MY REVIEW:
Melissa Tagg’s first novel “Made to Last” was a winner. Readers first met Blake Hunziker in it where he played a major supporting role. What fun to find him a protagonist in Melissa’s newest offering “Here to Stay”. I loved getting to know him even better and liked what I found. Autumn Kingsley was also a strong character who had given up her dreams to stay in her home town to run the family inn while secretly making plans to take a position in Paris. Although their families were long-time sworn enemies, when Blake and Autumn were persuaded to work together on the Christmas festival, they soon became friends or maybe more.
The plot moved at a steady pace with several twists and surprises along the way. Dialogue was at times witty and at other times quite profound. I enjoyed how the relationship between Blake and Autumn progressed so naturally. Both Blake and Autumn were people I’d like to know in real life. “Here to Stay” is a great stand-alone novel but even better as a follow-up companion to “Made to Last”. I recommend both and look forward to Tagg’s next novel “From the Start”.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House,
a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what reception he’ll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he’s stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas Festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events…
If there’s one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it’s Whisper Shore. For years, she’s been stuck running her family’s inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job offer in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.
The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn’s the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade–she’ll help with the Festival and he’ll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who’s done running away joins forces with the girl who can’t wait to leave.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft-and-coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.
