Blue Ridge Sunrise

A Blue Ridge Romance #1

Paperback, ebook, audio, audio CD

November 7, 2017

by Denise Hunter

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• ISBN-13: 978-0718090500

"This must-read romance stirs a touch of heat into a sweet story of self-acceptance and rekindled love. Recommended!" USAToday

Former free spirit Zoe Collins swore she'd never again set foot in Copper Creek or speak to the man who broke her heart. But return she must when her beloved Granny dies, leaving the family legacy to Zoe--a peach orchard nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

When Zoe returns home with her daughter and boyfriend Kyle, she finds that she's the only person in town who doesn't expect her to give up the life she's established far away from Copper Creek. Everyone believes she was born to run the orchard, but how can she make it her home after so many years?

Cruz Huntley never quite got over his first love, Zoe Collins, the little sister of his best friend Brady. Not when she cheated on him during their "break," not when she took off to parts unknown with good-for-nothing Kyle Jenkins, and not even now--five years later.

As life-changing decisions and a history with Cruz hang over Zoe's head, tensions rise between her and Kyle. Even as she comes to terms with the shifting relationships in her life, Zoe still isn't sure if she can remain in Copper Creek with her new responsibilities . . . and her first love.

My thoughts: Denise Hunter used to be one of my favorite authors, I've read every single one of her romances she's written over the years. I've heard that Thomas Nelson is becoming more edgy and that is apparent with the last few romances Ms. Hunter has put out. 

Zoe is a wild child. The book starts when she's fifteen and she's got the stuff and is hot to trot. She has Cruz lusting after her, but he's her brother's best friend. When Brady goes off to college, Cruz promises to keep his eye on her... and he does. That, and other things. 

Then Zoe runs off to join a country band and sing backup. When granny dies, she comes back home with her four year old daughter in tow... 

Okay, you can see where this is going.  Zoe is not a character I like or identify with. With the exception of Granny and her brother and one girlfriend she's pretty much burned all her bridges behind her, too. Even her own dad is reluctant to help. Even Cruz hates her, but she's still hot... And of course they are forced together because... 

The ending was rather rushed and unsettled. Telling. Not a satisfactory end. 

Faith message was weak. She sings in church, says a prayer or two , and it's called good. Lives like the devil the rest of the time. 

I wanted to like this book. But I didn't. And I hate to say this, but it might be the last Denise Hunter book I ever read. That kind of breaks my heart. 

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.