From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom and A December Bride (now beloved Hallmark Original movies) comes the third and final novel in the Bluebell Inn series! When a mysterious man turns up at Grace’s family-run inn, it’s instant attraction. But she’s already got a lot on her plate: running the Bluebell Inn, getting Blue Ridge Outfitters off the ground, and coping with a childhood … childhood event she’d thought was long past.
A gunshot wound has resurrected the past for secret service agent Wyatt Jennings, and a mandatory leave of absence lands him in Bluebell, North Carolina. There he must try and come to grips with the crisis that altered his life forever.
Grace needs experience for her new outfitters business, so when Wyatt needs a mountain guide, she’s more than happy to step up to the plate. As their journey progresses, Grace soon has an elusive Wyatt opening up, and Wyatt is unwittingly drawn to Grace’s fresh outlook and sense of humor.
There’s no doubt the two have formed a special bond, but will Wyatt’s secrets bring Grace’s world crashing down? Or will those secrets end up healing them both?
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Autumn Skies is the third book in the Bluebell Inn Series, following Lake Season and Carolina Breeze. In Autumn Skies, Grace Bennett, along with her sister, Molly, and brother, Levi, are making a success of running the Bluebell Inn. The three are finally ready to sell and move on with their lives, and for Grace, that means focusing full-time on her outfitter business, starting with finding a location outside of the inn from which to run it.
Wyatt Jennings is a secret service agent recovering from a bullet he took in the line of duty. He needs some down time before he can return to work so he can recover physically, but also to do some emotional healing. His search for healing takes him to Bluebell, to the Inn, and to the front desk where Grace Bennett is working. Grace and Wyatt both have healing to do, having both survived situations in which they lived because someone else died. Can they find healing together? Or will their pasts tear the two apart?
I really loved this story. I think that Grace and Wyatt are both interesting and likable characters. I like that they are seeking healing from trauma events in their pasts, seeking closure so they can move forward without the trauma continuing to affect their lives. I like that they were a strong and safe support system for each other. I appreciate that Denise Hunter writes cleans romance, and I appreciate the focus on faith in the story. I look forward to her next book.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I’m struggling so much to put words to how much I loved this book. I read most of it in one sitting. I cried. I laughed. I melted. This book is everything.
It’s no secret that Adam (from Lake Season) ranks among my top book boyfriends and his brief appearances in Autumn Skies reiterates why I love him so dearly. But MY HEAVENS, Wyatt is right up there with him. The swoon factor is off the charts, and the chemistry between Wyatt and Grace is incredible.
I honestly believe this is some of Hunter’s best work. It’s everything a contemporary romance is supposed to be, with encouraging and inspiring threads easily weaving through the heartwarming moments. What a perfect way to end a beautiful series!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All expressed opinions are my own.
Those dark eyes, so serious and observant. Did he make everyone feel like an ant under a microscope?”
When Secret Service agent Wyatt Jennings arrives at the Bluebell Inn for some agency imposed rest and relaxation, he immediately catches Grace Bennett’s attention. My goodness, he would catch anyone’s attention. Dark eyes, dark hair, . . . . . .. well, quite honestly dark never looked so good. He’s a man of few words, but the words he does use are direct and to the point, and admittedly Wyatt needs Grace’s help. There are raging nightmares inside of him that demand to be tamed, so going back to where it all began seemed like the right thing to do, he just never anticipated meeting someone like dear, sweet, beautiful Grace.
Grace Bennett’s life is about to undergo tremendous change, she and her siblings are finally positioned to sell their beloved childhood home, the Bluebell Inn. Her sister is happily married, her brother’s wedding is in a matter of weeks and Grace is poised to achieve her dream of owning and operating her own outfitters business. Then came Wyatt. Determined to help him locate a certain remote camp site near the Inn, that destination takes them far beyond anything that a map could provide.
One of the sweetest romances that this author has ever written, Autumn Skies tenderly clutches the hopes and hearts of two guilt-ridden souls between its pages; the chemistry between Wyatt and Grace is pulsating and palpable, and their tentative , wobbly steps towards each other are absolutely endearing. The book was such a pleasure to read for the first time, and will be enjoyed many times hereafter.
I have never read a Denise Hunter book I didn’t like, but this is hands down my favorite series of hers. I am probably biased, but fall in the North Carolina mountains is a spectacular sight. This setting along with such a well-written story helped make Autumn Skies the perfect conclusion to her Bluebell Inn series. This series follows the lives of three siblings who lost their parents in a car accident. They set out to fulfill their parents dream of running an inn. Each story centers around one of the siblings and this is Grace’s story. Grace meets Wyatt, a secret service agent, when he mysteriously shows up at at the Inn for a much needed escape and there is instant chemistry. This book is perfect for lovers of a fabulous romance story, but the mystery lover in me was intrigued as well. For fear of giving too much away, you will just have to read to see what I am referring to and see how their story turns out. This book tackles some difficult topics such as grief and survivor’s guilt, but they are all handled so beautifully. Although this can be read as a standalone, do yourselves a favor and immerse yourself in the entire series. You won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to Netgalley for an ebook of this story. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
When readers first met Grace in book one of Denise Hunter’s Bluebell Inn series, she was in high school begging her older brother and sister to help with the inn their parents had bought. In Autumn Skies, the inn is succeeding and, a few years older, Molly’s new dream is to run a successful outfitters business.
For those who have read the first books in the series, Grace is a friend we’ve known for a while. She’s outgoing, friendly, and adventurous. At first glance, intensely serious, career-driven Wyatt doesn’t seem like he’ll be a good match for Grace. But once the attraction between the two sparks, it doesn’t take long to grow into a blazing roar.
While the romance between the two is exactly what I expected from Hunter, the mystery happening in the book was predictable. I figured out early on how Grace’s experience and Wyatt’s connected. But between the romance and getting to catch up with Molly and Levi, this series finale did not disappoint.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Autumn Skies is the third and final book in this series. I’ve enjoyed all of them. Three siblings and their story about the Bluebell Inn. I loved every page of this novel! This is the perfect way to end this series. This one tells about the younger daughter Grace, How she overcame her horrid escape from a kidnapper when she was just a child. Then we have a mysterious stranger to arrive at the Inn and seems to be hiding a secret. Grace becomes attracted to him despite his going out of the way to hide who he is…….A great love story that will keep you turning the pages to see how it will all end……Thanks to the publisher for an arc copy of this most interesting book. The words of this review are my own.
This is the third book in the “A Bluebell Inn Romance” series. I will start off by saying that you will definitely enjoy this book better if you have not only read the other two but read them in order. Though if you have not, then you will still enjoy this book. As always Denise Hunter has a way of writing her characters and their story that just draws you in from the very beginning. This book is one that you won’t want to put down so be sure you have the time to read it in one sitting if possible or you will have to go through the struggle of putting it down. I do not want to give anything away about the book but the way this book ends will not disappoint those who love a good happy ending. If you read the other two books then you will have already read the stories of Molly and Levi Bennett which are Grace Bennett’s siblings. Grace Bennett is the main female character in the book and her leading man is Wyatt Jennings. She is so down to earth. I could see us becoming friends though I’m not as outdoorsy as she is.
WOW!! What a fantastic end to a fantastic series! I absolutely loved this book. Every single page of it. The cover is beautiful, the setting is beautiful, the characters are perfection! I couldn’t ask for anything more. The chemistry between Grace and Wyatt was palpable. Every bit of their story leaves you wanting more. Wyatt, is a secret service agent is so dreamy. He’s a bit older than Grace and has a lifetime of experiences. He wrongly assumes that Grace’s young age will make her naïve. But he quickly finds out that her sunny disposition has a depth that he was not expecting. Their relationship is perfectly paced to make you fall in love with the both of them. Do yourself a favor and read this story…after you’ve read the first two in the series. You will not regret it!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter was a delightful story about the last sibling at the inn. This time around it was Grace’s story. Before in the other two installments, she was younger. In the first one, I believe, she was still in high school. Now she is twenty-one and wanting to seek out on her own. It was interesting to see her personal sparkle on the page. She is definitely different than her older siblings that appear to hurt more over the lost of their parents than Grace did. I liked seeing both returning siblings and their spouses. Another wedding. The hero of Wyatt was the typical male protector hero who wanted to protect Grace and love on her once he found out he honestly had feelings for her. The plot moved at a nice pace. The romance was predictable, but I enjoyed seeing these siblings interact. Overall, Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter is just what fans of contemporary romance want in their stories. Romance. Check. Conflict. Check. Interesting characters. Check. Nice secluded setting. Check. A must read for fans of Hallmark movies.
I received a complimentary copy of Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Autumn Skies was an amazing story! I have enjoyed the entire Bluebell Inn series, but Autumn Skies has sailed into the spot of favorite in the series for me.
The dynamic between Wyatt and Grace was perfect. They had this chemistry that was noticeable from the very moment they met, and it was completely believable.
I loved the way it seemed, at first, as if Wyatt and Grace were opposites and how Wyatt continually reminded himself of this fact as he got to know Grace. But all the reminding in the world couldn’t keep that attraction from growing into something more. These two characters were so sweet together and they are definitely a favorite literary couple of mine now.
It was great to catch up with Molly and Adam and Levi and Mia in this novel. The author did an excellent job of wrapping everything up beautifully, leaving me with a wonderful and happy feeling as I turned the last page. This is a book I will be reading again many times.
This is the final book to this series and it is a fantastic conclusion to this series. I have loved reading all three books in the Bluebell Inn series. This book focuses on Grace the youngest Bennett sibling. The siblings have been working together to bring their parents dream to fruition by turning the inn around so that it is profitable and then selling it. Grace has her own dreams of running an outfitter business. She did not want to attend college even though her brother believes that was what was best for her. As she is working to ensure her business is successful, she meets Wyatt at the inn. Wyatt is seeking to heal, but also to face the past where something extremely difficult happened. Before he can continue on with his success as a secret service agent, he has to confront his past. Together, they work to discover how to move past those experiences. I loved how Ms. Hunter tied all three stories together and the romance that is within all three novels. I highly recommend this book! I know you will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.
This is the 3rd and final book in the Bluebell Inn Romance series. Each one could be read alone, however, you would miss out on knowing each of the siblings, Levi, Molly and Grace and their stories. Upon the unexpected death of their parents a number of years ago, they each made sacrifices to fulfill the dream their parents had of turning their family home into a Inn. After much renovation, and financial struggles, the Inn is now thriving and it is felt the time is right to sell so each could move forward to their own dreams. Levi is getting married and moving to Los Angeles, where his fiance is an actress; Molly’s dream is to have an Inn in Italy. Grace is working at launching Blue Ridge Outfitters, and plans to stay in her hometown where she has always lived.
Wyatt Jennings, a Secret Service Agent, has recently recovered from a gun shot wound, and is dealing with some other issues and has been told to take some time off to recover. He is reminded of childhood memories in Bluebell, North Carolina, and heads in that direction. He is surprised to see his family’s summer home is now a Inn and ends up unexpectedly staying there, where the three Innkeepers think he’s rather mysterious.
Wyatt wants to find a specific place that he and his mother camped the last time he was in Bluebell, at age 14. Grace, who plans to offer tours through her new business, offers to help Wyatt find the location he’s looking for. She feels the experience will be beneficial and offers her services at no charge. The hiking trips in search of the place in Wyatt’s mind, brings some scary, and unexpected situations.
As this heartfelt story unfolds, it brings to mind the value of friendships, family and supporting one another, especially during challenging time, as well as persevering. I’m sorry to see these book coming to an end, but looking forward what Denise Hunter is writing next.
I am a huge fan of the Bluebell Inn Romance Series and of course reading this third book is like visiting old friends – the Bennet siblings’ stories from book 1 and 2 all had a little bit of romance, mystery and small town drama and excitement – all with a feel good happy ending.
Their beautiful home turned into a gorgeous B & B by the lake on the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina is blustering with activity and guests, and is now running well and turning a profit. Molly and Levi are looking to sell and move on. However, Grace stays on to run her outfitting business.
In this installment, we read about Grace Bennett the young, spunky, and cynical about matters of love sibling, fall head over heels with Wyatt, a guest at the Inn. Wyatt is a secret service agent who is on a leave of absence after taking a bullet. Your heart will flutter as jaded Wyatt falls head over heels over Grace who comes into his life just when he needed it the most.
I just love Denise Hunter’s stories they always leave you feeling great and hopeful – always an engaging story I enjoy!
I have loved this series by Denise Hunter so much! All three of the stories of the three siblings who started running Bluebell Inn after their parents died have been engaging and so romantic! Each couple ended up so in love that it just melts your heart.
Grace and Wyatt were both characters who were damaged by survivor’s guilt. When he shows up at the Inn, his gut feeling is that she is way too young for him. Grace has an adorable blush that tends to show up whenever Wyatt or discussion of him does (especially when he’s standing right behind her as she’s talking about him). As the two deal with their own problems, they are able to help the other discover how they have been dealing with their own trauma.
Ms. Hunter has done such a great job with this series. I wish I could actually meet the characters and maybe book a stay at Bluebell Inn!
Autumn Skies is the third book in Denise Hunter’s Bluebell Inn series. Three siblings, Molly, Levi, and Grace, have carried on with their parents’ dream of restoring the historic Bluebell Inn. The first book in the series highlighted Molly. The second book was centered on Levi. This one is Grace’s story.
Grace, the youngest of the siblings, was in high school when their parents perished in that awful crash. Although young, she always tried to hold her own at the inn, and worked while completing high school. A good student always excelling, Grace had no interest in college. An outdoors person, Grace had an idea for creating her own outfitters rental company. In this story, her company is doing well as she runs it out of the inn. With her brother’s upcoming wedding, and her sister’s desire to open her own inn in Tuscany, Grace is seeking a location in Bluebell for her fledgling company. Striking out completely on her own is exciting and daunting and the thought that she will be the only one still in Bluebell is a little lonely.
A few weeks prior to the wedding and just before the inn is put on the market, Wyatt Jennings stops at the inn to see if they have a room, which they do. He doesn’t share with Grace, who checks him in, what he does or that there was a time when the inn was his family’s summer home. Neither is he sharing that his purpose in Bluebell is to find closure for that horrible happening 14 years ago. As she guides him in the wilderness they form a bond, able to speak freely with each other. In fact, neither has experienced such an easy alliance.
This is a very well written novel with unexpected twists and turns. The characters are richly drawn and their connections are many. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains are well depicted, allowing the reader to almost feel fall in the mountains. I did enjoy this book and series and do recommend them!
I am really enjoying this series by Denise Hunter. I’ve read Carolina Breeze and Autumn Skies, which are books 2 and 3 in the series, and I’m going to read Lake Season, book 1, soon. These books read great as stand-alone’s and while I hate reading books out of order, these two have made me really want to read Adam and Molly’s story. The setting of this series is such a part of Autumn Skies. I can just picture the Inn and the lake and the surrounding areas. This is another town I could easily move to!
I really enjoyed Grace and Wyatt’s story. Normally, stories where the hero and heroine fall in love too quickly don’t work for me. I am happy to say that this one did. It seemed very believable, especially because both characters addressed it and because of how much time they spent together. I loved that Wyatt was part of the Secret Service. This is a line of work that I haven’t read often and it was very interesting. There was also a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming, but it really added to the story and their relationship. The epilogue was a perfect ending to the series.
Denise Hunter writes well written stories that always keep my attention. I’m looking forward to reading whatever she writes next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Autumn Skies is an easy read full of likeable characters. Grace and Wyatt seem like opposites but have a lot in common as we learn more about them. The story was a feel good romance and just perfect for a cold Fall day. The pacing was good and I enjoyed every moment. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. I haven’t read Denise Hunter before, but this book makes me want to go find her backlist of books.
(5 stars) – Two broken halves made whole
Grace & Wyatt have each been thru life-altering incidents that have left them with survivor’s guilt.
Wyatt’s has begun affecting his ability to do his job, which as a Secret Service agent is pretty serious. He finds his way to the Bluebell Inn, after he’s placed on leave, and decides to stay there while seeking to find healing & hopefully closure.
Grace has been developing her outfitter business, but Levi & Molly are ready to sell the Inn as planned, and so Grace needs to figure out where to relocate.
All this change is looming as Wyatt comes to stay, and while he piques her interest like no one else ever has, her heart racing is because she’s begun having panic attacks. There’s more to this than we know. But she resolves to deal with it by focusing on others instead of herself – and doesn’t mind that including the mysterious Wyatt.
I loved the way Wyatt and Grace just seemed to have this intuitive relationship with each other almost from the start, where they each understood what the other needed. Their relationship felt so real, and with this beautiful sense that Providence was working a miracle of healing thru & on them both
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic, there’s a mention of a past crime where a woman was raped & killed but the description is minimal with no graphic details
*Religion: Christian, but with only a very light touch
Wyatt Jennings, secret service agent, has been injured in the line of duty. He has been given time off for his body and mind to heal. They see him as an up and coming agent and don’t want him burned out. Grace Bennett works at the Bluebell Inn, that her brother and sister own together. Her dream is to open an outfitter company. Little did they know that when Wyatt walked into the Bluebell Inn, their lives were going to change. He appreciates her down to earth lifestyle. She is also the one to take him on guided tours/hikes in the area. He is looking for the spot of all his guilt and the hope of gaining closure. Grace has her own guilt that she is struggling with. Little did they know that they were both connected. Can they live with the knowledge and move on or will they be weary of each other. Life has a way of showing you all the possibilities with a little fait
The Bluebell Inn Romance series has been such a great series to read. It is easy to slip back in and visit the Bennett siblings and the inn that they renovated after their parents were killed in an auto accident four years ago. They all put their lives on hold to fulfill their parents’ dream of turning the big house into an inn. The inn has a rich history of being many things, including an inn, a stagecoach inn, a post office, and a family home. They have the inn in the black and doing well so now it is time to sell it and each of the three fulfilling their own dreams.
Molly and Adam are married and Levi and Mia are about to start their own life. This is Grace’s story, the youngest of the siblings and ready to start her own outfitters business, forgoing college. All she needs is the funds from the sell of the inn.
Wyatt Jennings is Secret Service, recovering from a gunshot wound he got in the line of duty. He grew up going to Bluebell during his summer years as a child until his mom was murdered when he was twelve. He and his mom were on a camping trip when she was attacked. He is still suffering from his feelings of guilt, thinking he could have done something to help her. The shooting has brought it all back so he decides to go back and try to recover and maybe settle his old nightmares.
Grace and Wyatt become friends as she helps him find the area where his mom died. He didn’t disclose any details about what happened and actually opened up slowly to Grace. It was fun to watch their relationship develop but their lives are so different and far apart so it can’t go anywhere. Can it? This is a romance but not without stressful events along the way. Autumn Skies has romantic attraction, friendship, faith, and survivor’s guilt to overcome. Maybe God had a hand in bringing the two together. I highly recommend this sweet story and series. Grace’s story is my favorite of the three. I wish it didn’t have to end.
I received a complimentary ARC from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.