MY REVIEW:
“Blue Ridge Sunrise” was an enjoyable romantic novel that features two people who had been in love but life came between them. Circumstances unexpectedly bring them back into contact and anyone who has ever read any romance novels has an idea of what happens. Of course there are secrets between them and another man who does everything he can to cause problems. Oh, there is also a cute little girl who will steal your heart.
Characters are well-defined, so much so that many readers have difficulty liking the female lead Zoe, including myself. Eventually, after learning more of her background, I was able to understand Zoe better and maybe even like her a bit. Cruz, on the other hand, was the perfect hero despite having a few flaws of his own. Kyle, the other guy, is a classic jerk who is very easy to dislike intensely.
The plot moves back and forth between present and the past which fills the reader in on what actually happened between Zoe, Cruz, and Kyle and how they reached the present point in their lives. Some drama and action are included but the story very much revolves around the relationship of Zoe and Cruz. As mentioned by other reviewers, the faith thread is not as strong in this book as previous ones but it is still a clean novel with no violence or graphic intimate scenes. 
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including “The Convenient Groom” and “A December Bride” which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 club and won awards such as The Holt Medallion Award, The Carol Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking good coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband have three boys and are rapidly approaching an empty nest.
You can learn more about Denise through her website www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or by visiting her FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter
