Carolina Breeze - (Bluebell Inn Romance) by Denise Hunter (Paperback)

When actress Mia Emerson becomes involved in a Hollywood scandal, she needs a safe place where she can get away. Wanting to explore the inn that her grandparents once owned, Mia decides to escape to Bluebell, North Carolina. Levi Bennett, along with his two sisters now run the Bluebell Inn. When Mia Emerson arrives, the three agree to keep her presence in town a secret for her protection. As Levi acts as Mia’s chauffeur and guide while she’s in town, the two become close. And when Mia finds a clue in her grandmother’s journal to a hidden blue diamond, Carolina Breeze, the search for the diamond gives Levi and Mia a reason to spend even more time together. The two continue to grow closer as Mia repeatedly extends her stay, but could the two from two different worlds realistically have a relationship that lasts? I enjoyed reading Carolina Breeze. I like how Denise Hunter uses Levi’s and Mia’s struggles to highlight how parent-child relationships can have an effect on future relationships. I thought that Levi and Mia were both very likable characters, and I enjoyed the reappearance of Molly and Adam from Lake Season, the first book in the series. And as in all of Denise Hunter’s books, I appreciate the role that faith plays in the story. Overall, Carolina Breeze was an enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to the third book in the series. *I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The latest summer romance by Denise Hunter has officially hit the shelves! Carolina Breeze, the second book in the Bluebell Inn Romance series, follows the story of elder brother Levi Bennett at Bluebell Inn in North Carolina. Rising Hollywood star Mia Emerson is looking to run away from a scandal and runs straight to Bluebell Inn, where her ex-fiancé had booked their honeymoon before jilting her. Levi Bennett is just trying to keep the inn afloat and manage the responsibility of his sisters since his parents died. He doesn’t have time to fall in love with the new guest at the inn, to get caught up in her life and story…or would it be just what he needs? Carolina Breeze met every expectation I had for it: summery, light, sweet, and romantic. It’s a great read for when you just want to enjoy summer, or even escape from the winter blues. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley; I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Denise Hunter always creates beautifully flawed characters whom the readers can immediately bond with in an enchanting small-town setting in her stories. In Carolina Breeze, we return to the small tourist town of Bluebell, NC to a struggling inn run by three siblings. Though this is book 2 in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone (though reading Adam and Molly's story first will give more insight into the relationships that unfold in this book). The plot is well-paced and the laid-back romantic days in Bluebell are perfectly paired with the frenzied chaotic Hollywood gossip; some gentle turns in the plot bring about surprises and an element of intrigue hums through the story as Levi and Mia search for an heirloom necklace. Levi, the eldest of the Bennett siblings, is loyal, bound by honor, dependable, and trustworthy. He's sacrificed much to keep the inn afloat and to watch out for his younger sisters. What he doesn't realize, until he meets Mia, is that he's worked so hard at being in control that he has forgotten about teamwork and allowing others to share his burdens. Mia, a rising Hollywood star, flees from unjustified scandal to Bluebell for peace and anonymity. She's sweet and tender but hurting from past abandonment issues and doesn't realize how much healing she needs until she meets Levi. Anyone who loves contemporary romance will love this book and the series. I can't wait to read the third book in the series and get to know Grace, the baby of the Bennett family, better.

"How had she gotten attached to him in only a week?" Film star Mia Emerson fled Los Angeles in disgrace after a photographer catches her in an awkward moment with her very married, and very drunk, co-star. Ironically, the only place where she can hurriedly escape the scandal is the Bluebell Inn in North Carolina, where her ex-fiance had booked their now non-existent, non-refundable honeymoon. And it's there that she meets Levi Bennett. Levi Bennett and his two sisters are struggling to keep the historic Bluebell Inn afloat, except that Levi is the only of the three who actually knows the seriousness of their financial status. When a gorgeous national celebrity arrives at their front desk . . . . alone . . . Levi is determined to ensure that their hospitality and Mia's privacy are maintained at the highest level of excellence. It never occurred to him that an inexplicable attraction and a mutual desire to locate a family heirloom, would bring their two very different worlds together. "Carolina Breeze" is a sweet return to the lovely Bluebell Inn, where the story uncharacteristically meanders for awhile before coasting into a wonderful "only-Denise-Hunter-can-write" ending.

I was so happy to return to the charming Bluebell Inn! While reading the first book in this series (Lake Season) I started anticipating Levi’s story and was thrilled to see he was up next. The setting of North Carolina was beautiful and the relationships crafted between the characters were just as amazing. This was the perfect novel to escape into for a few days.

“Before she even opened her eyes Mia Emerson knew it was going to be the worst day of her life.” - Opening line of “Carolina Breeze” by Denise Hunter Having thoroughly enjoyed “Lake Season”, the first book in the Bluebell Inn Romance series, I tucked into “Carolina Breeze”, book two, with glee! Denise Hunter delivers a cozy romance mystery like none other! I love spending time with these characters in this town, each carefully created, warm and sincere. Mia arrives traumatized by her life and finds a soft landing at the Bluebell Inn. Levi offers a listening ear and finds he can trust her in return with his financial concerns. Whilst working on the inn, the two find an old journal referring to a valuable piece of jewellery hidden in the house. Curious, they investigate further and this adds a historical element to the book which I found interesting. Molly and her beau from book one are included in this story and it is lovely to see how their relationship has developed. Grace adds her wit and I’m so looking forward to her journey in book three. Whilst reading “Lake Season” will add to your enjoyment of this one, it isn’t required, this one is awesome in and of itself! As in life, it’s never straight forward and through their time together, Levi and Mia tackle tough topics like forgiveness, self-worth and trust. In sharing their wrestling, Denise shines a light on the hope and healing to be found in Jesus and the Christian Faith. She handles it honestly but beautifully. Without a doubt this one is a favourite for me, I loved every minute reading it and highly recommend it! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale!