Since You've Been Gone - (Restoring Heritage) by Tari Faris (Paperback)

I loved the Heritage Series. If you have not read any of the books in this series I highly recommend going back to the beginning and starting there. Especially since all three books have been published! While this could be read as a stand-alone novel, it is better to read the first two books to have all the context that is happening in Since You've Been Gone. One person can fail only so many times. Since You've Been Gone is the story of Leah Williams and Jon Kensington, with a sweet interlude with Madison (yes, she's back!) and newcomer Colby Marc. Leah is back from Costa Rica and set on opening back up WIFI, but she doesn't have a solid plan or business proposal. Due to some family complications, Jon is also back in Heritage and trying to determine if he can run his dad's business. When Leah goes to Jon looking for help, sparks fly. Will they be able to put aside their creative difference and work together? Failure can be a good thing, but you have to learn from it and fail forward. Let the failure push you on to something greater. Even though I have recently read all three books it took me a hot minute to recognize Madison...she has changed! She never intended to come back to Heritage but she had some business that she needed to take care of. Colby shows up when he is having some trouble of his own, staying with Nate, and offers to help Madison. All relationships have struggles, as both couples show us throughout the story. However, our God is a God of second chances, and if He doesn't hold our pasts against us, why should we? There are several layers to the town of Heritage and I have enjoyed learning about all of them...including the mystery around Otis! I highly recommend this book and series to fans of contemporary romance. The story is clean, raw, and real. I love that the author does not embrace the sins but shows the redemption that can come from our mistakes. You will enjoy the restoration of the town, but you will enjoy the redemption in the characters more. My sincerest thanks to Revell and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a second chance at love story set in a small town. Leah Williams returns to Heritage, Michigan, to start a business and immediately runs into a conflict with an old high school crush named Jon Kensington. The problems these two face are portrayed realistically and with humor. There are also subplots involving Jon’s teen sister Abby and one with a singer named Colby and an unwed mother named Madison. All of the characters are written with compassion and all have a unique addition to the story. The plot was fast-paced and engaging. Fans of contemporary Christian romance will not want to miss this book.

It's like returning to a familiar place, where friendships remain strong and true, and a big metal hippo named Otis unexplainable moves around town! I loved coming back to Heritage and into the last story of the series with Leah and Jon but it was the bonus story with Colby and Madison (who I absolutely adored!) that gave me all the feels. Ms. Faris knows how to ramp up the romantic tension and it kept me checked out of real life and into the lives of Jon and Leah and the miscommunication near-misses that had me on an emotional roller coaster. I think Colby and Madison's story was a sweet interlude that let my emotions settle. I'd say that readers will definitely want to these in order as there are a lot of characters from previous books who show up in this one and it can get a bit confusing but overall it was a sweet wrap up to a series that makes me wish was real so I could visit Heritage and all of my friends. Oh, and snap a selfie with Otis!! **I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.**

“Failure can be a good thing, but you have to learn from it and fail forward. Let the failure push you on to something else,” Leah is told in Tari Faris’s novel, Since You’ve Been Gone. ~ What ~ The third in the Restoring Heritage series, this three-hundred-and-thirty-six-page paperback targets those interested in a contemporary romance involving two couples in an inter-connected Midwest town. With no profanity, topics of physical abuse, premarital relationships, and unexpected pregnancy may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes acknowledgments, the author’s biography, and advertisements. In this story set in Heritage, Michigan, Leah Williams has given up and returned home again, hoping to reestablish her grandfather’s local store. When she learns she has to work with Jon Kensington, her high school arch-enemy, to avoid a buyout of her business, she has hurdles to overcome emotionally and romantically. Jon, having had to abruptly take over his father’s company, hopes he can measure up to expectations and be successful. Both must learn what it means to never give up what is important. Meanwhile, a newcomer to the town who is trying to find himself falls helplessly in love with a woman who feels her past labels her and a teen learns to make better decisions. ~ Why ~ This is a fast, quick read about how four people have to move on from what is expected of them to what God wants for them. The underlying thread that the fear can make one believe they are worthless yet past failures can be sewn into a pattern of relying on Jesus for all things. I like the small-town environment that is charming and unassuming. Having the town’s hippo statue mentioned in all three books is fun and engaging. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not understand the charm of small-town living may not enjoy this read that focuses on letting go of worry and wanting to be perfect all the time. Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like the references of God’s grace, hope, and direction. The main character tends to be so fickle in making decisions that it may irritate readers. ~ Wish Similar to prior books in the series, its kissing scenes are a bit overkill in their descriptions. I wish they were toned down a little and all pronouns of God were capitalized. This may be the final book in the series, yet there are enough loose ends that could produce another book. ~ Want ~ If you enjoy a small-town romance that shows how worry, perfectionism, and the fear of failure can overtake lives, this promotes finding lasting love while failing forward. Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

Excellent! Tari Faris knocks it out of the park with the final book in Restoring Heritage series. Not only does she offer a truly inspirational and sweet story, she finally shares the mystery behind the story of Otis. If only all small towns had a magical moving hippo. Such a fantastic story.

3.5 stars "One person can fail only so many times. That was her theory . . . . " Leah Williams is ready for a win; she's back in Heritage, Michigan . . . . . she's ready to begin a new chapter . . . again . . . she just needs the cooperation of a man who holds all the cards in his hand, the one and only Jonathan Kensington. Definitely all grown up, Jon can no longer play the role of teen-age nemesis, but can he possibly transform into a friend? Leah hopes so, for her future aspirations depend on it. Jon Kensington is backed into a corner and his uncle knows it. The proposed buy-out of Leah's building will crash her dreams, although Leah's shaky business plan (if you could call it that) really isn't worth salvaging in its present form. If only Jon could still draw on his father's wisdom . . . . a man who loved the community of Heritage, and who knew how to support the local economy in every way possible . . . . without crushing the dreams of a beautiful, quirky, stubbornly creative red-head. There's a lot to learn about love in this small town of Heritage with its happily-ever-after vibe. Guaranteed to relish the journey, readers will walk the walk with not only Leah and Jon, but two other not-so-newcomers who find more than they bargained for . . . with a can of paint. . . . and maybe even way before that, with a high school jersey. "Little had they known back then that God had such great things in store for each of them. They'd just had to wait on His perfect timing." I received a copy of this book from the Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.

I highly recommend this book! If you haven’t already, be sure to read first the prequel novella to the series (P.S. Goodbye), and the first two books (You Belong With Me and Until I Met You). These will give you a thorough introduction to the town of Heritage, Otis, and most of the characters you’ll meet in this new book. Faris’ characters are “real people,” dealing with grief and past mistakes, honoring heritage businesses passed down by loved ones, and relationships. What is love? What is trust? How to I avoid forgetting the loved ones who have passed away? Also, am I really hearing what the other person is saying, or have I interpreted it the wrong way? I had a hard time putting the book down, especially towards the end. There are plenty of unexpected plot twists that often left me in shock for a few pages. Since this is the end of the series, I thought Faris did a good job wrapping things up. I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book with no obligation to post a review

Have you ever lived in a town where everyone knows everyone? Where the past never seems to die no matter how long you’ve been gone? Well, this sweet town of Heritage is a town that is just this way. It’s also a town that’s seen better days and is struggling to stay unique, drawing people in for visits or to stay. I love the name of the town because we all have a “heritage” it might be good or it might be bad, but it’s our story. The characters in this newest book based in Heritage all have a past they’re trying to rise above. From the misunderstood wealthy guy to the misunderstood creative woman who’s been hurt one too many times. As well as the wounded woman no one knew was abused, to the wounded music star who was damaged in a scam. All these characters and many more bring this town to life with their stories of finding healing, acceptance, and love. There are also moments of frustration, laughter, longing, and hope. Tari Faris wove sweet life lessons throughout this story, truths like we don’t need to be the ones in control. God’s got it all in His hands and timing. I’ve truly enjoyed her style of writing. This book flows smoothly and is very entertaining. I think that I will continue to read anything she writes. I highly recommend you pick this book up. It might touch your heart just like it did mine. I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The small town of Heritage, MI is charming and loveable. And it's resident's are full of grace and love. The kind of characters you love to call friends. I highly recommend this series being read in order. Although this book could be read as a stand-alone, the story will be so much richer if the previous two and even the accompanying novella are read prior to this one. Ms. Faris takes on some pretty serious, heart-wrenching topics in this story. Things like high school bullying, unwed pregnancy, and abuse. These difficult topics are handled with much care and grace. I appreciated the spiritual take on dealing with each of them and how grace can be shown to those who've suffered through them. There were also some storylines from the previous stories that were wrapped up really well. I enjoyed revisiting them and discovering some things we didn't know! This book, as well as the entire series, was completely enjoyable and thought provoking! Don't pass it up! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris Book 3 in the Restoring Heritage series Rating: 4.5/5 One of the things I love about Tari Faris is she likes to give the reader two love stories in one book. The characters are great and it's nice to catch up with characters from the other two books in the series. However, this book can be read by itself without confusion. I do still recommend reading the other two books though because they are also great. Leah is back in her hometown and wants to revive her grandfather's general store. However, she needs the cooperation of the Kensingtons without compromising her vision. When she discovers Jon is back and helping run the company, she doesn't know how to handle it. For some reason, Jon has always had it out for her and she can't explain why. Meanwhile, Jon has had a huge crush on Leah since high school but his words always seem to be misunderstood when he speaks to her. Can these two find a way to partner in business and maybe in love? Madisen is back in her hometown but only briefly to renovate her childhood home to sell it. When Colby's friend invites him to lay low in Heritage, he takes a chance and even offers to help Madisen with renovations. As a Christian musician who's looking to avoid scandal, Colby finds Heritage more interesting after meeting Madisen. She has her own secrets and is afraid that her small town will judge her based on her actions during high school. Can Colby convince her to open up her heart to her town again and maybe even him? The themes of redemption and learning to trust and forgive are prominent and really resonate with the reader. I love how naturally the author incorporates faith into the story. I always love returning to Heritage and am sad the series is over. Highly recommend if you enjoy Christian contemporary romance with humor, heart and small towns. My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

What happens when a gal comes back home for a new start and discovers the only person who can make her dream possible is the guy who made her high school years painful? An engaging story and delightful romance, of course. Since You’ve Been Gone, Tari Faris’ final installment in her Restoring Heritage series, is what I believe to be her best novel yet. Faris upped her game bringing characters to life and making them so personable. I wanted to hang out with Leah and her group of friends. Leah Williams returns to Heritage, Michigan, after realizing that perhaps helping with her brother’s mission in Costa Rica wasn’t what she was cut out for. When she decides to reopen her grandparents’ shop, she thinks having a vision is all she needs . . . until she has a meeting with Jonathan Kensington, the guy who made her high school years painful. Jonathan Kensington is still trying to figure things out after the death of his parents, after ending his professional basketball career, and after bringing his younger sister back to Heritage from her London boarding school. When he says yes to sitting in on a business meeting for his uncle, Jon is surprised to realize that said meeting is with Leah Williams, the girl he secretly liked, but who never gave him a second glance in high school or beyond. She presents her business plan, which appears to be more of a vision plan, sharing her ideas for the shop she wants to open. When Jon offers to help Leah create a credible business plan, she reluctantly agrees. It turns out, Leah has the vision, and Jon has the business savvy. They could be a solid team. But first, they must learn how to trust each other. What follows is a charming story where Leah and Jon work through the struggles of reopening a business amid obstacles that stretch their growing friendship. As the shop comes together, something happens that could destroy both the business and their developing relationship. Leah and Jon are forced to face past wounds. They must decide if they’re meant to be business partners or perhaps much more. The romance aspect was sweet and fun as they talk, do things together, and begin to trust each other. Another romance within the pages of this story enhances Leah’s story and gives us an inside glimpse into Madison, who was introduced in a prior book in the series. I loved learning more about her. Though I was not a fan of her in her earlier book, Faris redeemed Madison for me in this book. I love Heritage. This quaint town came alive as I read—the shops, the main street, and the personalities. Faris wove depth into each character and helped me better understand some of the people from past Restoring Heritage books. Each was easy to relate to in their struggles and their thought processes. And Otis . . . I loved discovering his secrets (no spoilers here!). The themes in this story include understanding our worth, especially when people who are supposed to love us fall short as well as discovering where our identity comes from. Another theme is learning to be brave enough to give our heart to others, especially those who have the power to break us. This story made me laugh out loud and also brought tears to my eyes. The authentic characters made this story! If you enjoy reading clean, small-town romance with many humorous moments and realistic, imperfect characters, you will love Since You've Been Gone. PS—Though this is the third in the series, it also reads as a standalone. ***I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts expressed are strictly my own.

Some books have a lesson that touches you. Then, there are other books, books like Since You've Been Gone, where the lesson just reaches out with each smooth turn of the page with a brush of love from the author's heart to paper and then into a reader's touch. The way she wove such a careful story of redemption, healing from wounds inflicted by those who should be the ones you can always go to, and that each and every person is special was one not easily forgotten. Tari Faris is an auto need to read, where is my copy, kind of author. She's been that way since I read You Belong with Me when it first came out. The way that the characters come to life, the town becomes a piece of your heart, and you never want to stop reading it makes me wish there was more. Jon, oh, okay, Jon! He's just so close to stealing Nate's place as my favorite of the guys, but so are Luke, Grant, and Colby, oh, and I can't forget Chet! They are just such sweet guys that I loved reading about. The girls are also so awesome, can I just be Hannah when I grow up? Yeah, and then there's of course Leah. Yikes, it was crazy relating to her about things but not being able to imagine what happened to her and her family in the past. And, sweet Jimmy! I loved finding out what happened with him though I totally called it. Abby is somebody I really want to see more of in the future. The sibling relationship/guardianship and raising a little sister for Jon and Abby were so bittersweet... I worried there for a bit that there wouldn't be an outcome I liked. Did I like it? More than I can say but you need to find out for yourself if you agree on that ending! As happy as I am that this series has ended, I am saddened to leave the world of Restoring Heritage and the characters that are now like old friends. Warnings: 18+ due to romance, past abuse, mentions of drinking/drunks, unwed pregnancy before the book starts and a character knows God, etc. Mentions of attraction, sexy is used, some other focuses on attraction. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Redeemed, that's what I thought of with this book. The two main couples, Leah and Jon and Madison and Colby all need to accept the redemption that comes from God and the healing that comes from letting go of your past. The story is inspirational, has romance, humor, and you find out a little bit more about Otis, the town hippo. Several characters from the other books make an appearance too. I really enjoyed this story and hope to read more from Tari Faris.

The latest book in the Restoring Heritage series, Since You've Been Gone, features four more singles discovering love in the small town of Heritage, Michigan. Though I hadn't read the previous two books, You Belong With Me and Until I Met You, it wasn't too difficult to acclimate myself to the setting and characters. Despite some (what I'm assuming are) cameos and perhaps slight spoilers regarding couples from the earlier books, considering that these are contemporary romances, I felt comfortable reading Since You've Been Gone as a stand alone though that may be different for other readers. The character I connected to first was Leah. She's a creative, flighty type, and I very much related to her fears regarding falling in love and reluctance to starting a relationship even though she really wanted to. While there were moments where I got frustrated at Leah's jumping to conclusions, it was understandable considering her past assumptions. Jon is a steady, responsible type whose clashes and banter with Leah are rather entertaining. Love is a risk, but a risk worth taking (with the right person), is one of the themes throughout the book that stood out to me and is highlighted not just with our main couple, but side characters Madison Westmore and Colby Marc. Both end up in Heritage not by choice, but by necessity: Madison to settle the affairs of her late estranged father and Colby to hide out after a scandal breaks up his popular music group. Like Leah, Madison is also reluctant to the risks of love, but her character arc was even more poignant to me and a reminder of how important our reactions as Christians are --Do we respond with grace and love or sanctimonious judgement and presuppositions? Seeing her grow to trust others and vice versa made me want to cheer. Meanwhile, Colby's heart and character reminded me of Hosea. He didn't care about Madison's past reputation, but saw her as she was now and how she changed even if others in town didn't. As Tari Faris solidly closes out her debut series, I will eagerly await her next book (after I go back and read the other Restoring Heritage novels)! I would recommend this book to fans of Christian contemporary romance authors such as Becky Wade, Julie Lessman, Carla Laureano, or Susan May Warren. My fellow librarians should also take note of this new Christian fiction author! [Disclosure: I received an ARC copy from the publisher for review purposes.]

This is the third and last book in the Restoring Heritage series. The series also included two novellas. This is one series that you will definitely want to read in order and in its entirety. It is so good that when you get to this book you will find yourself sad that it is ending. Tari Faris does a great job making her characters and the world they live in come to life. I find myself imagining that I am there in Heritage sitting on Otis the hippo for a bit reading a book that I got from the really cool sounding town library. Then I’ll go visit the local diner for coffee and breakfast. Even though the blurb on the back only mentions two characters, there are also two other characters that I would say are main characters as well. One of those was in one of the previous books in this series. Oh and do not worry Otis the hippo definitely makes an appearance. Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

"But loving someone isn't never failing them. It's you choosing them and them choosing you day in and day out, even when the failures happen." I love this small town of Heritage, MI and I am so glad that I got the chance to go back. Tari Faris once again brings the readers into the tight-knit circle of Heritage, where gossip blooms like wildflowers but also where love, acceptance, and mercy flow like a wild river. I enjoyed catching up with the myriad of characters from the previous books in the series and loved getting to know Leah/Jon and Madison/Colby as individuals and couples. With easy-to-read writing style and characters that pull at your heartstrings, this book will captivate you and help you fall in love with Heritage a little more. I really loved Colby and his faithful steadfastness and relentless unconditional commitment to Madison. His living out his faith softens the edges of Madison who's had a tough life with disappointments, hurts, and pain. Jon has so many seesawing emotions to battle - from hot and cold reception of his long-time crush Leah to struggling for his rightful place in his father's company to working for peace and solidarity with his teenage sister - but his optimism and thoughtful care of Leah makes him a great hero. There are tried and true life and faith lessons embedded into each character's faults and triumphs - lessons about facing fears and failures head-on, receiving and extending mercy and grace, inviting others to share the journey, allowing God to lead and love. And, of course, there is Otis.... If you enjoy contemporary romance with heart and substance, you will absolutely love this book. I received the book from publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.