Review: Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter

Title: Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter
Bluebell Inn Romance Series Book Three
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational Romance
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom and A December Bride (now beloved Hallmark Original movies) comes the third and final novel in the Bluebell Inn series!

When a mysterious man turns up at Grace’s family-run inn, it’s instant attraction. But she’s already got a lot on her plate: running the Bluebell Inn, getting Blue Ridge Outfitters off the ground, and coping with a childhood event she’d thought was long past.

A gunshot wound has resurrected the past for secret service agent Wyatt Jennings, and a mandatory leave of absence lands him in Bluebell, North Carolina. There he must try and come to grips with the crisis that altered his life forever.

Grace needs experience for her new outfitters business, so when Wyatt needs a mountain guide, she’s more than happy to step up to the plate. As their journey progresses, Grace soon has an elusive Wyatt opening up, and Wyatt is unwittingly drawn to Grace’s fresh outlook and sense of humor.

There’s no doubt the two have formed a special bond, but will Wyatt’s secrets bring Grace’s world crashing down? Or will those secrets end up healing them both?

Review:

Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter is a heartwarming romance with a gentle undercurrent of faith. Although this newest release is the third book in the Bluebell Inn Romance series, it can be read as a standalone.

After four years of hard work, Grace Bennett and her siblings, Levi and Molly, are ready to put their successful B&B up for sale.  Following their tragic loss, they completed their parents’ goal of turning the family home into an inn. Levi, Molly and Grace are, at long last, ready to move on to the dreams each of them have willingly put on hold.

Now twenty-one, Grace has worked hard to get her business, Blue Ridge Outfitters, up and running. She has plans for the next step in her life but she is a little nervous about moving forward. Grace is confident and happy, but a couple of incidents bring up long ago memories that continue to haunt her.

Secret Service Agent Wyatt Jennings is unexpectedly coping with a long unresolved issue following an incident while on the job.  When his boss forces him to take time off, Wyatt decides it is time to find some closure.  Returning to Bluebell, NC, he impulsively decides to stay at the Bluebell Inn. Feeling much older than his years and a bit world weary, Wyatt is surprised by his interest in Grace.

Grace is supportive of Wyatt’s quest and she volunteers to aid him as he searches for the place where his life took a shocking turn. Wyatt is impressed by Grace’s maturity and how down to earth she is. They perfectly complement one another and prove to be incredibly helpful as each of them face their painful pasts. As Grace and Wyatt get to know one another, they both fight their unanticipated attraction to one another. Despite their deepening feelings, Grace and Wyatt cannot see any chance of a future together. Or is there?

Autumn Skies is a sweet romance with plenty of depth and substance. The storyline is well-developed with realistic issues for Grace and Wyatt to overcome.  Grace and Wyatt are three-dimensional characters who spring vibrantly to life. The Bluebell Inn and surrounding area provide a tranquil backdrop for the unfolding story. With a delightful plot twist,  Denise Hunter brings this final installment in the Bluebell Inn Romance series to an uplifting, heartfelt conclusion.  Old and new fans are sure to love this charming  faith-based romance.