Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris Review

 Happy Thursday Friends :)

I'm actually here a day early to share with you my most recent book review, as I have some fun plans for the next couple of days that would make posting a little more difficult.

I'm actually going to the city with my family for a couple of days, and I'm especially looking forward to getting to go swimming with my nephews.

We will be leaving here in a couple of hours, but before I left I wanted to share one more book review with you all.

Last year I read and reviewed the second book in Tari Faris' Restoring Heritage series, which you can check out using the link below, and today I'm here to share my review of the third book with you all.

Until I Met You

Since You've Been Gone by Tari Farris:

Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: September 7th, 2021

Genre: Christian Fiction/Contemporary Romance

Series: Restoring Heritage

Synopsis:

Leah Williams is back in the quaint town of Heritage, Michigan, and ready to try again to make her business a success. But blank slates are hard to come by, and a piece of her past is waiting for her there. Heir to the Heritage Fruits company, Jonathan Kensington is the guy who not only made Leah's past difficult, he also seems determined to complicate her present as well.

Jon is trying to prove to the Heritage Fruits board that he, not his manipulative uncle, should be running the business. The board insists Jon find a new owner for the building that will house Leah's business. To avoid forcing a buyout of Leah's part of the building, Jon strikes a compromise with Leah, and the two go into business together. With her vision and his know-how, it might work. And Leah might realize he's loved her since high school. If only he didn't keep on shooting himself in the foot by boxing her out of important decisions.

Sparks fly in this romantic story of two people who must learn to trust both each other and the one who called them to this journey.

(synopsis from goodreads)

My Review:

I haven't had the pleasure of reading either the first book in Tari Faris' Restoring Heritage series or the novellas, but I loved the second book, and couldn't wait to dive into the third. I'm in awe of the way this author can tell a heart wrenching romance with lots of witty banter and laugh out loud moments along the stay, while still making sure that Jesus stays at the heart of the story. I had a feeling right from the opening lines that I was really going to love this one, and I'm so thankful that's exactly what ended up happening.

Tari Faris is truly a mastermind at crafting stories that connect the characters to the heart of each and every one of her readers, and oh did this book give me all the feels. From the synopsis, I knew we were going to be getting Jon and Leah's long awaited romance, but I ended up surprising myself that this wasn't actually my favorite part of the book. Readers are treated to a second romance between two characters, Colby and Madison, and their story is beautiful, heartwarming, and an always needed reminder that things are never all they seem, and our Heavenly Father always has the master plan if we're willing to follow His guidance and wait on His timing.

Jon, Madison and Colby all show such growth throughout the entirety of the story, and I loved how redemption, grace and second chances are all heavily emphasized throughout the main messages. Since You've Been Gone is another stellar release from a fantastic newish voice to the Christian fiction genre, and I will definitely be recommending this one to anyone who is a fan of Christian contemporaries.

The only negative for me was Leah's character. I found her kind of selfish, flighty and quick to make judgements, especially where Jon was concerned. I wished we'd have seen a little bit more maturity develop in her character, but I loved the rest of the characters and the story, and was so thankful that we got not just one, but two beautiful romances in this contemporary tale.

Final Rating: 4/5.

Thanks so much to Revell for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Revell) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks so much for reading guys! Enjoy your weekend, and I look forward to sharing another review with you all on Monday :)