A jilted bride. A struggling innkeeper. And a romantic mountain getaway that changes everything
Rising Hollywood star Mia Emerson is looking for a safe place to land in the wake of a public breakup and celebrity scandal, and she finds it in the lake town of Bluebell, North Carolina—the location of her canceled honeymoon. She wants nothing more than to hide and wait for the tabloids to die down.
the tabloids to die down.
Soon after her arrival at the Bluebell Inn, Mia meets Levi Bennett, who runs the inn along with his two younger sisters. Drawn to one another from the start, Mia trusts Levi to keep her location from the press, and Levi confides in Mia about the precarious financial state of the inn—a secret he’s been keeping from his sisters.
When Mia and Levi discover an old journal that hints at a rare diamond necklace hidden in the inn, they set off on a treasure hunt to find the long-lost heirloom. What they don’t expect to surface are feelings they thought were safely locked away. Mia and Levi must decide if falling in love again is too big a risk—or if it will uncover a treasure of its own instead.
“A breeze of brilliance! Denise Hunter’s Carolina Breeze will blow you away with a masterful merge of mystery, chemistry, and memories restored in this lakeside love story of faith, family, and fortune.” —JULIE LESSMAN, award-winning author
- The second novel in the Bluebell Inn Romance series
- Book one: Lake Season
- Book two: Carolina Breeze
- Book three: Autumn Skies – Available October 2020
- Full-length romance (c. 87,000 words)
- Includes Discussion Questions for Book Clubs
more
When I crack open a Denise Hunter story, I KNOW I’m in for a spectacular journey! Carolina Breeze, book 2 of the Bluebell Inn Series, is NO exception. First off, I adored the setting! A historic inn next to a lake? Set in the mountains? Yes, please! That’s my favorite atmosphere in real life, and so it’s a no brainer that I would absolutely love this setting. Also, the author does a spectacular job of placing you in the scene. You can almost inhale the mountain air!
What I also been lovin’ about her recent novels is that they’ve included a sliver of mystery among the juicy romance! It’s such a great combination!
In true Denise Hunter fashion, the sparks between the main characters register at conflagration proportions. I caught a glimpse of Levi in Lake Season, and I couldn’t wait for his story. It was so much fun seeing cool, level-headed Levi get completely flustered by Mia’s presence. And just to warn future readers, grab a fainting couch or **at least** a fan for the kiss scene. It is amazing!
All in all, this is a charming story that is sure to delight. I totally recommend it.
I got a copy through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter is my idea of the perfect contemporary romance. I absolutely loved and enjoyed every minute of this story. This book has it all — an excellent plotline that’s highly engaging (I truly could not put this book down); wonderful characters who deal with unique, but relatable conflicts; and, timely themes. This book also employs my most favorite trope ever: the out-of-his-league girl who falls for the small-town guy. I adore this trope, and Ms. Hunter utilizes it perfectly in this story. Carolina Breeze is a home run, and I truly cannot recommend this novel enough.
Mia, the heroine of Carolina Breeze, is the out-of-his-league girl. She really does seem to have it all: a fantastic Hollywood career, money and prestige, and insanely good looks. And, she can take this excellentness one step further because she also has a pretty serious relationship with God. She is the whole package! But, while on the outside Mia seems like she has it all, she really struggles with loneliness, belonging, and allowing herself to trust. From a young girl, it appears everyone uses Mia to get what they want or need, and then dump her like yesterday’s garbage. She longs for a real relationship and a real family all her own, but how can she let down her guard and trust when so many have let her down so badly?
My heart really hurt for Mia. There were several times my mama-heart cried out and I wanted to hug her, especially after Levi’s seeming rejection. My most favorite moment in this story came when Mia pours her heart out to her friend, Sophie. Mia wants so desperately to be someone’s priority. She wants someone who looks at her and thinks, “Mia, you’re worthy of my time and attention.” Sophie compassionately reminds Mia that she already is Someone’s priority and that Someone is the greatest Someone that’s ever been. In a moment of crystal-clear realization, it hits Mia like a ton of bricks — she’s been acting as if God is not enough for her. With this new understanding, Mia is able to gather herself emotionally and is able to reprioritize her life to be more God-centered.
I adore Mia’s character. She’s an out-of-his-league girl for sure, but really she is just like me. I’ve been there before — whiny and lonely, only able to see what I don’t have. Desperately needing to refocus and reprioritize my life to be on God’s path. Needing His forgiveness, and then needing His guidance. What a fantastic and unique way to make the super popular, super pretty girl someone I can relate to! Seriously, Carolina Breeze is an exemplary novel.
Carolina Breeze is an all-around excellent story. The relationship that blooms between Mia and Levi is lovely — it’s sweet, it’s genuine, and it’s a bit steamy! I also love that I got to see more of Molly and Adam from Lake Season. And, the mystery surrounding the Carolina Breeze necklace adds an extra layer of awesomeness to this already awesome story. Carolina Breeze is a story I truly recommend. Add it to your TBR lists, pre-order your copy today, and when it releases in May I hope you devour it with as much gusto as I did.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Movie star Mia Emerson is spending her honeymoon, alone, at the Bluebell Inn. Suffering through a broken engagement, and untrue tabloid rumors, she’s anxious to spend some time alone on her honeymoon. After all, the Bluebell Inn used to belong to her grandparents. She longs for a nice, loving family since she’s never had any strong familial roots in her life.
Innkeeper Levi is stunned when movie star Mia Emerson stays at his family’s inn. She’s beautiful and they hit it off so well…but Levi has a lot of problems – both familial and financial.
I thought that both Mia and Levi had a lot of emotional baggage to work through. Both of them had deceased (or estranged) parent(s) – and the deaths/estrangement of their parent(s) caused strife in their lives. Family problems can filter down to generations, which can prove hurtful.
A secret necklace and a diary were added twists to this lovely story. It was also different to see a famous person as a heroine. I seldom see famous folks in romance novels. From my experience, publishers tend to shy away from movie star characters. I believe they (publishers) shy away from that subject matter because readers cannot relate to being a famous person.
I felt that Mia was relatable since most of her struggles dealt with familial issues – and lots of folks have family problems.
I can always count on Denise Hunter when it comes to contemporary romance. This story is warm and tender, and the characters believable. Okay, let me just say that Levi is a sigh-worthy hero. I’m so glad I got to spend time this summer at the Bluebell Inn with Mia and Levi.
What a sweet tender romance! To add to it is the setting. I love any book set in the Carolinas. It brings back such fond memories. Definitely a must read!
Another great story from Dennis Hunter. The Bluebell Inn series continues with Levi’s story. The plot starts out simple and quickly gets complicated. Mia decides to go to the Inn for her honeymoon, alone. Sparks flew between Levi and Mia, right off the bat. There are many twists and turns throughout this story and it held my interest the whole time. The characters are well defined and thought through. The romance is sweet and clean. We also learn more about Molly and Adam ( from book 1, Lake Season). Looking forward to next hearing Grace’s story, (Autumn Skies). I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
“Carolina Breeze” is the second novel in the “A Bluebell Inn Romance” series. While you could probably read this book without reading the first, I would have to say that you would not like it as much by doing that. This is definitely one of those series where you should read the books in order because they build on each other. I have to say that this is one of the first times where I cannot say which of the two I like better. So far with this series I like both books the same. In both books the main characters from the Bennett family tend to over analyze, worry and over think so many things. I could completely relate to that because I do the same thing myself in all aspects of my life. If you are looking for a great relatable read then this book and the one before it, “Lake Season”, are the books for you.
Denise Hunter has written another gem! I love this second book in the Bluebell Inn series. I adored the characters in the first book, Lake Season, and it was wonderful to read more about their lives in Carolina Breeze. The three siblings that own the Bluebell Inn, due to the passing of their parents, are a united front working together and that warms my heart. That does not mean that they always get along and agree, it means that they know what is important and they keep each other close.
I am a big fan of this author. She creates life-like characters, has fantastic scenery description and always has an intriguing plot. This book focuses mainly on the eldest of the siblings, Levi, and a woman that stays at the inn, Mia. It was lovely to read about their relationship and how they both became more insightful of themselves in the course of getting to know each other.
I truly enjoyed this book and read it in one day, since I was so absorbed in the story. I want to thank Thomas Nelson–FICTION and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
With everything going on in the world right now, it’s a great time to pick up a light, fluffy, clean romance with a happy ending to cheer you up. Carolina Breeze can be that book.
Mia is a rising star in Hollywood and has just finished the most important movie in her career. She also recently broken up with her finance a month before their wedding. After a misunderstanding with Mia and her co-star, she gets in the middle of a huge scandal and the paparazzi are camped outside her house trying to get the first picture or comment from her. She decides to go the Bluebell Inn in the NC mountains to get away from the constant bombardment. After all, she and her fiancé were supposed to honeymoon there and the reservation never got cancelled, so she decided to enjoy her time there by herself.
Bluebell Inn is owned and run by a brother and 2 sisters who took over the renovations and the inn after their parent’s death in an auto accident. Levi, the oldest child, feels like he needs to be the leader in the family and keeps negative information about the inn from his sisters plus tries to tell them how to live their lives which doesn’t always go over well with Molly and Grace. When Mia shows up at the Inn, Levi has no idea who she is but his sisters recognize her and they all agree that they will keep it a secret that she’s there plus protect her from outsiders. The more time she spends with Levi, the more interested they become in each other but he knows that she will be returning to Hollywood and tries not to fall in love with her. Mia sees that he is very different than the men she knows and is impressed with his attitudes and his work ethic but knows that she will be returning to Hollywood. Will there be a ‘happily ever after’ for Mia and Levi??
This is a great book. There is romance – not just Levi and Mia but also Molly and Adam from book 1. There is a mystery about the past that needs to be solved and lots of great scenery in the NC mountains. it’s a fun book to read to lighten your mood and make you smile.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
I thought Lake Season was it until I read Carolina Breeze. It was amazing x10!!
Denise Hunter is the Queen on Summer romance. Her books captivate the beauty and uniqueness of love shared in rightness.
Levi’s and Mia’s story was heartwarming and tear-jerking as it was exhilarating and inspiring. I loved the hint of mystery and adventure and the beautiful workings of God!
I squealed when I got to read about Adam and Molly from Lake Season book 1 of Bluebell Inn Romance.
Once again Denise Hunter has raised the bar in Christian Contemporary Romance.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
This is the story about a Hollywood star, Mia Emerson, who has been jilted a few months before her wedding. Needing to get away she chooses to go to the Bluebell Inn. The place she was supposed to go on her honeymoon. The reason she wanted to go there is because her grandparents had owned the inn and she wanted to find out about them. While she is there a scandal breaks out about a supposed affair between her and her last leading man. Then her ex-fiancée shows up. But she’s also seen out with Levi. The hunky innkeeper. The press go wild. Levi, the hunky innkeeper, is trying to keep the inn afloat without letting his sisters know they are about to lose it. He is trying to keep the inn afloat while looking after his sisters as he promised his father on his death bed. In reading a journal left by Mia’s grandmother Mia & Levi discover there might be a valuable blue diamond in the inn somewhere.
This is a cozy beach/fireplace read. The romance isn’t over the top nor is there really a mystery. But a good clean read that kept me reading.
I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
The Bluebell Inn series by Denise Hunter is my favorite series by her! Carolina Breeze is #2 in the series, and while it’s not crucial to read the books in order, the series is definitely more enjoyable if you do. Reading Carolina Breeze made me want to go back and read Lake Season over again.
I love the characters in this series, and really enjoy keeping up with all the Bennett siblings. In Carolina Breeze, we meet Mia, an actress who shows up at Bluebell Inn on her honeymoon. Alone. Mia and Levi Bennett strike up a friendship, made sweeter since Levi didn’t realize that Mia is a famous actress. The two soon discover a mystery that’s potential hidden in the inn – a lost diamond necklace. If found, the necklace would solve all of the inn’s financial troubles.
I absolutely cannot wait for book three in this series, to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am really enjoying this series by Denise Hunter about a family that operates Bluebell Inn bed and breakfast. The geographical setting feels relaxing. After reading this book, I definitely wished I could visit in real life.
This story line tackles the reality behind the headlines. Getting to know who someone actually is rather than what they appear to be can be a challenge. Assumptions can be made, and that is the basis of this story.
I like the fact that in both books so far she is managing to connect the present story with a past predicament. The characters were memorable, and I liked the fact that the previous characters from book 1 returned again. I look forward to seeing where Denise Hunter goes with this series. Thank you, Net Galley and Thomas Nelson, for letting me read an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Denise Hunter once again provides a sweet love story with complex characters as she tells Mia and Levi’s story. Can they overcome past hurts to find and trust the love they both desire? As usual, along with the lovable characters, there is a hint of mystery that needs to be solved to complete their story. You don’t want to miss the second book in Hunter’s Bluebell Inn romance series.
I loved this book! Neither Levi nor Mia are in a good place to begin a relationship, but there’s just something about the feeling of calm and willingness to open up to each other that just feels right. Add in a common goal to find a possible missing gem, a bit of the unexpected to prolong their time together, and suddenly those obstacles don’t seem so overwhelming. Along the way Levi also learns to open up more with his sisters and try to relinquish some of the control he tries to have to make everything right. This was a great return to Bluebell and I hope there are more books planned in this series!
Denise Hunter is a forever favorite of mine. Her story telling ability is like a best friend – comfortable, inspiring, challenging, and completely irresistible.
Carolina Breeze, the 2nd in her Bluebell Inn Romance series, takes up where its predecessor leaves off. Only in this book, we delve into the life of Levi, another of the Bennett siblings. Throughout the entire book, Hunter keeps her readers enthralled with perfectly timed tension, budding romance, the hunt for a treasure, and interpersonal chal-lenges that threaten to heal relationships or tear them apart.
Prepare to be irresistibly drawn into this tale. It is not an easy book to put down!
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
“There were three women in the house, and they were all mad at him for different reasons. That took a special kind of talent.”
Carolina Breeze, the second installment in Denise Hunter’s Bluebell Inn Romance series, takes readers to the beautiful and peaceful town of Bluebell, North Carolina. Denise Hunter has been one of my favorite contemporary romance authors for years, and she continues to amaze me with her incredible writing skills and her ability to create realistically flawed characters that her readers will fall in love with. Lake Season, the first book in the series, was an enjoyable read, but Carolina Breeze easily rises to the top of the list as one of my favorite Denise Hunter books.
Levi Bennett will capture the readers’ hearts with his handsome movie star good looks, his confidence and sense of humor, and his caring, honest personality. The stress he faces as he feels responsible for his younger adult sisters following the death of their parents while trying to run the financially struggling inn endears him to readers as they root for him to get his happy ending. Levi is now one of my favorite heroes of Denise Hunter’s, only second to my all-time favorite hero of hers, Wade Ryan in A Cowboy’s Touch.
In a story that is reminiscent to the movie Notting Hill, famous movie star Mia Emerson finds herself at the Bluebell Inn in North Carolina after a scandal forces her to flee the paparazzi in Hollywood and meets handsome “regular guy” Levi who is running the local inn. Sparks begin to fly between the two, but time will tell if their differences are too great to overcome.
Mia’s belief that she was unworthy of love and her realization that God loves her and would never abandon her authentically weaves the spiritual thread into the storyline. Carolina Breeze is very highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance, especially readers who have enjoyed books by authors such as Courtney Walsh and Becky Wade.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you left your heart in North Carolina.”
Hollywood power actress Mia needs a place to cool down and let the tabloids forget about her scandal. She settles in a beautiful inn that used to be run by her grandmother. The current innkeeper Levi seems like her polar opposite until she spends some time with him and realizes that they may be a perfect match deep down. Lovely, entertaining, romantic.
Carolina Breeze continues the Bluebell Inn Romance series with Levi Bennett and Mia Emerson as the main characters. Levi is such a protective hard-working hero, and I liked him immediately, even though he often drove his sisters crazy. Mia is also very likable and engaging. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and develop. It was fun to have more of Molly and Alex’s story and see what was going on in their lives.
Denise Hunter is a fantastic story teller, and I know I’m in for a treat when I read her stories. With a little suspense and inspiration thrown in with a lot of romance, this tale was a very satisfying read. I’m looking forward to what’s in store for Grace in the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
When the tabloids publish pictures of up-and-coming actress Mia Emerson in what looks like a compromising position with her (married) leading man, Mia escapes Hollywood for the Bluebell Inn in North Carolina. After all, it’s the week of what was to have been her honeymoon, before her fiance broke it off.
Mia chose the Bluebell Inn for her honeymoon because her deceased grandparents used to own the building. She’s delighted to find the Inn’s library includes her grandmother’s journal, where she discovers unknown stories about her family history … including a missing jewel that is supposed to be hidden in the inn.
Meanwhile, Levi is hiding his own secrets. The inn is facing financial problems, something he’s been hiding from his sisters, who co-own the inn. If there really is a missing jewel and Levi could find it, then their financial problems would be over …
What follows is a Christian romance that’s more complex than many, as both Mia and Levi need to get past the lies and half-truths in their pasts to allow for a possible future together. I found it had to put the novel down once I’d started, because the characters and their situation was so compelling. As with many romances, there was an obvious answer … but what seems obvious to the reader isn’t so obvious for the characters.
Carolina Breeze is the second book in Denise Hunter’s Bluebell Inn Romance series, following Lake Season. You don’t have to read Lake Season first (I didn’t), but Carolina Breeze does contain a couple of spoilers for Lake Season. If that’s going to bother you, read Lake Season first.
Recommended for fans of contemporary Christian romance.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.