I LOVE Denise Hunter's work....and always enjoy reading her latest masterpiece. BLUE RIDGE SUNRISE was masterfully written...a beautiful story. I have highly recommended this novel to all of my reading friends. And it is on order at all of my local libraries for others to enjoy. FIVE STARS.

Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter is a good mixture of romance and mystery. The novel begins with like a typical contemporary romance novel, but then Hunter ends the novel with a mystery element. Filled with intrigue and betrayal, Blue Ridge Sunrise focuses on the romance between Zoe and Cruz while telling a story of past hurts being rekindled.
The writing was clear and concise. I believe Hunter's greatest strength is her ability to capture her character's emotions spot on. Both of the characters Zoe and Cruz were developed with deep wounds and dark moments in their past. Both the heroine and hero wanted to move on from their past and learn to accept the present with their current choices, even if it includes both of them.
The romance moved a little fast, but then again, Zoe and Cruz had a past that had been resurrected after five years of separation. Zoe and Cruz had to face the reality of their past and change their outlook on the present and the future. As expected, the predictable ending of a contemporary romance did occur with the happily-ever-after.
The plot reminded me a lot of Catherine West's The Memory of You except her story takes place in a vineyard, and Hunter takes place in a peach orchard. Zoe has a daughter, and West's heroine does not. Both stories feature heroines who come back to a family place because of a death in the family, and they are supposed to take charge of the place. Both run into past love and watch the sparks fly.
Overall, Blue Ridge Sunrise is a happy, go-lucky story that I'm sure fans of contemporary romance will devour and love, but for me, this novel by Hunter really did nothing for me. The story was predictable and had the touch of another contemporary romance novel. Even though the this novel was not my favorite by Hunter, I will still give her more chances.
I received a complimentary copy of Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Blue Ridge Sunrise is what I have come to expect with a Denise Hunter book. Always great on the chemistry! I enjoyed reading it, but it wasn't a book that I couldn't put down. I felt that the relationship with Kyle and Zoe was a little unbelievable. She had been with him for four years and when she came back to her home town, all of the sudden she realized what a bad person he was? I didn't buy that part of the story. I was interested enough to finish the story but it didn't live up to Denise Hunter's other books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

I loved this book, possibly because I live in the valley of the blue ridge mountains, or possibly because Hunter did a fantastic job of forcing me to imagine what I would do in Zoe's situation. Would I force Cruz to know about our baby when I was 19 and single? Would I stay in Copper Creek and save my dead grandma's orchard? Would I pursue my dream of music? My heart still races in fear when I think about being kidnapped by an ex boyfriend, even if he's a country superstar. I would probably panic, but I would like to think I have the gall that Zoe had to attempt an escape. Hunter did a fantastic job of blending romance with mystery, it's a new favorite for sure!

This is a lovely Christian Fiction book of first love, insecurities, misunderstandings, family, forgiveness and love plus a peach orchard in the mix. Zoe Collins comes home after 5 years and has to face Cruz Huntley her first love--what will happen? What secret is Zoe hiding from Cruz? And how will Zoe protect little Gracie from a familiar lurking danger?
This is an A plus book.

Wow, what a wonderful ride this story has been! Both of the main characters Zoe and Cruz Were wonderful and realistic. The chemistry, love and faith they shared was lovely to see. The writing was greats as always. This book also sheds light on domestic violence a bit. Glad Kyle got what he deserved at the end. What a monster! Looking forward to read more of Zoe & Cruz's story along with the main focus of Brady & Hope's story in the book of the series!

Ms Hunter has done it again!

This is not a Christian fiction book! If I wanted to read such liberal mainstream fiction, I would choose to read it! I am a long time fan of Denise Hunter's writing and I was horribly disappointed in this book. There is no mention of God or religion until over halfway through the book. Zoe has an 'oops, I forgot you existed, God' moment. Zoe employs labor on the Lord's Day and this is portrayed as right. Cruz and Zoe sleep together before marriage and there is no mention of this being wrong or even a 'mistake'. The entire plot was lacking also. There are so many books like this on the Christian market already. The main characters were shallow and worldly and are by far not worthy of there place as the hero and heroine of what should be solid godly Christian romance. This book disappointed me a lot. Honestly, I had to force myself to finish it and felt like throwing up for the duration of it. I hope Denise does better in the future! I mean, she has to right? Because this is one of the most awful books I've read in a long time.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion. I really enjoyed this book. It has romance and suspense too!

I got an advanced copy of this book to read and found it to be a comforting love story. Zoe heads home for her Grandmother's funeral, with a daughter & boyfriend in tow. She finds herself the new owner of the family peach farm, and makes some fast and hard decisions about her future. She faces her past but embraces new beginnings and new chances.

I absolutely LOVE Denise Hunter's books and her latest, Blue Ridge Sunrise, was no exception. It had everything I've come to expect from Denise Hunter...real life characters, an element of faith expertly woven into the story and character's lives, swoon worthy romance, and some surprises that will keep you wondering what's going to happen next. I enjoyed getting to know Zoe and Cruz and could almost taste the peaches.

So, I decided to throw my neatly ordered to-read list out the window and read Blue Ridge Sunrise way ahead of schedule. I simply couldn't resist the promise of a Denise Hunter romance or (let's face it) that cover.

Returning to her hometown and confronting her past was never on Zoe Collins' to-do list. But the death of her beloved grandmother has finally brought Zoe home, bringing along her young daughter and boyfriend Kyle. When Zoe discovers that her grandmother has left her a peach farm, Zoe is torn between returning to her life on the road as a singer and staying to take over the farm. Coming face-to-face with Cruz Huntley, her first love and ex-boyfriend, makes things more complicated - especially when Zoe knows that sticking around will mean finally coming clean about her biggest secret. Seemingly insurmountable obstacles war with finally feeling at home in Copper Creek, as Zoe learns to face her past and embrace her future.

I admit the whole 'single mother with a young child and a BIG! secret that she has withheld from an old boyfriend' isn't my favourite storyline. It wasn't hard to predict the direction of the story. However, Denise Hunter still made it an enjoyable read. Zoe and Cruz are flawed and relatable characters and the setting is absolutely charming - I could practically smell the sweet, fruit-scented air.

There is plenty of romantic tension and the ending also ramps up the suspense thanks to a tense situation gone bad (and arguably some very questionable judgement from one of the main characters). Faith plays a small part in the story - I've read mainstream books that talk more about God - but it does tie nicely with the characters' decision in the last section of the book. This book also raises the important issue of domestic violence and abusive relationships.

Blue Ridge Sunrise was an enjoyable contemporary romance. I'm really looking forward to the second book in this series - we meet Brady and Hope in this book and their story promises to be really interesting. There are also a few appearances from characters from Denise Hunter's most recent release, Sweetbriar Cottage. The Blue Ridge Romance series promises plenty more romance and sweet stories.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Blue Ridge Sunrise is the first book from Denise Hunter's whole new series, Blue Ridge Romance. I read this book in one sitting. I loved it so much, I did not want to put it down. I felt an instant connection to Zoe. I knew what she was going through - the heartache, past secrets and regrets. This is a wonderful story of forgiveness, letting go, and moving on, while in a beautiful setting.
I most definitely believe this is a must read and highly recommend it.
5 plus stars.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

What a great book of young love, and second chances. Zoe came home because of Granny’s death and stayed to make a go at owning and operating Granny’s peach orchard. She had left her first love, Cruz, here years ago and had made a new life with Kyle. But Kyle explosive attitude and controlling ways soon turn her heart against him. She broke up with him but found it was extremely hard to work side by side with Cruz who worked for Granny. Can they lay aside their differences or are the memories too hurtful? It is a fun reading book that have you hoping they give love a chance.

Blue Ridge Sunrise, by Denise Hunter, is the first book in the Blue Ridge Romance Series and is a very good, clean read, that I recommend.
Zoe Collins, pregnant and very insecure, left her home in Cooper Creek to get away from her controlling father and into the arms of Kyle, another person who claims control of her life quickly. Zoe also left with a broken heart and broken dreams.
Cruz Huntley, Zoe's older brother's best friend, has loved Zoe for years, but knew that her father would never allow them to be together. He is hurt and angry when she leaves town.
Zoe is forced to return to Cooper Creek when her granny dies and leaves her and her four year old baby girl, Gracie, her peach orchard. And the drama all starts here!
This story deals with hurt, anger, insecurity, and God's grace and forgiveness.
I thank NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review this book.

Zoe returned home for her grandmother's funeral. She left home 5 years before after a series of miscommunications with her former boyfriend Cruz. Once she comes home things begin to be revealed. She renews past friendships and begins to rebuild her life. As she tries to do so, someone is trying to destroy it.

I enjoyed Zoe and Cruz's story. Denise Hunter constructed a story that grabs you from the beginning and keeps you reading to the end. Her characters become real to and I keep reading to see how things turn out.

I look forward to reading the next books in this series.

Wow. What a ride! That's all I can say.

In this book, Denise Hunter weaves an enchanting tale with a heartbreaking beginning, a romantic middle, and a suspenseful ending. I really liked this book.

Years ago, Zoe left her hometown scared, hurting, and pregnant. Now she's back to attend her grandmother's funeral. But what was supposed to be a day's trip before heading back out with her boyfriend and his band, Zoe finds herself the owner of her grandmother's beloved peach farm...run by the man she used to love and the father of her child.

Denise Hunter is a master storyteller and this book is one of her best yet. Plus, you may find a couple of characters from her former novel "Sweetbriar Cottage." I always love it when characters from other beloved novels make an appearance in the next installment.

Oh my! What a beautiful story... I was drawn in from the moment I started and couldn't put it down. There was so much more to this than just a love story. It touched deep places in my heart. Highly recommended.

I adore all of Denise Hunter's writing and, though the plot didn't appeal to me at first, I knew I would read this book simply because she wrote it. While I would not list it as my favorite, it was an enjoyable read. I wish we had gotten more insight into Cruz's background, it felt somewhat lopsided, favoring Zoe's experiences. I did think it set up the next book well, and I am really looking forward to reading Hope and Brady's story!

Blue Ridge Sunrise is the latest novel by Denise Hunter and is the first in the new "Blue Ridge Romance" series.  As a Georgia girl myself, I'm lovin' these books set in my home state! While this is in its own series, I was delighted to find references to the characters from Sweetbriar Cottage and The Wishing Season.  Like any other by Ms. Hunter, I gobbled this up in practically one sitting; it did not disappoint!

Zoe has always felt out of place in her own family.  She went off to pursue music instead of a law degree, fell for the farmer as a teen instead of a rich young businessman or something, and had a baby at nineteen.  Having now returned to her hometown after the death of her grandmother and inheriting her grandmother's peach orchard, what will she do with her second chance? Will she stick with her current overprotective, abusive boyfriend, or is there a second chance with her first love? Will she settle down and run the orchard or continue to pursue fame?

Although this had some similar vibes to Becky Wade's Meant to Be Mine, it became its own story.  Once I got the characters straight, it was fairly predictable, but still worth reading.  It was cute, it was suspenseful, it was southern.  And it oozed charm.  The setting drew me in, obviously, but I stayed in the story because I fell for its characters.  (Having just bought a bunch of peaches to enjoy while reading this story didn't hurt either.)  I really, really enjoyed seeing the characters grow and come out of their shells, learn to forgive and to let go of the past.  This is a story with a lot of heart that you should not miss! 5 stars!

Thank you to Net Galley and to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review.  All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*