Title: The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Bestselling author Amy Clipston transports readers to a picturesque lakeside town in this heartwarming contemporary romance.
Brianna is the youngest of the three Porter sisters and the only one who chose to stay in the small town of Splendid Lake, North Carolina. She followed in her father’s footsteps and became an expert boat mechanic, helping him run their small resort with cabin rentals, a convenience store, and a marina.
When Brianna’s father unexpectedly dies, Brianna is steeped in grief and guilt—then left alone to clean up the mess. To make matters worse, a constant stream of real estate brokers begins marching through her property, offering to buy the family land. In particular, she keeps running into handsome real estate mogul Scott Gibson.
As Brianna struggles to keep it all together, Scott finds his way into her heart. And as the two fight against their feelings, they just might find themselves forging a surprising and exciting new love at Splendid Lake.
Review:
The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston is a charming small-town romance.
Twenty-six-year-old Brianna Porter’s world is turned upside down when her father unexpectedly passes away. In the aftermath of his death, she struggles with helping her mother through her grief while also trying to keep the family business going on her own. Brianna is a little resentful when her sisters are unable to provide support after her mother’s health crisis. She is also frustrated with her fiancé Taylor Reese’s inability to find time to help her. Juggling so many problems, Brianna is grateful for real estate developer Scott Gibson’s assistance. But are his reasons for helping her as altruistic as they appear?
Brianna is overwhelmed after her dad’s shocking death. She is barely making a dent in getting the resort ready to open when her mom suffers a health emergency. Although she initially does not trust Scott, Brianna soon relies on him for his construction skills as they make necessary repairs around the resort. As they spend more and more time together, she begins to have feelings for Scott. But Brianna feels she must honor her commitment to Taylor.
Scott is a kind-hearted, compassionate man who is very easy to like. He is patient with Brianna after their misunderstanding. He jumps and helps without a second thought and he is incredibly gentle with Brianna’s mom. Scott and Brianna share common interests and they greatly enjoy each other’s companhy. Scott soon realizes his feelings run deeper than friendship but he has too much integrity to come between Brianna and Taylor.
The Heart of Splendid Lake is an engaging romance with a warm and inviting setting. Brianna is a little prickly and struggling to cope with everything that has recently happened with her family. Scott is a self-made and hardworking man who has not always had an easy life. Brianna struggles with many difficult choices at various points in the unfolding story. With a late conflict to resolve, Amy Clipston brings this sweet romance to a heartfelt conclusion.
