“This must-read romance stirs a touch of heat into a sweet story of self-acceptance and rekindled love. Recommended!” USATodayFormer 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.… 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.
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Enjoyed this book that contains faith, romance, and mystery. Definitely a page turner that is easy to read and follow and great twists and turns that add such great depth to the plot. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
I just finished reading “Blue Ridge Sunrise”. It was my first experience reading Denise Hunter’s work. I enjoyed it VERY MUCH! Thank you for it!
Great book
I have to tell you Blue Ridge Sunrise is listed as Christian Fiction, I didn’t know what to expect and I put it off for years but after I’ve finished it I can say it was a nice read with a very mild religion presence.
Zoe comes back to Copper Creek for her grandma’s burial, she ran away years before with a big secret, now that her grandma left her the orchard in her will it’s the time to come back at home and try to redeem herself. Cruz has always loved Zoe, she broke his heart going away and now that she is back he is at war with himself trying to ignore her. Will they get their second chance at love? Or is their relationship forever compromised?
I liked all the ups and downs of the plot, the flow is fluid and I’ve read it quicly.
I’ve got attached to the main characters and I’ve cheered for them to get their happily ever after, even if at times I’ve found Zoe immature.
I want to live in Copper Creek! A charming town with strong sense of community. Cruz and Zoe’s story is a beautiful example of restoration and healing. Blue Ridge Sunrise is a lovely masterpiece!
Recommend to those who enjoy inspirational, contemporary romance.
I borrowed a copy from my local library. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Okay….the story was enjoyable. But my complaints are the same as many … what was with the total brush-over of the premarital sex? Clearly a lot of sinning happened (which God forgives) but it was ridiculous. It’s a Christian book, the people go to church, etc., and for some reason, there is absolutely no repenting/apologizing for the obvious sins? That’s the only reason this book isn’t getting a four or five star. I didn’t like that. AT ALL.
Let the characters mess up. I love when they screw up and aren’t perfect people. But please clearly state the wrongness of a situation, and show the characters changing and moving on from their ways. PLEASE.
This first book in the Blue Ridge Romance series gets it off to a great start!
Thoroughly entertaining. Deals realistically with common problems and prejudices of the young adult world. It encourages the reader to more accurately assess her own attitudes and actions.
I received this book from The Fiction Guild. I was not required to give a favorable review. This is another book from Denise. Her writing draws you to each of the characters and it has done this with this. Zoe feels is a rebel. Her mom understands her but her father wants her to do as he says and that makes her feel small. Her brother Brody is close to her & so is her grandmother. But being the rebel she is she falls for her brothers friend but doesn’t want to tell anybody. Singing is her passion, but her dad doesn’t understand. Her mother get killed in accident visiting her brother in CA, and now it is just them. Kyle comes along and wants her for his backup singer for his band. But there are doubts between her and Cruz. She leaves town, but she doesn’t tell him she is pregnant. But she comes home 5 years later for her grandmothers funeral. She has lost touch with everyone but her brother. But she get a shock. Her grandmother left her the family peach orchard. She can now leave Kyle and find herself & Gracie a home and maybe Gracie’s daddy who is still in town. Little did she know he was working for her grandmother. Can they make it work.
I didn’t want to put the book down. I enjoyed it
Very good book. Kept your interest. Denise Hunter is an excellent author
Denise Hunter continues to craft heartfelt stories and characters that stay with you long after reading “the end”. There were so many unexpected twists and turns that it was difficult to put this book down. The setting of the orchard was such a treat, as well as the secondary characters. The perfect balance of everything I look for in a Christian romance. I’m so excited for the next book in the series!
An entertaining love story
Really liked this book! Definitely different!
According to the other reviews I feel differently, as I feel this is a story of a prodigal daughter who is trying to get her life on track after foolish mistakes and risks taken. Is it edgier…yes….is it true to life…yes. Not everyone lives a Christian life from birth and have to find their way back to their roots and need love and understanding, not harsh holier than thou judgement. I loved this book and felt it was well written and realistic. I could identify with the abuse and how Zoe lost who she was because of it. It was realistic and spot on. I loved how the characters developed and Bella is such a sweet bonus. Perfect example of how poor choices dictate our destiny unless we yield to our faith. I couldn’t put it down and loved the flashback chapters so I knew the full backstory. I’m not a big contemporary reader, but I loved this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson & Zondervan. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
This is the first book that I’ve read by this author so I went into the story with an open mind. I love Hallmark movies and the “high school sweethearts – breakup – find themselves back together again – throw in a struggling orchard” felt kind of like a Hallmark movie story line. I was a little thrown by the flashback/backstory of Zoe and Cruz’s relationship, which begins just after chapter six and is about ten chapters. Perhaps if the backstory was at the beginning of the book and then we caught up with them years later, I would have liked it better. This way felt disjointed to me and I think it kept me from being to invested in their story. Full review at my website. 2 1/2 out of 5 stars. I received this book in a giveaway. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Denise Hunter delivers another must-read inspirational novel. Blue Ridge Sunrise is a well written and fast-paced story of second chances, mistakes redeemed, and lost love found. Zoe and Cruz’s love story begins on a fragile foundation of secrets and insecurities. Hurt feelings, miscommunication, and people feeding them lies all contribute to their break up. This story is their journey back to each other. The author weaves a believable story with a wonderful cast of characters especially the adorable Gracie. This story addresses that life is messy and everyone carries baggage from difficult relationships, unmet needs, and loss but with God’s love we can find out who we really are, what we are made of and what He calls us to. I am thankful for books like this one where I can escape into a wonderful story but return to reality equipped with a great understanding of God’s love and forgiveness.