When she hears that the small town of Heritage, Michigan, is looking for a new librarian, Libby Kingsley jumps at the opportunity. Little did she know the library is barely more than a storage closet stuffed with dusty, outdated books. What the community really needs is a new building. But the only funds available are those being channeled into the new town square, and the landscape architect in … in charge of the project wants nothing to do with her plans.All Austin Williams wants to do is get the town square project finished so he can do right by the family business and then extricate himself from the town that reveres the brother who cost him so much. But the local media and the town’s new librarian seem to be conspiring against him at every turn. Will the determined bookworm find her way into his blueprints–and possibly even his heart?Novelist Tari Faris invites you back to the small town with a big heart in this second book in the Restoring Heritage series.
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Until I Met You is a charming romantic read packed with valuable lessons and inspiration. I truly appreciate reading fiction with a meaningful purpose that reflects real life. The author did a outstanding job bringing to life Nate and Austin’s struggles with past hurts and bad decisions that nearly destroyed their relationship. Learning to except the grace of God and then in turn learning to extend grace to ourselves and to others is a subject that runs through the lives of the cast of characters. Also, something relevant that the author touches on is key – truth over feelings- It’s best said in these quotes from the book. “But feeling true doesn’t make it true.” “I do the only things I can when faced with a life. I hold on to the truth.”
I received a copy from the publisher through Net Galley. This review is my honest opinion.
Until I Met You was just what I needed to read this week. It was so enjoyable and easy to read with two romances going on. Brothers Austin and Nate have a kind of a Prodigal brothers relationship going on and they both have love interests. This book had an inspirational message of forgiveness. Loved it and I can’t wait until the next installment in this series.
Teri Faris’ latest novel, Until I Met You, was the perfect addition to her Restoring Heritage series. Taking up where the previous novel and prequel to the series left off, we enter a story full of division, tension, romance, and complex family dynamics. Two romances play side by side as the characters seek redemption and new beginnings in a set-ting fraught with years of deep-seated resentment. I loved the interplay between the characters as well as the quirks of the small town setting. And the strong message of forgiveness is not to be ignored!
This book was fast paced and entertaining, with an undeniable message that we all need to hear. I cannot wait to see what Faris will write next!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
‘Why did everyone want her to pray all the time?’
Tari Faris gave us her first book last year and she became a wonderful new voice in Christian fiction. I enjoy discovering new authors and now I add her to a favorites list.
Libby Kinsley comes to the incredibly sweet small town of Heritage, Michigan hoping for a new life and heading up a new library. Her new neighbor, Austin Williams is not so fond of her and spurns her at every turn. They begin clashing almost daily. Did she make a mistake coming here?
‘I finally ditched the grave clothes.’
This book carries a powerful theme of forgiveness, both for others and for self. Heart deep, it will touch you and help make you a better person. The book also tells the story of Nate and Olivia, who both touched me deeply. I was totally all in and could not put it down.
*My thanks to the publisher, Revell, for a copy of this book. The opinions in this review are expressly my own.
If you get the chance, read the prequel novella to the series, P.S. Goodbye, and the first book, You Belong With Me. These will give you a good introduction to the town of Heritage, Otis, and a lot of the characters you’ll meet in this new book. Once again, Faris’ characters are “real people,” and the story drew me in right away. You get to know more about some characters from the first books, and meet other new ones. I had a hard time putting the book down. There are plenty of unexpected plot twists to keep things interesting. I kept chuckling over the humorous dialogue in a number of scenes. I really cared about the characters sorting out their relationships and making the right choices.
I highly recommend this book! I wish I didn’t have to wait another year for the next one!
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book with no obligation to post a review
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell Reads and the author Tari Faris for providing an advanced review copy as part of a launch team. A positive review was not required or requested, and all words are my own.
After being accepted to the launch team, I decided to purchase the first book “You Belong With Me” (YBWM), which was the author’s debut book. This cover is similar to that one in keeping with the series. And, it is definitely adorable. Until I Met You (UIMY) is definitely a series book, and is best read after the first one to get a better idea of the theme and characters. It can be a standalone, but I think the reader will get a better idea by reading the first one.
Where to begin with this review?
It hasn’t been that long since I read YBWM (about three weeks ago) and I felt something was off with this novel. It was a bit difficult to get into at first. I didn’t remember the first one being this … difficult.
To be honest, I loved and loathed this book at the same time. As I haven’t read too many triple series (usually I get books 1 & 2; or just #3; sometimes #1) in a row, it is hard to measure it against everything else I’ve read, but this was one of the books that I was struggling with – definitely a ping-pong battle here.
At times I wanted to keep going, other times I wanted to stop. But, I cannot DNF (did-not-finish) a book. I can’t. Unless it is a library borrow, I read it to the end.
And, I’m glad I did. The messages at the end were definitely some strong messages that I think would benefit almost anyone in this beautifully written book.
This continues about 8-9 months after YBWM. Some of the characters from that story return. And, it is obvious that Luke and Hannah had a happy ending (they are not the only characters that did – Janie and Thomas did as well). Luke and Hannah are expecting their first child and there are complications.
This is Libby’s tale. She was introduced in the first book – she is Luke’s cousin/adopted sister. Is a bit tragic with Libby’s history.
This round there seems like that are too many characters to follow; Otis is still the real star here – up to his old antics. Trust me, Otis is a real character. One unnecessary and unneeded character was Becky. Though I get why she showed up – she was definitely unneeded. At least Madison didn’t show back up. Derek Kensington is mentioned but doesn’t seem to have a regular appearance. I also wonder what Derek and his father are scheming.
As this is an ARC, there are some inconsistencies; otherwise very similar to the other book in the series.
I enjoyed it at times, frustrated at times. At times I didn’t quite know where it was going or what to think. And, that is life, for the most part – you don’t know where it is going, you get frustrated, and you enjoy.
Anyway …
There is so much going on in this book:
** Budding romance between Libby & Austin
** “Will they/won’t they” with Olivia & Nate; continuing from YBWM
** Moving the schoolhouse to be used as a library
** Saving the Williams’ business
** Austin & Nate’s father with Alzheimer’s
** Austin & Nate’s tiff from the past
** Nate’s past that gets revealed by Dale Kensington
The Libby/Austin; Olivia/Nate; Austin/Nate discord seemed like too much at once and it seems overloaded with conflict. This has more conflict than most romance novels, so for me, it was far more realistic. Which I wasn’t sure was a good thing or bad thing.
This is told in third person, alternating with Libby and Austin.
I actually connected with Libby due to her love of books and loved the cute idea of a “serial reader”. The idea of her bike, Petunia, was a sweet moment as well.
There is an abundance of miscommunication with the characters and it is center on the Libby/Austin; Olivia/Nate; Austin/Nate dynamics.
Faris does have serious moments in here, namely with Luke’s newborn; but there is also some humor. One such gag is a bag of change going back and forth between Libby and Austin. I truly enjoyed that light-hearted moment between the characters. Austin, despite his own issues and hang ups was cute in those moments with Libby. The speed-dating article with Olivia was a bit funny as well.
The restoration of Heritage seems like less of a plot here than in the previous novel. This story centers more on the characters than the town.
It takes a while to really get things going between the characters as well as the “heart” of the novel – about 2/3 of the way in. When you think they’re making headway – something happens to set them back. At times I was absolutely heartbroken by some of the issues Libby faced, such as her feeling bad for everything including Luke’s kidnapping when she was younger. But, as her adopted mother tells her – everyone makes their own choices, which sometimes leads to mistakes. Libby is also told that she can only do what she can with what she’s given.
Faris weaves in some beautiful moments, heartfelt drama, and high tensions in this novel. It’s emotionally engaging and detailed. I have never read a novel that twisted my thinking and emotions more than this one. And, I really did end up enjoying it.
There are strong Christian themes in this clean read distributed by Revell – church attendance, references, themes of forgiveness, grace, and mercy are also abundant. This is evidenced more so when Nate’s past is revealed by Kensington.
This is where forgiveness by God and man become two different things. While God forgives us – others may not. And, that is what people often grapple with – the forgiveness of others.
It is the last 1/3 of the book that really grips the reader – God’s grace can transform us is a huge theme there at the end and it will be telling to see where Austin/Libby and Nate/Olivia are in the next novel. There was one “plot hole” in this – I was wondering about the key Nate found.
The last chapter was the reveal of title “until I met you” is a reference to one of the characters not loving again until they met the person.
As I said, I am definitely glad I read this emotionally charged, deeply emotional book with the rich, deep Christian/faith themes and poignant messages. The reader is treated to a wonderful quote from a book by Corrie ten Boom – “never be afraid to trust an unknown future with a known God”. It is a beautiful quote and definitely quite relevant in these unknown times.
Recommended for those who read the previous novel – “You Belong With Me” as well as those who enjoy Christian Fiction and Christian Romance. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
Tari Faris hit it out of the park with her second full-length novel!! I’ve LOVED the Heritage Series and “Until I Met You” is just as amazing as the first book! The author has a way of making characters so real and authentic; dealing with issues like: unforgiveness, self-doubt, pride and high expectations for others. I enjoyed how Nate, Austin, Olivia & Libby’s stories were so intertwined and I didn’t want the book to end! The whole story is a powerful reminder that God can do extraordinary things with ordinary people! Beautifully written and well-worth the read!
Until I Met You by Tari Faris is a mesmerizing read. To classify it as simply romance would be such a disservice to the brilliance of this work. This book follows the author’s debut novel, You Belong to Me. I loved that book, but this book is her best yet. Ms Faris skillfully weaves issues of forgiveness and past hurts into the lives of her characters and does not avoid hard questions about God and His nature. Her characters are so real and vivid that their wrestling with their pasts feels just as real to the reader. There are no easy answers here. But this book is such a ray of hope, hope in a God who sees us as we are and loves us thoroughly. Add to these themes the idyllic town of Heritage and lovely, clean romance— I cannot imagine a better read. I highly recommend this book and think it would appeal widely to readers. I cannot wait for book 3! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
Libby dreams of a new life and a new library for Heritage, Michigan, little did she know that the current one is no more than a storage closet stuffed with dusty, out of date books. She knows that the town desperately needs a new library, but the only money available is being used to build a new town square.
Austin Williams, a landscape architect living in Heritage wishes to have a relationship with his brothers and do right with the family business. He is trying to find his way in life and Libby is trying to rebuild her life.
I fell in love with the story as the author tackles tough subjects. Courage, peace, chaos and love and to trust that God knows where we should be at just the right time.
If your looking for a clean, contemporary romance this is it.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinion’s are my own.
With small town charm and beautifully crafted characters, Until I Met You, the second installment of author Tari Faris’ Restoring Heritage series, is sure to delight readers of contemporary romance. Readers can start with this book and fully understand the storyline, but to get the full enjoyment of the Restoring Heritage series, I recommend reading P.S. Goodbye (the prequel novella) and You Belong With Me (book one) first. These books are a great introduction to many of the characters who will play an important role in the Restoring Heritage series.
Realistically flawed characters, estranged brothers, strong bonds of friendship, and small town life…I loved everything about this novel! I have been looking forward to reading Until I Met You ever since I read book one when it released last year. This book focuses on Libby and Austin’s story, along with Pastor Nate and Olivia’s secondary storyline. Beloved characters from book one including Hannah, Luke, Thomas, Janie, and many more familiar townspeople have appearances throughout the book. With her stellar writing and bits of humor sprinkled throughout her books, Tari Faris has quickly risen to the top as one of my favorite contemporary romance authors.
Until I Met You is highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance, especially readers who enjoy novels by authors such as Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Courtney Walsh, Melissa Tagg, and Susan May Warren. In future installments of the Restoring Heritage series, I would love for Luke’s brothers to have their stories told, especially Liam, who I have been curious about ever since I was introduced to him in book one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
I was in love with this book before I even knew what it was going to be about. Before I knew the title, and before I knew who it would be about.
From the book’s description, I expected “Until I Met You” it seemed that the story would focus on Libby and Austin, and I was pleasantly surprised that we also get to follow Nate’s and Olivia’s story and we finally get to see what happened with them and where they go from “You Belong With Me” which I loved!
“Until I Met You” has so many things I love … Broken guys, brothers who are at odds and must figure that out, two girls who become fast friends, a librarian, and so so many more things.
After finding several new favorite books this year, I have quite the list to break down to find my top five or ten favorites this year … And, this one? Well, it parked itself in the first place.
I love, love, love the changes we see in Austin and Libby, they grow so much and their romance is very well done. There is a bit of kissing that isn’t graphic, just a warning, there is kissing.
Now, I’ve said I love this book, I want to be clear that this book is clean, but, it deals with hard topics.
Warning!!! Spoilers!!! Warning!!!
Nate’s sins come to light. Since we knew that the tattoed pastor was a former bad boy we could expect this, I just want to say that I am impressed with how well Mrs. Faris handled Nate’s past. Among which was that he had a son with an old girlfriend, that he didn’t know about since the mom said she would get an abortion. This is clean enough and done in a way that my younger sisters were allowed to read it since the consequences of their sins are shown in a light that can help young readers to learn from the characters’ mistakes.
I’ll even go so far as to say that this can be a good book for moms and daughters (12 and up) to read together as a learning experience.
I will be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book to come out … It is so far away!
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Until I Met You” is the second book in the Restoring Heritage series by Tari Faris. The first book is called “You Belong with Me” which I previously reviewed for Revell. At the end of “You Belong with Me”, there was an excerpt from “Until I Met You” and while I normally choose not to read these because I do not want to be too excited about the next book since I am not a patient person. I did read this one and I have to say I was hooked and wishing this book was coming out the next day. However, it was obviously not coming out the next day but I knew it would be worth the wait. I was not disappointed in the least once I started reading this book. The one of the main characters in this book was a minor character mentioned in the first one. Tari does a great job re-introducing Libby Kingsley to the reader. As well as several of the other characters such as Luke, Hannah, Olivia, and Nate from the first book. Libby comes to live in Heritage in order to be the new librarian but what she does not realize is that the Heritage library is not like any other library that she has ever been in. She arrives at the house of her brother, Luke, and his wife, Hannah, to chaos and things do not get any better when she meets their neighbor, Austin Williams. Austin has moved to town in order to work on the town square that Hannah has gotten the town to agree to fix up. After Libby and Austin meet for the first time, things get very interesting. If you want to know all about it, then you need to get this book so you can enjoy and read it for yourself. Also, I have to say that to fully enjoy this book you will want to have read the first one as well. If you have not, then also get “You Belong with Me”.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.