Hometown Girl is the first book I have read by Courtney Walsh and I loved it! After years of struggling with an incident that happened when he was a boy, Drew returns to his hometown to try and discover what really happened to him and his friend. He meets Beth, who feels trapped and struggles with events in her past. Her sister buys a farm and asks Beth to help get in back in shape. Drew and Beth are working together to make restorations to the farm and their personal lives. A great book with second chances, discoveries and romance. I can't wait to read more by this author.

I received this ebook from the publisher and NetGalley from my review and am not required to give positive feedback.

Wow! What a story! I was covered in goosebumps as I read the ending.
I found it to be delightful & intriguing!

Beth is trying desperately to live up to what she thinks is expected of her. To be perfect. To make right all the wrongs she's done.
Drew witnessed something horrible and is trying to live with himself, along with the weight of guilt he's carried for so many years.
Do they dare trust each other?
I love these people. Their characters are so true-to-life.
A few quotes that spoke to me: "...if you do what you were made to do, then you'll find the peace you've been looking for. You can't work for it....You just have to rest in it."
"The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you figure out why. Find your 'why' and the rest of it --that will fall into place."

So much truth here!

Contemporary Christian fiction, with a mystery woven in, this is a must-read!

From the very moment I started this book, I knew I was going to like this book and I did. The cover was what originally caught my attention. Don’t you think it is a cute cover? Courtney Walsh is a good author, even though this is my second book that I have read by her. I am probably going to go and pick up all of Walsh’s books and binge read.
Well, let’s talk about this book. It was an intriguing plot with a mystery, that kept me reading to till the end of the book. Each main/side character was interesting and well developed. Beth and Drew were great main characters. Both had their own and different stories.
I recommend this book. It was a good read, that I enjoyed very much.

Thank you Waterfall Press for the free review copy of this novel. All opinions in this blog are my own.

Everyone can conjure up the image of a small town in their mind. Some may think a population of 10-20 thousand make up a small town. When I imagine a small town, I am taken back to the place I grew up. There may be 5,000 people in the entire county. This novel took me back there, and made me realize that a small town isn’t bad all the way around. She took me ‘home’ in this novel.

Walsh writes this story about a woman so desperate to escape the town for the city, (which I did) that she has harmed herself in the process. This novel is all about discovery; not only of finding yourself but of exploring what it is God has for you.

Walsh draws the reader into her small town by making it picturesque and perfect. She goes to great lengths to help the reader feel like they are in the midwest. I love the contrast she creates with her characters. Each character is their own and no two are the same. She brings depth into the plot by creating the characters this way.

I enjoyed her story telling and writing. She gets the reader involved through the use of conflict, and the struggles presented are so real. Whether it be stubbornness, change, God, relationships, family, or sisters – the issues presented are real and not over dramatic.

This book is out now. So please run and get yourself one. If I haven’t sold you yet, there is some romance tucked in to which helps keep it at a lighter read.

I loved this story by Courtney Walsh!
Beth Whitaker was supposed to graduate high school, go away to college, marry her high school sweetheart, live in the big city working at a great job and living happily ever after, but that didn't happen. Instead she is living in her hometown taking care of her mother and running the family business that her father started from the ground up. Just when she thought she had her chance to run from her smothering small town her sister makes an impulsive decision that is going to change her life in more ways than she ever expected.
Drew Barlow hasn't been back to the small town that he enjoyed visiting with his family when he was a young boy, but every night his dreams take him back with haunting memories of a crime that he had witnessed involving his best friend. After all of these years later he finally believes he needs to go back and make peace with the past.

It should 3,5 stars, rounded to 4.
I really liked the cover. The book is well written, humorous, has a sound plot and, likeable characters. It is about family relationship, changes and the path to healing.
I like it even if the path chosen by the heroine do not mirror mine but in any case it offers food for thought.
On the other side it is a bit slow at times.
I would advise this book to people who are looking for reflection on a Christian path.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher

I really enjoyed Hometown Girl by Courtney Walsh, but I nearly put it down because of the repetitive beginning. But once past the overdone part about Beth Whitaker hating her life because she was stuck in her small town of Willow Grove, the story actually became very well written, quite engaging and deeply moving. Especially once you learn of the events that made staying there so painful for her. And when she meets up with Drew Barlow who is carrying a deep pain of his own, I began to feel the story deeply. In fact, it reached into a part of me that that I have rarely seen a book do. I was weeping by the end. Highly recommend.

Courtney Walsh is an author that I don’t even need to know what the book is about because I already know I’m going to enjoy it. So to be honest, I had no idea what the author had in store for us when I first picked up a copy of Hometown Girl. The cover immediately drew me in because I thought those yellow polka dots boots were the cutest and I wanted a pair for myself. Let me just say, Mrs. Walsh does not disappoint.

Here we have yet another small town, Willow Grove, where the characters become like friends and family. Fairwind, the farm where a good majority of the book takes place, immediately becomes home. Beth and her sister are working tirelessly to rebuild the town’s favorite small town farm that once had a farmer’s market, a petting zoo, an apple orchard where families could come pick apples in the fall, and a bunch of other fun activities to do in the fall. Despite already being skeptical in the beginning, the two run into many problems that test their patience and persistence.

Then there’s the mystery within the novel. This will tug at the heartstrings because there is so much unsolved. It doesn’t help that the mysterious hot guy who comes around that no one seems to know. The characters go through raw and realistic trials and are challenged to surrender them to the Lord. It’s a story that shows that we don’t have to be perfect to earn God’s love and mercy. It’s a story where you’ll laugh, cry, and literally go through all of the emotions. It’s powerful and will stick with you long after the story is over.

If you haven’t already picked up your copy, I highly recommend this for your next fall read!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love books that feature small towns. I also love books that showcase life on the farm. So when you combine the two, it's sure to be a winner for me and Hometown Girl was just that. It was a charming and heartwarming romance that I really enjoyed.

Beth Whitaker's life hasn't gone the way she'd hoped it would. She had a series of major disappointments that shattered her confidence and left her with somewhat of a defeatist attitude. She's a pragmatic perfectionist who's constantly trying to prove herself and feels like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Drew Barlow has a lot of guilt over something that happened twenty years ago. He's back at Fairwind Farm hoping to find closure. I really liked both of these characters. I could relate to Beth in a lot of ways. Drew intrigued me and I really felt for him. The constant pressure that was put on him as a little kid was so wrong. It was great watching them grow and learn to trust each other.

The element of faith was strong and woven seamlessly throughout. There was also a mystery aspect that I didn't expect, but really enjoyed. I did get a bit frustrated with all the secret keeping. There were times I wanted to scream at the characters to just tell each other the truth and stop hiding things from each other.

All in all, this story was a joy to read. I'm really hoping this is the start of a series because I'd love to visit Willow Grove again and read more about Beth's siblings. This was my first time reading anything by Courtney Walsh, but it definitely won't be the last!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Oh friends, where on earth am I supposed to begin talking about this delightful little story?! There is so much to love about it and I'm afraid all I'm going to be able to do is gush. Which, I know, isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I'm sure you'd like to hear more than just "It's amazing, go read it!". But for the official record, it is amazing and you should go read it. :)

Can I just start with how much I loved the quietness of the story? There's no huge emotional bursts that lend themselves to full on angst and drama, which is my favorite way for a story to go. Oh there's certainly emotion, with a little drama/mystery mixed in, but it's not all that one experiences. The biggest emotional bursts that occur feel like precisely what needs to come after certain plot shenanigans. The build up of tension leading to those moments make the emotions of the character natural and perhaps even necessary. Because we human beings, when dealing with hard things that have caused us immense grief and pain, don't usually just simply let go, it's more of a process for us.

Hence what captivated me most about Beth and Drew; the quiet, introverted nature of both of them, yet the real emotion that hovered beneath their surfaces, causing them to draw into themselves. And the way they could each sense that about the other, see it in the little things that most other people overlooked, and, while it took stepping out of their comfort zones in order to do so, sought to find ways to help. They simply couldn't ignore each other, no matter how hard they tried! I think this may be the first story I've read where there is very little actual conversation between the two main characters initially, but goodness the build up of chemistry is high-powered and electric! I was on pins and needles every time one of them approached the other, even if no words were spoken between them!

I especially loved that Drew was this quiet, taciturn type of hero. His inability to express his thoughts would make him seem like not a very romantic sort, but oh let me tell you!! He knows how to make a girl swoon! And poor Beth never even stood a chance. ;) Yet more than just the swooniness of their romance charmed me, it was the way they innately understood each other and how they became such safe places for the other. I absolutely LOVED that all the parts of themselves that they struggled to accept and love were so very easily accepted, loved, and make perfectly imperfect in the other. They complement each other so beautifully! So how could I do anything but love the two of them like crazy in response?

I loved the Whitaker family as a whole as well. Watching the siblings circle each other, yet love each other so fiercely was wonderful! They felt like a real family with all the different quirks and ways they understood each other like no one else could. And those townspeople? So many awesome characters who I could stand to know more about! Seriously, Ms. Walsh. Can you pretty please write more stories based on these characters? I loved them all and want more time with them! :) Overall, this was a glorious immersion into life with Beth and Drew. I closed the final chapter unable to stop thinking about them and all the ways I truly wish they were real. Highly, highly recommend this one, friends!

**I received a complimentary copy from the author via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wow, once I started this book, I couldn't read it fast enough! There's a lot of insight packed into this contemporary tale with a lot of heart, wrapped around a mystery. Plus, there's a delicate romance between two people who seem to struggle with where they fit in, both trying to overcome what has them stuck in life. Some fun side characters add a bit of color to the small town scene. I especially liked Birdie and her wisdom given freely to Beth and Drew. Her encouragement to reach out and accept God's forgiveness and grace--gifts freely given--and not give into the pressure of other people's expectations, were wonderful nuggets of truth in the story. I could relate to Beth's fear of failure, and her striving to keep everything going. She was a 'Martha' to her sister Molly's 'Mary'.

Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational contemporary romances. 4.5 stars

Mystery, Romance, clean, Christian faith elements
This was a beautiful, poignant read, a 3.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up. I loved the mix of romance, mystery, faith, and suspense. Beth's secret failure, her mixed emotions, concerns, and worries about her future were so heartfelt and realistically described. Drew's secret, his mystery, his unknowns, his remorse, and holding back as he tries to figure out and get rid of his demons, were poignant, and hurting.
The demons of the past resolve, and it is lovely to see how they are able to come together, for Beth and Drew with increased faith. Beth and Drew's romance, haltingly comes together as they both put aside their hurts. I loved that their faith was just part of their living. Beautifully written, without being overly preachy, just living.
While this was a story about Beth and Drew and their coming together, and resolving their pasts, it was also a story of a community pulling together. Definitely a feel good, charming story that has hope and peace as part of it's message, along with a dash of romance in the mix.

Hometown Girl made me crave all things apple--- apple cider donuts, in particular! And coffee with danishes. Oh, and it tells an enchanting story of second chances, romance, and getting comfortable with unexpected dreams with a colorful cast and hints of suspense. And a sheep!!!

I loved seeing the similarities and contrasts between the arcs of Beth and Drew. They were similar in seeking second chances and a belonging or sense of security. Along the way, Beth begins to find the blessing she can be to others by extending her love without conditions or strings. And, Drew starts to see how his past doesn't have to define him, or weight him down any longer.

Drew is a realistically flawed hero. His strength and personality are often masked under a no-nonsense, quiet way, but it's a delight to see how Beth draws him out (and prods him, when needed). And he reciprocates by providing a security that encourages her to admit her self-doubt. He's perfectly chivalrous except for that one time when he admits he doesn't want to be polite..... but let me tell you, that's a very, VERY good thing. *swoon*

While Drew's appearance on the page brings a gravity and thread of suspense to the story, Hometown Girl is very much Beth's journey. Her personality drives the relationships of the story, especially that of her dynamic with her seemingly-opposite sister, Molly, whom she approaches with a need to be the sensible voice of reason in their new business venture. As the story builds, the complexity and heart of Beth shine through as her perspective shows a growth in overcoming her internal struggles.

Most of all, I loved the simple message of Hometown Girl. Being a resident of a cozy small town myself, I could understand Beth's dreams and aspirations --- and how they took an unexpected turn along the way. This book is a reassurance that having dreams and goals is a good thing. Yet, it's OK for those dreams to change along the way and manifest in an unexpected source of happiness.

Thank you to the author for the complimentary review copy. This is my honest review.

I loved this latest book from Courtney Walsh! This story was funny, sweet, and had the slightest bit of mystery woven into it. I loved the idea of the family fixing up the old farm and orchard. The descriptions made me want to visit Fairwind for apple picking! I enjoy reading a story where the characters have flaws and room for growth. Beth and Drew were each struggling in their own way with making peace with things in their past, letting go of guilt, and moving forward. I loved reading the progression of each of their characters as their story unfolded. Courtney Walsh has such a unique way of capturing such genuine feelings and emotions in her characters. I always find myself identifying with some aspect of one of her characters. Drew was a definite favorite for me! Quiet but kind, and can fix anything! The mystery element had me intrigued to the end. I was glad for all the characters that there were answers and closure. I was so sad to see this book end because I loved all the characters and am anxious to see what comes of the plans of Fairwind Farm! Hopeful to see more of these characters and story line in future books! Sign me up! I am a fan!

I just love this author's writing style! She has a way of drawing me into the lives of people who are struggling against the darkness and as their stories weave together the light emerges and hope shines brightly on its way to a happy ending- which really seems more like a new beginning. The contrasts and similarities between Beth and Molly as sisters really stood out to me, and it was interesting to see the characteristics they embraced and which ones they left behind as they were influenced by their parents and the people around them. I loved that they both rediscovered qualities about themselves that they believed didn't apply anymore. It's reassuring that it's never too late to decide to change and pursue a new focus in life. Beth and Drew are both holding on to painful secrets, and the process of loosening up around each other shakes the secrets out of dark corners where they can now be released... although Drew required a little more shaking ;) It was nice to see how they supported each other and yet had a realistic dynamic based on their very defined personalities. They had fabulous chemistry, and that first kiss- wow. I admit I read that scene a few times over (fans self). It was gratifying to see how the long time mystery unfolded and also watch the community band together to work hard for a new Fairwind Farm.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Hometown Girl is a story about life in a small town. It’s a story of unfulfilled dreams and new beginnings, guilt and regrets, secrets and consequences, mysteries and cover-ups. Although it took me a little while to warm up to Beth, one of the main characters, I found I could relate to her and her struggles. Drew was easy to like, and I admired his great work ethic and his willingness to help others. Courtney Walsh did a marvelous job of creating realistic, layered characters in a unique setting. I loved the way she moved the story along and allowed us to see the growth of the characters while weaving threads of forgiveness of self and others, faith, and trust through the book. I will definitely be looking forward to more stories by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I wish there was an ability to give half stars on Goodreads, because I've agonized about where to place this review. 3 stars doesn't do it justice, and I can't bring myself to go a full four. I will explain my reasons, and none of it has to do with the writing.

Consistent throughout, 'Hometown Girl' is a story that captures such a wide array of emotions, heartaches, loss, tragedy and more. I find no fault in Courtney's writing. I love her style. The way she can pull the reader fully into the story. This is more a case of my personal preferences changing in regards to the kind of plot I'm happy reading. I don't want to provide any spoilers, after all you need to enjoy this book for yourself.

Recently I've found myself turning away from the murder, mystery, suspense even with the inspirational romance aspect I always love. Call me a sensitive soul, but I'm needing less of the disturbing parts of stories, and more joy in my life. I did feel like there's a bit of a misrepresentation in the cover, it's fun and flirty. This is not really a reflection of the main character's personality, or the plot line.

It was cleverly written, the conclusion intriguing. Many will love this book, I have no doubts. The development of the relationship between Beth & Drew was a little different from what I have read before, which I always appreciate. It's hard to find originality.

I'm really hoping that Courtney Walsh is setting us up for a series with the Whitaker family, because I would love to see where Molly & Bishop are destined, will Callie snag the crush of her life and who is the mysterious Seth?! I'm excited for more from this family, I just need my reads to be a little less heavy!

Thank you to Waterfall Press & Netgalley for the complimentary copy. This is my honest review.

I don't normally do this but with this book I fell in love with the cover! I just love the yellow polka-dotted rain boots so much! And I've loved everything I've read by Courtney Walsh so I didn't even bother to read the back cover or the description!

So I have to admit I was a little surprised to find out this book had some mystery to it! It took me a little while to get sucked into the story. But once I did I couldn't wait to unravel the mystery, to get to know Drew and Beth better. And to find out what would happen with the apple orchard/farm.

It is always hard for me to read books where the characters keep secrets. Especially from each other. I kept wanting to scream "Tell him/her the truth, now!" throughout this book. But at the same time I understood why there were things that were hard for the characters to admit. And when the truth did come out I was glad that it wasn't 100% perfect and easy and that there were sometimes repercussions for keeping the secrets.

I really liked what Walsh did with Drew's character. How she gave him such an all encompassing fatal flaw. I really felt for the guy and was rooting for him to find peace and closure. However, I didn't feel the same empathy toward Beth. In fact I spent most of the book wondering why she was the ways she was. In the end I think I just related better with Drew's problems than Beth's.

I'm sad to say that I've either never been to an apple orchard or at the very least don't remember it. Many of my friends growing up went to one with their families and I always heard about the apple cider donuts but alas that isn't something I have memories of. But reading this book makes me want to visit an orchard soon.

One of my favorite parts of this book was Drew's work ethic. I really admired how he jumped right in before he even had a job to help Beth and her sister. I love men who work hard when they need to. I love men who have the character to do what is right even if it is hard work. I also loved seeing some of the motives behind his hard work.

And I can't forget to mention that while romance isn't the only theme in this book it is an important one. I really loved watching Drew and Beth get to know one another. And I loved their first kiss.

I'm hoping that Walsh is considering writing Callie's story. As a side character she wasn't in this story a lot but just enough for me to want to know what happens next for her!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.

I don't know how Courtney Walsh does it, but she always seems to write her books as if they were meant just from me. Maybe it's her beautifully flawed yet relatable characters or her message that comes shimmering through each and every page or the plot that brims with wit, tension, and perfect depth... Walsh has it all, and I loved this book. No, I needed this book.
At my first glance of Hometown Girl, I was deceived by the title. It seemed too simple and nostalgic. Yet as I delved into the pages, I found myself to be so very wrong. Layer after layer unfolded before me, as complex issues of identity, forgiveness, unconditional love, and a hint of mystery were revealed. I longed for the story to continue as each and every lovable – and some not so endearing – character weaseled their way into my heart.
I highly recommend this book and hope other readers will find such enjoyment and richness from its pages. Walsh opened her heart in this story, and I count myself blessed to have shared in it.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Beth Whitaker has spent years trying to make up for a mistake, an error in judgement that cost her father’s company millions in a lawsuit. For Beth, the three hardest words in the English language are, “I was wrong” and her tireless work for the company her dad founded is an effort to avoid having to say those words to the rest of her family. It’s bad enough that her dad knew before a heart attack took him. Must she further humiliate herself in front of the family that looks up to her?
No one understands why she is still in Willow Grove. She’s NOT a typical hometown girl who never wanted anything more than to stay in her small town living small dreams. She always wanted the big city and the big dreams that went with it. Unfortunately, a lost job opportunity coupled with a cheating boyfriend sent her scurrying back to the safety of the family business. It was supposed to be temporary, so why is she STILL there nine years later? When her flighty sister, Molly, comes to her asking for help in another of her pie-in-the-sky business ideas, Beth turns her down flat. What do they know about running a farm, and of all places, Fairwind Farm? Yes, she has beloved memories of family outings taken there but how can they hope to bring it back to its full glory when neither of them have enough money to renovate the farm the way it should be? Beth can’t take another failure but when Fairwind Farm becomes her only option for redemption, can she adjust her dream to include the town she couldn’t wait to flee?
Drew Barlow has spent 20 years running from his past and his memories of Fairwind Farm. The crime he witnessed as a nine year old visits him nightly in his dreams and he’s never any closer to remembering. When the owner dies, Drew wonders if this could finally be his chance to close the door on the past. Arriving at Fairwind, Drew finds the new owners – optimistic but over their heads. He starts out by helping during a community work day and ends up signing on for a longer stint. Will being in the place he experienced his greatest tragedy help him remember and forgive his younger self?
Beth and Drew have both sealed off their secrets and both are suffering because of it. Can they help each other see that sometimes a mistake is just a mistake and sometimes adults place burdens on the shoulders of children that the children have no business bearing?
For every person who has held a secret too close, for every person who has beaten themselves up for an error in judgement, and for every person who has felt unworthy of respect or love or redemption, Hometown Girl is your story. This story hits readers in the ‘feels’ and ultimately points to a God who is waiting to love unconditionally. Courtney Walsh weaves a mystery into a love story into a story of grace for the hurting and I, for one, loved it. I enjoyed it so much I’m really hoping she’s working on a story for each of Beth’s siblings!