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Review of “You Belong with Me” by Tari Faris

Description

“Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents. Unfortunately, selling houses in the town where her family name is practically poison isn’t one of them. When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map–and hopefully finally repay the financial debt Hannah’s mother caused the town. But at first no one supports her efforts–not even her best friend, Luke.

Luke Johnson may have grown up in Heritage, but as a foster kid he never truly felt as if he belonged. Now he has a chance to score a job as assistant fire chief and earn his place in the town. But when the interview process and Hannah’s restoration project start unearthing things from his past, Luke must decide if belonging is worth the pain of being honest about who he is–and who he was.”

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My Review:

Wow, I loved this story.  This is the first book I’ve read by Tari Faris, and quickly discovered that this author knows how to tell a great story.  The characters are believable and it was easy to become invested in their stories.  I felt as if I’d known Hannah, Thomas, Luke, and Janie for many years.  Each of these characters have had heartbreak in their lives, and each has to find the faith in God to claim the life that He has for them.  

Hannah, was a driving force in this story and in the town of Heritage.  She’s desperate to save her failing hometown, and she comes up with the “perfect plan” to do this. But as is the case with most perfect plans, things don’t go the way expected, and it then becomes a question of if the town is ready to pull together to accomplish Hannah’s goal.  

There’s romance in this book, too.  Ex-couples Hannah and Luke; as well as Thomas and Janie, must deal with some serious individual issues before they can come together again in serious relationships.  I liked the gentle reminders of faith and hope that the author incorporated all throughout this book.  I came away feeling encouraged after reading this story.  If you love reading contemporary Christian fiction, don’t miss this book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

About Tari Faris

I have been writing fiction for more than twelve years. It has been an exciting journey for this math-loving-dyslexic girl. I had read less than a handful of novels by the time I graduated from college and I thought I would end up in the field of science or math. But God had other plans and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. As someone told me once, God’s plans may not be easy, and they may not always make sense but they are never boring. 

When I am not writing or working, I spend time with my amazing husband. We have been married for fifteen wonderful years and have three sweet children. In my free time, I love coffee, rock hounding with my husband and kids, and distracting myself from housework.

I love to hear from readers. You can connect with me at my website at www.tarifaris.com