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forestidylls's review against another edition
4.0
Easy, light, fun read. Love Denise Hunter's style.
bellesmoma2021's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter is a good story. Like all Hunter novels, the pacing is super fast — pages flew by! I enjoyed the small-town setting, and found the camaraderie and support of the characters as a community heartwarming. The premise of the story is good, as all Hunter stories are. There is a perfect blend of romance, character growth, and suspense. As far as the characters go, they are relatable and quite realistic. Cruz is a good man. He didn’t get the best cards dealt to him as a child and teen, but Cruz didn’t let that get him down. He is a really hard worker, he’s incredibly loyal, and he is uber protective (in a good way, not a clingy, ick way). Cruz is exactly the man Zoe needs in her life. Gracie, Zoe’s 4-year old daughter, is absolutely precious. She is my favorite character in this story. I loved every moment she is on scene because she is sunshine and sweetness and innocence and hope. She genuinely made me smile every time she showed up in the storyline. Zoe, the heroine, is complicated. I liked her, but I also really struggled with her. As a teen/young adult, she is a rebellious, selfish girl. As a 24-year old, single mother, she is still oddly immature and self-focused. I say oddly because the last four years of her life were rough. Usually people tend to grow up a bit because of the toughness. But Zoe doesn’t seem to do that. She is still impulsive. She still makes knee-jerk reactions. And she does something that is SO dangerous and utterly stupid it’s more the actions of a sheltered teen than a grown-up woman. These things made it really difficult for me to like her. My feelings about Zoe aside, I still really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. I am very excited to get my hands on book 2 to see how things work out for Hope and Zoe’s brother, Brady.
As with all Denise Hunter novels, I did enjoy my time with Blue Ridge Sunrise and I do highly recommend this read. If you are a fan of page-turning Contemporary Romances with relatable characters and themes, then this is definitely a story for you.
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on July 22, 2021, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
jfraser82's review against another edition
2.0
I have loved all of Hunters books and I'm sad to only rate this one two stars. Besides feeling quite long and struggling to love the characters - this seemed like a secular book. Hunter's books are never drenched in Christianity as some authors (and I always think that anyone could read them)...however besides the message that we have a redeeming God - this had many secular overtones that never resulted in the characters turning to God about their worldly decisions.
If I was reading Nicholas Sparks I wouldn't think too much into it...but it's simply not what I would expect from Denise Hunter unfortunately (of course I will read her next novel. =) ).
If I was reading Nicholas Sparks I wouldn't think too much into it...but it's simply not what I would expect from Denise Hunter unfortunately (of course I will read her next novel. =) ).
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
4.0
This book follows on the heels of Sweetbrier Cottage which sets the stage for this new series by Denise Hunter. (However Sweetbrier doesn’t have to be read first)
cometreadings's review against another edition
5.0
Fate is really unpredictable. Years ago, a sad moment brought them closer, and now, after several years, another sad event has made them meet again.
This book has enchanted me from the very first pages … I could perfectly visualize the story as it was projected on a screen. The characters are very well described and rounded, and I personally appreciate all those little details about their appearance and small gestures, that page after page made them always more familiar.
Moreover, a flashback introduces Cruz and Zoe’s story, and how their relationship has influenced their present life. For both, their family issues were like indelible marks that affected not only their own self-esteem, but also how they managed their relationship.
All these insecurities and misunderstandings have led them to follow different paths until Zoe’s grandma’s death.
After this, Zoe inherits her grandma’s beloved orchard, which in spite of many financial difficulties, has a great potential.
Now Zoe should decide what is best for her and her little girl, Gracie. Will she choose to remain at Copper Creek surrounded by people who love them and face the secrets of the past and the obvious consequences, or follow her dream to be a singer with Kyle’s band, and accepting his possessive attitude?
I love the descriptive style of the author that makes the book very captivating. During the narration, you will appreciate the characters with their values and flaws, and your feelings will be overwhelmed by a whirl of emotions while trying to put yourself in their shoes. Probably you will disapprove Zoe’s choices, and how her fragility got her to keep important secrets from her beloved ones, but you’ll love her being such a responsible mother and dreamer girl. Cruz, on the other side, under his cloak of prince charming, with his doubts and uncertainty, also caused by the non-existent relationship with his father, has easily given up her true and only love.
Now, it’s time to face the past, and let the love flow…
I really enjoy this emotional and romantic read, and I highly recommend it.
Thanks Denise for this heartwarming romance.
This book has enchanted me from the very first pages … I could perfectly visualize the story as it was projected on a screen. The characters are very well described and rounded, and I personally appreciate all those little details about their appearance and small gestures, that page after page made them always more familiar.
Moreover, a flashback introduces Cruz and Zoe’s story, and how their relationship has influenced their present life. For both, their family issues were like indelible marks that affected not only their own self-esteem, but also how they managed their relationship.
All these insecurities and misunderstandings have led them to follow different paths until Zoe’s grandma’s death.
After this, Zoe inherits her grandma’s beloved orchard, which in spite of many financial difficulties, has a great potential.
Now Zoe should decide what is best for her and her little girl, Gracie. Will she choose to remain at Copper Creek surrounded by people who love them and face the secrets of the past and the obvious consequences, or follow her dream to be a singer with Kyle’s band, and accepting his possessive attitude?
I love the descriptive style of the author that makes the book very captivating. During the narration, you will appreciate the characters with their values and flaws, and your feelings will be overwhelmed by a whirl of emotions while trying to put yourself in their shoes. Probably you will disapprove Zoe’s choices, and how her fragility got her to keep important secrets from her beloved ones, but you’ll love her being such a responsible mother and dreamer girl. Cruz, on the other side, under his cloak of prince charming, with his doubts and uncertainty, also caused by the non-existent relationship with his father, has easily given up her true and only love.
Now, it’s time to face the past, and let the love flow…
I really enjoy this emotional and romantic read, and I highly recommend it.
Thanks Denise for this heartwarming romance.
kdurham2's review against another edition
3.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
Zoe Collins left her small hometown of Georgia and didn't imagine returning. She has a daughter and a boyfriend and when her grandmother passes away she takes them back to this small town to say goodbye, little does she know that this trip home will change her life completely.
I recently wrote on this blog that I love a story where the character has to go back home and in doing so her life makes a huge change. This one was among the top with the others I have read recently. There are great secrets that will come out and worlds will be turned upside down, I love when a secret a character keeps comes out and affects more than just them.
Zoe Collins left her small hometown of Georgia and didn't imagine returning. She has a daughter and a boyfriend and when her grandmother passes away she takes them back to this small town to say goodbye, little does she know that this trip home will change her life completely.
I recently wrote on this blog that I love a story where the character has to go back home and in doing so her life makes a huge change. This one was among the top with the others I have read recently. There are great secrets that will come out and worlds will be turned upside down, I love when a secret a character keeps comes out and affects more than just them.
bhunsberger's review against another edition
4.0
I got an advanced copy of this book to read and found it to be a comforting love story. Zoe heads home for her Grandmother's funeral, with a daughter & boyfriend in tow. She finds herself the new owner of the family peach farm, and makes some fast and hard decisions about her future. She faces her past but embraces new beginnings and new chances.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter is a heartwarming novel with an underlying theme of second chances. With more than just a second chance at love romance, this first installment in the Blue Ridge series is also a lovely story of new beginnings and healing.
Five years ago, Zoe Collins and Cruz Huntley's relationship ended due to lack of communication, immaturity, insecurities and family disapproval. Zoe impetuously fled town with Kyle in order to pursue her dreams of becoming a musician. Cruz remained in town where he repaired his friendship with Zoe's brother Brady while trying to get over losing his first love. Now, five years and many, many regrets later, Zoe returns for her beloved grandmother's funeral and finds the courage to leave Kyle who has become increasingly controlling. Zoe also knows she needs to reveal the secret she has been keeping from Cruz but will it destroy any chance she has at possibly reconciling with the man who still holds her heart?
Zoe is one of the those characters readers might find difficult to like. When she was young she comes across as more impetuous and immature than "free spirited". It is also difficult to forgive her choice to not tell Cruz the truth before she runs off with Kyle. Despite not being particularly likable, it is all too easy to understand how easy it was for her to allow Kyle to manipulate and control her. After finally breaking free from her abusive relationship, Zoe initially remains a little timid and unsure but she gradually regains her self-confidence and sass. Despite these changes, she is a little slow to own up to her terrible choice regarding keeping quiet about a MAJOR decision she made before leaving town, and Zoe is forced to deal with the consequences once Cruz stumbles onto the truth.
While Zoe is impetuous and a little thoughtless, Cruz is steadfast and loyal. He reluctantly agreed to keep their relationship under wraps in the past and wtheir romance was discovered, her family's reaction fed into his doubts and insecurities. Zoe did not help the situation by her rash decisions and it was rather easy for external forces to take advantage of his uncertainties. In the intervening years, Cruz conquered his demons with the help of Zoe's grandmother and his insecurities and lack of self-esteem are now a thing of the past. Cruz still harbors feelings for Zoe, but once he stumbles onto her secret, will he forgive her for her lie of omission?
With a slight element of suspense and a gentle undercurrent of faith, Blue Ridge Sunrise is an engaging romance with endearing characters. While Zoe does not always make the best choices, she does undergo believable growth throughout the story. Cruz has already come to terms with his emotional baggage but he must decide whether or not to absolve Zoe for not being honest with him. Although it takes a backseat to Zoe's struggles to move past her mistakes, their renewed romance is quite sweet. Despite some of the predictable elements of the storyline, this first installment in Denise Hunter's Blue Ridge series is an enjoyable read with interesting characters that readers will relate to.
Five years ago, Zoe Collins and Cruz Huntley's relationship ended due to lack of communication, immaturity, insecurities and family disapproval. Zoe impetuously fled town with Kyle in order to pursue her dreams of becoming a musician. Cruz remained in town where he repaired his friendship with Zoe's brother Brady while trying to get over losing his first love. Now, five years and many, many regrets later, Zoe returns for her beloved grandmother's funeral and finds the courage to leave Kyle who has become increasingly controlling. Zoe also knows she needs to reveal the secret she has been keeping from Cruz but will it destroy any chance she has at possibly reconciling with the man who still holds her heart?
Zoe is one of the those characters readers might find difficult to like. When she was young she comes across as more impetuous and immature than "free spirited". It is also difficult to forgive her choice to not tell Cruz the truth before she runs off with Kyle. Despite not being particularly likable, it is all too easy to understand how easy it was for her to allow Kyle to manipulate and control her. After finally breaking free from her abusive relationship, Zoe initially remains a little timid and unsure but she gradually regains her self-confidence and sass. Despite these changes, she is a little slow to own up to her terrible choice regarding keeping quiet about a MAJOR decision she made before leaving town, and Zoe is forced to deal with the consequences once Cruz stumbles onto the truth.
While Zoe is impetuous and a little thoughtless, Cruz is steadfast and loyal. He reluctantly agreed to keep their relationship under wraps in the past and wtheir romance was discovered, her family's reaction fed into his doubts and insecurities. Zoe did not help the situation by her rash decisions and it was rather easy for external forces to take advantage of his uncertainties. In the intervening years, Cruz conquered his demons with the help of Zoe's grandmother and his insecurities and lack of self-esteem are now a thing of the past. Cruz still harbors feelings for Zoe, but once he stumbles onto her secret, will he forgive her for her lie of omission?
With a slight element of suspense and a gentle undercurrent of faith, Blue Ridge Sunrise is an engaging romance with endearing characters. While Zoe does not always make the best choices, she does undergo believable growth throughout the story. Cruz has already come to terms with his emotional baggage but he must decide whether or not to absolve Zoe for not being honest with him. Although it takes a backseat to Zoe's struggles to move past her mistakes, their renewed romance is quite sweet. Despite some of the predictable elements of the storyline, this first installment in Denise Hunter's Blue Ridge series is an enjoyable read with interesting characters that readers will relate to.
mb_booklady's review against another edition
4.0
After a teenage romance ended badly, Zoe left her hometown, family, friends, and first love, Cruz, to pursue a music career in Nashville.
Both Cruz and Zoe have insecurities caused by their fathers. Cruz's dad chose to walk out on the family when Cruz was young and Zoe's father is never satisfied with anything she does.
When Zoe's grandmother dies, Zoe returns to Copper Creek and is surprised with what she has been left through her grandmother's will. Time and maturity have led both Zoe and Cruz to recognize their father's mistakes belonged to the men and not the children.
This is a good love story with some adventure added in. Hunter doesn't come off as too preachy, but the message is still clear. Regardless of the earthly fathers, the Heavenly Father will not let you down and you should trust in Him.
I will be reading the other books in the series as soon as I can get them.
Both Cruz and Zoe have insecurities caused by their fathers. Cruz's dad chose to walk out on the family when Cruz was young and Zoe's father is never satisfied with anything she does.
When Zoe's grandmother dies, Zoe returns to Copper Creek and is surprised with what she has been left through her grandmother's will. Time and maturity have led both Zoe and Cruz to recognize their father's mistakes belonged to the men and not the children.
This is a good love story with some adventure added in. Hunter doesn't come off as too preachy, but the message is still clear. Regardless of the earthly fathers, the Heavenly Father will not let you down and you should trust in Him.
I will be reading the other books in the series as soon as I can get them.