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
Mia Emerson is beautiful young actress who becomes embroiled in a scandal with her married co-star. She is also recently single, following the breakup of her engagement to another actor. Needing to get away from it all, she decides to go to the inn where she should have been spending her honeymoon. Coincidentally, this is the same inn that was owned by her grandparents many years ago. While staying at the inn, Mia spends time with one of the owners, Levi, who is a handsome and very personable young man. Their attraction is mutual, and while a romantic relationship is hindered somewhat by the fact that Mia lives in California and Levi lives in North Carolina, things have a way of working out.
I found this to be a sweet, enjoyable read. The story line was interesting and the characters were portrayed as decent human beings. A perfect read anytime – vacation, long flight, beach. Definitely recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author Denise Hunter, and the publisher Thomas Nelson, for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinion expressed is wholly my own.
When actress Mia Emerson becomes involved in a Hollywood scandal, she needs a safe place where she can get away. Wanting to explore the inn that her grandparents once owned, Mia decides to escape to Bluebell, North Carolina. Levi Bennett, along with his two sisters now run the Bluebell Inn. When Mia Emerson arrives, the three agree to keep her presence in town a secret for her protection. As Levi acts as Mia’s chauffeur and guide while she’s in town, the two become close. And when Mia finds a clue in her grandmother’s journal to a hidden blue diamond, Carolina Breeze, the search for the diamond gives Levi and Mia a reason to spend even more time together. The two continue to grow closer as Mia repeatedly extends her stay, but could the two from two different worlds realistically have a relationship that lasts?
I enjoyed reading Carolina Breeze. I like how Denise Hunter uses Levi’s and Mia’s struggles to highlight how parent-child relationships can have an effect on future relationships. I thought that Levi and Mia were both very likable characters, and I enjoyed the reappearance of Molly and Adam from Lake Season, the first book in the series. And as in all of Denise Hunter’s books, I appreciate the role that faith plays in the story. Overall, Carolina Breeze was an enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to the third book in the series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am a fan of Denise Hunter’s writing but I was particularly afraid of this book because I already knew how Levi could be controlling and overly protective in addition to being hardheaded, but it was a pleasant surprise to find myself in love with this beautiful history and with Mia and Levi.
Mia is an actress on the rise and after two scandals in a row, she is forced to take refuge in the place that should be her honeymoon. Sad and frustrated with everything that is happening to her, she finds herself enchanted by the inn and its owner, by the city, by the story of her grandmother.
Levi and Mia gradually get closer and he gives her a lot of strength, he values her but he still wants to control everything and needs to take care of the inn without trying to show his sisters that the situation at the inn is not good.
Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter is an absolute delight to read. It is a breath of fresh air! This is the perfect summer read. But honestly it is the perfect feel good read for any time of year. Here, a jilted woman avoiding the spotlight meets a man overburdened with the inn’s problems. Set in the beautiful lakefront property and it is a fun read. I love the way this author writes. This is not an easy happily ever after. There are difficulties along the way and true emotional conflicts. And a mystery is thrown in too! I adored this book and I think readers of romance and women’s fiction will love it too. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
Great ending.
Loved it!
Denise Hunter always creates beautifully flawed characters whom the readers can immediately bond with in an enchanting small-town setting in her stories. In Carolina Breeze, we return to the small tourist town of Bluebell, NC to a struggling inn run by three siblings. Though this is book 2 in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone (though reading Adam and Molly’s story first will give more insight into the relationships that unfold in this book). The plot is well-paced and the laid-back romantic days in Bluebell are perfectly paired with the frenzied chaotic Hollywood gossip; some gentle turns in the plot bring about surprises and an element of intrigue hums through the story as Levi and Mia search for an heirloom necklace.
Levi, the eldest of the Bennett siblings, is loyal, bound by honor, dependable, and trustworthy. He’s sacrificed much to keep the inn afloat and to watch out for his younger sisters. What he doesn’t realize, until he meets Mia, is that he’s worked so hard at being in control that he has forgotten about teamwork and allowing others to share his burdens. Mia, a rising Hollywood star, flees from unjustified scandal to Bluebell for peace and anonymity. She’s sweet and tender but hurting from past abandonment issues and doesn’t realize how much healing she needs until she meets Levi.
Anyone who loves contemporary romance will love this book and the series. I can’t wait to read the third book in the series and get to know Grace, the baby of the Bennett family, better.
Carolina Breeze A Bluebell Inn Romance Book 2 By Denise Hunter
I really enjoy Denise Hunter’s writing. It was easy to read and the story will completely immerse you into the beautiful setting and the wonderful and likable characters. I really enjoyed and loved the first book and excited to read this second installment. In this installment, A celebrity’s cancelled wedding is staying at the inn and a new romance start between Mia and Levi. Levi struggling to keep the Inn going discovers a journal that a jewel may be hidden in the Inn.
This installment was a fun read that I really enjoyed in Denise Hunter’s style of a small town romance. Hunter’s characters are always fun to read and the writing is easy to read and keeps the interest going with lovely pacing and great dialogue. I recommend this book.
Mia is the topic of a scandal and decides to head for the honeymoon that was booked, even though her engagement was broken a few months before. Wanting to connect with her past, as well as get out of town in hopes the paparazzi would find another story has her hastily making the trip to Bluebell Inn. Mia has some hurts she needs to recover, heal and grow from and Levi has to learn what really is his responsibility and to trust. Love both characters as well as seeing Molly, Adam and Grace again, along with their beautiful inn. This story is primarily set in the Bluebell area, with a short visit to California. Easy to get in to and hard to put down. Looking forward to Grace’s story next.
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
It was a delight to go back to the Bluebell Inn and spend time with the Bennett siblings again. This book is about the oldest sibling, Levi. Their parents died in an accident. As his dad was dying, Levi made a promise to take care of his sisters. He gave up some of his own dreams to do just that. Mia was an actress dealing with rejection and scandals. She needed to get away from it all, so she decided to go to Bluebell Inn, which was formerly owned by her grandparents.
The setting was beautiful and peaceful. I became invested in the characters and enjoyed watching them grow through their struggles. I loved the bit of mystery in the story as well. I read this book quickly and cannot wait to read Grace’s story. If you enjoy sweet Christian romance, you don’t want to miss this one.
**I was given a complimentary copy by the publisher and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.**
Carolina Breeze takes readers back to the lake community of Bluebell, North Carolina and the Bluebell Inn run by three siblings. This is the second book in the series but stands on it’s own just fine.
Levi is a flawed hero whose heart is in the right place but he goes about solving a few problems in the wrong way. Mia has some soul searching of her own to do in order to figure out her place in Hollywood.
Denise Hunter delivers another engaging and sigh-worthy romance with a tight-knit family at the center. I loved catching up with Molly and Adam and can’t wait to visit again and read Grace’s story.
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.
Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter is all that a romance should in the second book of the Bluebell Inn series. Denise Hunter does not disappoint with a wonderful setting, great characters, some mystery, and a lovely romance. Her main character, Mia is looking for a place to escape her life, and Levi, our hero, is trying desperately to do what his dying father asked and keep his family together. The two of them fight the demons of their past and try to work to change their future. It was a great story with a satisfying ending that I can highly recommend.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.
Carolina Breeze
by Denise Hunter
Book 2 of the Bluebell Inn Romance series
Rating: 4/5
We return to the Bluebell Inn! I really enjoyed this next installment in the series but you definitely can read this as a standalone even though I highly recommend also reading Lake Season, the first book in the series, which I have also read and reviewed.
With her fiancé breaking up with her a few months before the wedding and her acting reputation in jeopardy, Mia needs a place to hideout until the tabloids find another story. Since her ex-fiancé had already paid for a nonrefundable honeymoon at the Bluebell Inn in North Carolina, she decides that is where she will escape to. She has always wanted to visit the place where her grandparents lived. When Mia arrives, she meets one of the owners of the inn, Levi Bennett, and realizes that her ex-fiancé opted for the deluxe package and rented out the entire inn and added Levi as a chauffeur. The two get to know each other while being distracted by their attraction. Levi seems to have the weight of the world on his shoulders as he tries to handle dealing with the Inn’s finances, his two sisters, and now with Mia and her desired anonymity. He is also interested in helping her uncover some of her family history and they soon embark on a search for a lost blue diamond heirloom. Will either person be able to handle being separated from each other when Mia must eventually leave?
I always enjoy Denise Hunter’s books. She is a great writer of romance and heart. She knows how to draw the reader into her world and she has a gift for writing relatable characters. The setting seems so unspoiled and peaceful that I want to go visit the town she modeled her story after. I only wish she had incorporated more faith into the story. There a few moments that are good but I felt could have been better, more impactful. The character development at the end seemed a bit rushed which was a bit disappointing. The characters are still thought-provoking and genuine. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am excited to read more.
I highly recommend this book for those that enjoy contemporary Christian romance with a bit of mystery.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
Carolina Breeze is a perfect read when you’re looking for something delightful to dive into! It’s the second book in the Bluebell Inn Romance series and centers around Levi, the oldest of the Bennett siblings. Levi feels a responsibility to protect and guide his two younger sisters since the death of their parents, but of course, they’re not all that thrilled with how he goes about it. In this story we get a feel for Levi’s heart and why he makes the choices he makes. When Mia Emmerson, a Hollywood star, comes to stay at the inn sparks fly and there’s some series electricity! Their relationship is so well written. It feels natural and fun. I enjoyed the romance tremendously!
Denise Hunter has this wonderful way of making time fly when you’re reading the story…and yet seem like no time has passed at all. This book will give you all the feels and leave you wanting more!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter
Another contended sigh worthy fantastic book from Denise Hunter. The characters are so well written they become your friends! Location descriptions so real you hear the waves, smell the pine and feel the sand between your toes. Loved the first book in the series Lake Season was great! This 2nd Bluebell Inn story was even better! Can’t wait for the 3rd Autumn Skies in October 2020. Wonderful romance and inspirational message!
“How had she gotten attached to him in only a week?”
Film star Mia Emerson fled Los Angeles in disgrace after a photographer catches her in an awkward moment with her very married, and very drunk, co-star. Ironically, the only place where she can hurriedly escape the scandal is the Bluebell Inn in North Carolina, where her ex-fiance had booked their now non-existent, non-refundable honeymoon. And it’s there that she meets Levi Bennett.
Levi Bennett and his two sisters are struggling to keep the historic Bluebell Inn afloat, except that Levi is the only of the three who actually knows the seriousness of their financial status. When a gorgeous national celebrity arrives at their front desk . . . . alone . . . Levi is determined to ensure that their hospitality and Mia’s privacy are maintained at the highest level of excellence. It never occurred to him that an inexplicable attraction and a mutual desire to locate a family heirloom, would bring their two very different worlds together.
“Carolina Breeze” is a sweet return to the lovely Bluebell Inn, where the story uncharacteristically meanders for awhile before coasting into a wonderful “only-Denise-Hunter-can-write” ending.
So I got this book and finished it right away I could not put this book down, it truly draws you in and leaves you wanting more. To me the characters seemed very relatable to a point which is nice. They were fun to read about and it felt like you were right there sometimes. I liked Levi’s sisters they love him but they but they are ready to be their own person and have no problem telling him. I loved how Mia has such a big heart, while we hear in real life that movie stars are so selfish the author had a way of making Mia relatable and it was really hard not to like her. I really like the community of this book. It really goes to show you that you can make your own family. This book is a good clean read. The book was a really fun read and I can’t wait to see where the siblings go next I am totally rooting for Grace. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
Carolina Breeze (Bluebell Inn Romance #2) by Denise Hunter is about Mia Emerson who has always wanted to be a star and has a huge following, Seemingly she has it made and then a broken engagement finds her escaping Hollywood following a huge scandal, that is sure to ruin her career. On the advice from her closest friend she goes on what should have been her honeymoon but without the groom. The reservations were already made for a week at the the Inn. Her grandparents owned the Blue Bell Inn,at one time and now they are deceased and she wants to learn more about them since she never met them. She never dreamed that she would find healing for her heart and a new love. If you enjoy Christian romances with characters that will tug at your heartstrings, then you will love Carolina Breeze. Great romance, great plot, great characters, all in all great book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Carolina Breeze is the second installment in the Bluebell Inn Romance series by Denise Hunter. This story centers around Levi Bennett, the oldest of the Bennett siblings. Through a series of unfortunate events, actress Mia Emerson ends up at the Bluebell Inn for what was supposed to be her honeymoon.
Levi ends up her chauffeur and tour guide for the week, but finds himself feeling a whole lot more than that. Will he let himself fall for a famous actress? You’ll have to read and find out.
As I have come to expect from a Denise Hunter book, this was a well-written contemporary romance with likable characters and great dialogue. Just as in the first book in the series, I did appreciate a little bit of mystery in this one as well. The story also has a great setting in the mountains of North Carolina which made it even more special for this Carolina girl. This will make for a great summer read!
Although this could be read as a standalone, it is totally worth reading Lake Season if you have not already had the pleasure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I’ve been anxious to read Levi’s story since the first book in the series and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. I’m absolutely loving the little mysteries that keep popping up at the Bluebell Inn . . . and the lovely romances that pop up along with them.
As can be expected from a Denise Hunter book, the storytelling is wonderful and the characters are so easy to love! The dynamic between Mia and Levi is incredibly fun. It’s a sweet, slow unraveling of control for the two sensible lovebirds. The spiritual lessons tucked between the pages–about trust and surrender and accepting God’s love–are handled beautifully. And as an added bonus, readers are given even more of Molly and Adam’s story from the previous book.
This is another fantastic read from Hunter and an excellent addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions belong to me.