My Comments
What a great book! Even though I didnt connect with the story right away, I was eager to know how things worked out for Blake and he really surprised me in a good way. He totally was my hero in Here To Stay and I simply loved his heart. He's done being a nomad/wanderer.This is the kind of guy with strength, grace, and a true gentleman who just needs the chance to start over (I also loved the way he spoke, dude).
Autumn Kingsley is doing everything she can to repair and maintain the inn that was passed down to her as a gift she never wanted. However, it seems the harder she works, the more things go wrong. Shes also waiting for a job offer that has been her dream since she was a kid, working in Paris! When she gets the letter, she refuses to open it until the next day when shes hanging out with her best friend, Ellie (everyone needs a best friend like her).
I simply loved the characters in this book! Autumn really loves her staff and wants to make sure theyre all have secure jobs with the inn before she moves on. I didnt enjoy seeing how stressed she was over certain dilemmas, but wow did she go above and beyond to make things right with those she cared for. I really enjoyed Harrison in this book, reminded me of Harrison Ford in name only as Red kept calling him, Harry. I didnt get tired of that debate :)
One of my favorite parts of the book is the beginning when Blake first comes home. Just LOOOOVED the reception he received from his family, it was nothing like he anticipated and I believe that was the beginning of the healing process for him. It was utterly sweet how supportive his parents had become of him and letting the past go. Autumns mom and sister are not so supportive at first, but that changes in beautiful ways.
Another favorite scene of mine is when Blake rescues Autumn in front of her ex-boyfriend and his new fiancé, that was a treat and made me smile BIG!! Blake starts counting how many times he has rescued Red in a joking manner and I just loved his sense of humor. Even though these are small ways to rescue someone, they are perfectly timed and very needed. Examples of Reds clumsiness include nearly falling off a roof, hurting herself when she literally collides with Blake (not cool about losing her ice cream cone), and she gets stung by a wasp. Also loved how something goes terribly wrong in the hotel on a special evening and Blake does everything possible to make her laugh since no one got hurt. Oh my, that man is a hoot!!
And to my great delight, Miranda Woodruff from the first book, Made to Last, makes a guest appearance!! Tagg brilliantly incorporates this beloved character and she becomes instant friends with Autumn.
Autumn is a perfectly flawed character who is charming, clumsy, endearing, works hard, is determined to do the right thing even while pursuing her dream, genuine, feisty, and utterly lovable. Shes also very passionate and stubborn, but I didnt consider those flaws. Her and Blake know how to bring out the fun from one another no matter how stressed their day mightve been. Blake only walks away from her once because of a frustrating moment, but he makes it up to her later.
The scenes with Autumn and Blake were very special to me. They laugh, they almost kiss several times, they support one another, they make a good team putting together the festival for the town, and they comfort one another at the appropriate times. I loved how much Autumn trusted Blake every time she got nervous and I loved that he never let her down. Their families are in a long time feud that reminded me of Romeo & Juliet, which I was eager to see closure on, but of course their ending is much more enjoyable. The new fiancé even refers to Romeo & Juliet, but it was comical how Blake responded.
Also loved this scene with Autumn and her sister, Ava.. Autumn fingered the narrow silver plate, read the inscription out loud. Hope does not disappoint. Romans 5:5.
She looked up. Mom sent this?
Yeah and I think she was trying to send me a message. Wasnt really ready to hear it then, but I did look up the verses. I read them again recently, this time in The Message paraphrase. Talks about being alert for whatever God is going to do next. She handed the bracelet to Autumn and pulled out her phone. Here, read it on my phone.
In alert expectancy such as this, were never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrarywe cant round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit.
That scene spoke to me in a strong way. For anyone who is trying to decide what the next step in their journey is based on Gods guidance, that scripture resonates and encourages at the same time. God wont let us miss out as we seek Him and He continues to generously pour upon us regardless of our situation.
All in all, Here To Stay, is such a great read!! Even though I didnt laugh while reading it, the story humored me and touched me more than once as Blaze and Red learn to get past hurts and division their families began. I didnt think it was cool how certain people in town judged Blake, but I so enjoyed his humbleness. He never lost his temper or ran away even though he was tempted to do both. I almost cried in a good way during three scenes, each time Blake gets closure he desperately needs and finally makes peace with himself. Im grateful for authors like Tagg who write about forgiveness, compassion, and starting over when the unthinkable happens. She brought a small town to life with these great characters and even though Im a city girl, she even made me have the desire to be Here To Stay with fullness and depth.
I want to thank the author and publisher for the review copy received. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
What a great book! Even though I didnt connect with the story right away, I was eager to know how things worked out for Blake and he really surprised me in a good way. He totally was my hero in Here To Stay and I simply loved his heart. He's done being a nomad/wanderer.This is the kind of guy with strength, grace, and a true gentleman who just needs the chance to start over (I also loved the way he spoke, dude).
Autumn Kingsley is doing everything she can to repair and maintain the inn that was passed down to her as a gift she never wanted. However, it seems the harder she works, the more things go wrong. Shes also waiting for a job offer that has been her dream since she was a kid, working in Paris! When she gets the letter, she refuses to open it until the next day when shes hanging out with her best friend, Ellie (everyone needs a best friend like her).
I simply loved the characters in this book! Autumn really loves her staff and wants to make sure theyre all have secure jobs with the inn before she moves on. I didnt enjoy seeing how stressed she was over certain dilemmas, but wow did she go above and beyond to make things right with those she cared for. I really enjoyed Harrison in this book, reminded me of Harrison Ford in name only as Red kept calling him, Harry. I didnt get tired of that debate :)
One of my favorite parts of the book is the beginning when Blake first comes home. Just LOOOOVED the reception he received from his family, it was nothing like he anticipated and I believe that was the beginning of the healing process for him. It was utterly sweet how supportive his parents had become of him and letting the past go. Autumns mom and sister are not so supportive at first, but that changes in beautiful ways.
Another favorite scene of mine is when Blake rescues Autumn in front of her ex-boyfriend and his new fiancé, that was a treat and made me smile BIG!! Blake starts counting how many times he has rescued Red in a joking manner and I just loved his sense of humor. Even though these are small ways to rescue someone, they are perfectly timed and very needed. Examples of Reds clumsiness include nearly falling off a roof, hurting herself when she literally collides with Blake (not cool about losing her ice cream cone), and she gets stung by a wasp. Also loved how something goes terribly wrong in the hotel on a special evening and Blake does everything possible to make her laugh since no one got hurt. Oh my, that man is a hoot!!
And to my great delight, Miranda Woodruff from the first book, Made to Last, makes a guest appearance!! Tagg brilliantly incorporates this beloved character and she becomes instant friends with Autumn.
Autumn is a perfectly flawed character who is charming, clumsy, endearing, works hard, is determined to do the right thing even while pursuing her dream, genuine, feisty, and utterly lovable. Shes also very passionate and stubborn, but I didnt consider those flaws. Her and Blake know how to bring out the fun from one another no matter how stressed their day mightve been. Blake only walks away from her once because of a frustrating moment, but he makes it up to her later.
The scenes with Autumn and Blake were very special to me. They laugh, they almost kiss several times, they support one another, they make a good team putting together the festival for the town, and they comfort one another at the appropriate times. I loved how much Autumn trusted Blake every time she got nervous and I loved that he never let her down. Their families are in a long time feud that reminded me of Romeo & Juliet, which I was eager to see closure on, but of course their ending is much more enjoyable. The new fiancé even refers to Romeo & Juliet, but it was comical how Blake responded.
Also loved this scene with Autumn and her sister, Ava.. Autumn fingered the narrow silver plate, read the inscription out loud. Hope does not disappoint. Romans 5:5.
She looked up. Mom sent this?
Yeah and I think she was trying to send me a message. Wasnt really ready to hear it then, but I did look up the verses. I read them again recently, this time in The Message paraphrase. Talks about being alert for whatever God is going to do next. She handed the bracelet to Autumn and pulled out her phone. Here, read it on my phone.
In alert expectancy such as this, were never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrarywe cant round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit.
That scene spoke to me in a strong way. For anyone who is trying to decide what the next step in their journey is based on Gods guidance, that scripture resonates and encourages at the same time. God wont let us miss out as we seek Him and He continues to generously pour upon us regardless of our situation.
All in all, Here To Stay, is such a great read!! Even though I didnt laugh while reading it, the story humored me and touched me more than once as Blaze and Red learn to get past hurts and division their families began. I didnt think it was cool how certain people in town judged Blake, but I so enjoyed his humbleness. He never lost his temper or ran away even though he was tempted to do both. I almost cried in a good way during three scenes, each time Blake gets closure he desperately needs and finally makes peace with himself. Im grateful for authors like Tagg who write about forgiveness, compassion, and starting over when the unthinkable happens. She brought a small town to life with these great characters and even though Im a city girl, she even made me have the desire to be Here To Stay with fullness and depth.
I want to thank the author and publisher for the review copy received. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Jasmine A. (jasmineflower88) reviewed Here to Stay (Where Love Begins, Bk 2) on + 51 more book reviews
Melissa Tagg does it again!
A wonderful sequel to Made To Last! I loved getting to hear more about Blake, or maybe as he is better known, Blaze. I enjoyed the quirky romance of the first book and Melissa Tagg serves more of the same delicious writing in Here To Stay.
Humor is lovingly balanced with the harder issues in life. Both Autumn and Blake have things in their pasts, things they need to forgive others for, things they need to forgive each other for, and things they need to forgive themselves for.
An entertaining and thoughtful read, Here To Stay is another winner from Melissa Tagg. If you love contemporary romance with humor and some poignant moments definitely check out Melissa Tagg's Here To Stay!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher through TBCN in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.)
A wonderful sequel to Made To Last! I loved getting to hear more about Blake, or maybe as he is better known, Blaze. I enjoyed the quirky romance of the first book and Melissa Tagg serves more of the same delicious writing in Here To Stay.
Humor is lovingly balanced with the harder issues in life. Both Autumn and Blake have things in their pasts, things they need to forgive others for, things they need to forgive each other for, and things they need to forgive themselves for.
An entertaining and thoughtful read, Here To Stay is another winner from Melissa Tagg. If you love contemporary romance with humor and some poignant moments definitely check out Melissa Tagg's Here To Stay!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher through TBCN in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg
Where Love Begins Series Book 2
Blake Hunzilker left Whisper Shore, Michigan six years ago. Hes been all over the world living out his crazy tendencies. Or was he just running from himself? His last fiasco landed him in the publics eye big time. He was the pretend husband for Randi Woodruff who had her own show From the Ground Up. After she fell in love for real and he was outed as a fake, it was time to come home. Face his past. He didnt expect to be welcomed. Not after what he did that caused the people of his small town to hate him in the first place.
Autumn Kingsley had a dream of living a life of adventure. Instead her father died and her mother gifted her with the deed to their inn. Their small town was not bringing in the tourists it used to and her inn was dying. And now she had an option. She was offered a job that would help her start her adventure. Travel out of this town and see the world. Thats what her dream is, right?
Can two people whose families have been long time enemies find a middle ground and work together? Welcome to small town USA, where gossip is so swift that the rumors happen before the event. Where Blake needs forgiveness in a place where its just easier to lay all the blame on him, than accept the truth. In the first book, Made to Last, the reader gets too know Blake and his quirky personality and hints of something he has hidden deep inside. I loved the first book and couldnt wait for Blake/Blazes story and I was not disappointed.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2011/10/bethany-house-publishers.html
Where Love Begins Series Book 2
Blake Hunzilker left Whisper Shore, Michigan six years ago. Hes been all over the world living out his crazy tendencies. Or was he just running from himself? His last fiasco landed him in the publics eye big time. He was the pretend husband for Randi Woodruff who had her own show From the Ground Up. After she fell in love for real and he was outed as a fake, it was time to come home. Face his past. He didnt expect to be welcomed. Not after what he did that caused the people of his small town to hate him in the first place.
Autumn Kingsley had a dream of living a life of adventure. Instead her father died and her mother gifted her with the deed to their inn. Their small town was not bringing in the tourists it used to and her inn was dying. And now she had an option. She was offered a job that would help her start her adventure. Travel out of this town and see the world. Thats what her dream is, right?
Can two people whose families have been long time enemies find a middle ground and work together? Welcome to small town USA, where gossip is so swift that the rumors happen before the event. Where Blake needs forgiveness in a place where its just easier to lay all the blame on him, than accept the truth. In the first book, Made to Last, the reader gets too know Blake and his quirky personality and hints of something he has hidden deep inside. I loved the first book and couldnt wait for Blake/Blazes story and I was not disappointed.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2011/10/bethany-house-publishers.html
A small town girl that cant wait to leave for the big city and the boy who could win her heart that doesnt want to leave. From the minute I heard the pitch of this book I was hooked. What reader doesnt have a little bit of both characters in their heart? And how does that get reconciled when the whole plot of the book is centered smack dab in the middle of the romance genre?
Here to Stay is charming. Witty. A pure pleasure to read. And characters that will live on the screen of your mind, jumping off the page to invite you into their world. That is what I felt like: I had been invited into Autumns inn while Blake pounded away at whatever needed fixing. I felt like I was a friend experiencing their lives with themthat alone makes this book one for the keeper shelf!
I could relate to both characters in this book. Blakes pull to stay in his hometown and Autumns desire to feel some different dirt between her toesparticularly the kind on French shores. But one thing after another after another keeps happening to this poor girls inn. Almost to the point of comedic. I appreciate that Autumn could see the humor in the moment.
From great kisses to snappy dialogue to characters that become friends, I give this book a thumbs up!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
Here to Stay is charming. Witty. A pure pleasure to read. And characters that will live on the screen of your mind, jumping off the page to invite you into their world. That is what I felt like: I had been invited into Autumns inn while Blake pounded away at whatever needed fixing. I felt like I was a friend experiencing their lives with themthat alone makes this book one for the keeper shelf!
I could relate to both characters in this book. Blakes pull to stay in his hometown and Autumns desire to feel some different dirt between her toesparticularly the kind on French shores. But one thing after another after another keeps happening to this poor girls inn. Almost to the point of comedic. I appreciate that Autumn could see the humor in the moment.
From great kisses to snappy dialogue to characters that become friends, I give this book a thumbs up!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
Charity L. (kingsdaughter1611) -
I became a fan of Melissa Tagg while reading her first book, Made to Last. Her writing style is fun and witty while also teaching lessons. This author has by far one of my favorites! Sometimes an author changes her style or something but this one is still great.
If you have read the first book you will recognize Blake Hunziker as the phony husband of Miranda Woodruff. Blake, also known as Blaze, has been traveling around for years trying to escape the guilt and reminders of home. So when he finally decides to return, he is surprised when his parents welcome him with love. The heroine is Autumn Kingsley. When her father died her mother gave her the Kingsley Inn. Only problem is, Autumn didn't want the shackles of staying in Whisper Shores. She wants to travel and see the world, instead of being chained to a dying hotel.
This novel is funny, entertaining and the author knows how to write her scenes. I felt pulled along with the story and didn't want to put it down. Blake has just the right amount of tenderness and vulnerability mixed in with that male cockiness. You gotta love a guy like that! His spirit with Lucy and Fletcher was just sweet!! And Autumn is so feisty and stubborn. I had to laugh over and over as I devoured this novel. I am soo waiting for the next one. Don't keep us in suspense too long Melissa!!!
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. All thoughts are 100% mine.
If you have read the first book you will recognize Blake Hunziker as the phony husband of Miranda Woodruff. Blake, also known as Blaze, has been traveling around for years trying to escape the guilt and reminders of home. So when he finally decides to return, he is surprised when his parents welcome him with love. The heroine is Autumn Kingsley. When her father died her mother gave her the Kingsley Inn. Only problem is, Autumn didn't want the shackles of staying in Whisper Shores. She wants to travel and see the world, instead of being chained to a dying hotel.
This novel is funny, entertaining and the author knows how to write her scenes. I felt pulled along with the story and didn't want to put it down. Blake has just the right amount of tenderness and vulnerability mixed in with that male cockiness. You gotta love a guy like that! His spirit with Lucy and Fletcher was just sweet!! And Autumn is so feisty and stubborn. I had to laugh over and over as I devoured this novel. I am soo waiting for the next one. Don't keep us in suspense too long Melissa!!!
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. All thoughts are 100% mine.
What an enjoyable story with great characters, wonderful humor, movie worthy moments, and an inspirational thread peeking through. I loved the chemistry between Autumn and Blake. But how would they get together when their families rivaled the story of Romeo and Juliet and their end goals were so completely different? I asked that and I loved how the author answered that question. (Full review at my website).
