resolve.

The Callahan brothers are swoon-worthy, and Riley’s no exception. Hunter handles the darkness and depression of coming home after the trauma of war well—you sense Riley’s despair and struggle with who he once was versus how he sees himself now—less of a man because he can’t do all he once took for granted. In addition to the physical pain brought to life on the page, the mental struggles are even more evident. And as expected with Hunter’s books, there are some kissing scenes that may leave you fanning yourself.

An excellent story of healing (both on Riley’s and Paige’s sides of the story), enduring love, and family. Oh, and all of the beloved characters from the series are back—including Aunt Trudie and Sheriff Colton.

***Thomas Nelson and Booklook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Can Losing Seven Months of Her Life Bring Back the Love of Her Life?

February 11, 2016 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Denise Hunter shared some news today on her website and on Facebook. It’s pretty big. The Hallmark Channel will be making one of her books into a movie. As a long time fan of Hunter’s work, I’m thrilled one of her books (hopefully more in the future) is being made into a film. And I’m encouraged that Hallmark Channel is turning to so many talented Christian fiction authors for material. What a wonderful way to get a message of hope out to many people who may attend a church service.

In Hunter’s second Summer Harbor novel, The Goodbye Bride (available everywhere March 8, 2016), readers will enjoy a little twist on the romance trope. Turns out our main characters, Zac Callahan and Lucy Lovett, were engaged before. Seven months later, Zac is still trying to forget the woman who left him with no explanation when she calls out of the blue asking for his help.

A concussion has left Lucy with no memory of the last seven months or the explanation as to why she left Zac. The one thing she knows for absolute certain is she’s still in love with him. But he’s doesn’t trust her any longer.

The mystery of what happened to Lucy—why she left, how her new life (the one she can’t remember at all)—made if difficult for me to put this book down. Despite their past, Zac can’t leave Lucy alone and homeless (and who isn’t going to fall for that kind of hero from the very beginning?) so he brings her home to Summer Harbor, Maine. As the two interacted, I found myself waiting for them both to admit how they felt.

This is a story of second changes. It shows how burying past hurts can affect all of your relationships in your future, especially those with the people you love the most. Hunter is an expert at pulling emotions from her characters, and those kissing scenes….SWOON!!!

Thank you, Denise Hunter for another fantastic clean read. I look forward to reading Riley Callahan’s story in the future!!

***Thomas Nelson Fiction provided me with a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Welcome to Summer Harbor

September 4, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Most Christian fictions authors seem to release one book every year. There are a few who are a little more prolific and crank out a couple a year. Probably one of the authors I’ve been reading the longest is Denise Hunter. And on September 8, the first book in her Summer Harbor series is sure to draw readers in.

Eden Martelli is searching for a new life while running from danger. When her car breaks down in Summer Harbor, she finds herself stranded in the small town with no way to provide for her and her son. Her search for a job leads her to the one place several people in town suggest might be hiring. The Callahan Christmas tree farm. But when Beau Callahan informs her all of the positions are filled, she begins to despair.

Beau Callahan turns away a woman who seems desperate for a job so when his aunt requires in-home care, he quickly considers hiring the pretty blond who stood on his doorstep. Despite her reluctance to share anything about her past (not to mention her lack of cooking skills), there is a slight attraction that seems to be growing the more time he spends with her.

But is Eden hiding something? Something that could endanger his family or his girlfriend?

Hunter is a master of drawing out the romantic sparks and tension between her main characters. The addition of what happened to Eden and her son in the past add intrigue to the story. The little town of Summer Harbor, Maine is idyllic and, as someone who has never visited that part of the country, gives me a glimpse into life in the Northeast.

And then there is the complex relationship between the three Callahan brothers and their aunt. The brothers care for each other. They also tease each other and get mad at each other but in the end, they’re family and they love each other.

This book, set mostly in the six weeks before Christmas, made me ready for the holiday season. So put on your cozy sweater and curl up in front of the fire as Eden and Beau fall in love.

I’m already looking forward to book two in the series and Zac’s story!

****Thomas Nelson Fiction provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.