Although there wasn’t anything particularly original about the way this story unfolded, reading Carolina Breeze was a pleasant way to spend a few hours. It had several elements I enjoy in contemporary romance—the family dynamic between Levi and his two sisters, an idyllic location, and even a little mystery thrown in. Add in a Hollywood star on the run from scandal and you’ve got a little something extra to add some spice!

Mia and Levi were generally likeable characters, but for me, they were missing that extra something that would have taken them beyond romance book characters to life-like characters. Too, there were aspects of Levi’s character that I felt didn’t quite gel, in particular the way he went about taking on so much responsibility for the success of the inn and his sisters’ futures. The sense of responsibility itself wasn’t my issue so much as the way he acted on that sense of responsibility, which didn’t always feel natural for his character. But I enjoyed the way he and Mia slowly warmed to each other, and there’s plenty in their story to satisfy romance lovers.

For those who have read the first book in the series (I haven’t, but this book stands well on its own), there is a little bit of a continuation to Molly and Adam’s story as well. In theory, I didn’t mind this little sub-plot being woven in, but the way it played out felt contrived for the sake of added drama. Perhaps if I had read the previous book and therefore knew those characters better it would have seemed more believable, but it didn’t work for me.

Still, an enjoyable read overall, sure to satisfy many contemporary romance lovers.

I haven’t read a Denise Hunter novel since I read the Chapel Springs Romance Series - which is excellent by the way. And now, I am asking myself why I waited so long! I really enjoyed everything about this wonderful sweet romance! I loved the setting and the premise and I can’t wait to go back and read Molly and Adam’s story, Lake Season. I’m also looking forward to reading Autumn Skies, the third book in this trilogy which comes out in October.

I loved Levi! Like Mia said, he has a beautiful heart. After the death of their parents, Levi took over the role of parent to his two sisters and the pressure of getting the family inn up and running and profitable. Even though he may have made mistakes along the way, his heart was always in the right place. I loved Levi and Mia’s relationship. It progressed naturally and there were no silly misunderstandings or lack of communication. I thought they were perfect for each other! I also really liked the family dynamics between Levi, Grace and Holly. This is a perfect summer read! I highly recommend it!

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

This is the second in a series but can be read as a standalone book. That said, I do recommend reading the first book 'Lake Season' as well as there are a few little in (or should I say 'inn' jokes that won't make sense otherwise!

There were quite a few times when I wanted to tell the male hero off but I don't see this as a negative because people are flawed and who wants to read about perfect people anyway right? I was cheering for the two leads to end up together which is the most important part.

There is an element of mystery in the book (as there was in the previous book). I enjoyed this aspect and I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with for the third and final book. Not to mention where the characters end up.

If you are a fan of Denise Hunter, this won't disappoint. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Would I read this if I had to pay for it? Yes - so give it a go!

Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter is all that a romance should in the second book of the Bluebell Inn series. Denise Hunter does not disappoint with a wonderful setting, great characters, some mystery, and a lovely romance. Her main character, Mia is looking for a place to escape her life, and Levi, our hero, is trying desperately to do what his dying father asked and keep his family together. The two of them fight the demons of their past and try to work to change their future. It was a great story with a satisfying ending that I can highly recommend.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

I am a self-proclaimed romance book avoider. Yet this is my second book of this series and I enjoyed it even more than the first. I really enjoyed the insights into Levi's character and the addition Mia was a fantastic choice. The trope is frequent - a famous woman needs to escape it all after a bad turn of events - but it worked.

I connected with the characters and this book made me long for summer and gave me a brief respite from the every day. It was the perfect escape.

I will be posting my full review as part of a blog tour late this month and will update the links then.

Carolina Breeze is a perfect read when you're looking for something delightful to dive into! It's the second book in the Bluebell Inn Romance series and centers around Levi, the oldest of the Bennett siblings. Levi feels a responsibility to protect and guide his two younger sisters since the death of their parents, but of course, they're not all that thrilled with how he goes about it. In this story we get a feel for Levi's heart and why he makes the choices he makes. When Mia Emmerson, a Hollywood star, comes to stay at the inn sparks fly and there's some series electricity! Their relationship is so well written. It feels natural and fun. I enjoyed the romance tremendously!

Denise Hunter has this wonderful way of making time fly when you're reading the story...and yet seem like no time has passed at all. This book will give you all the feels and leave you wanting more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Romance, clean, contemporary; Christian faith elements
Mia and Levi's story was so well done. Hurting hearts, worries, every day moments, a dash of mystery, and lots of sweet attraction along with a dash of faith. Strong characters, well-drawn side characters, and also a cast of characters from the first book made for a lovely, sweet romance, with a bit of drama from Mia's notoriety. Gorgeous setting at the Inn, near the water and mountains, and of course, lots of small town charm. Loved the ending with the how things were put back together (not going into detail, don't want to spoil it). Family, the strength of it, and all the learning and character growth that comes from inter familial, and inter personal interactions. D.H. has become an author who gets the everyday moments, the worries, cares, concerns, things that display character, build affection, show longing, and of course the sweetness of real romance from the heart. Wonderfully full, lush, detailed drawing of family, friends, and a sweet romance. Seeign the characters from the first novel in the series a definite draw for me.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley, my opinions are my own.

Denise Hunter is a new to me Author. Her cover drew me in and the book blew me away. This was a beautiful and emotional story with a few twists and turns along the way. The characters are loveable!
I cant wait to read another book by Ms. Hunter. I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to express my honest opinion of this amazing book.

With everything going on in the world right now, it's a great time to pick up a light, fluffy, clean romance with a happy ending to cheer you up. Carolina Breeze can be that book.

Mia is a rising star in Hollywood and has just finished the most important movie in her career. She also recently broken up with her finance a month before their wedding. After a misunderstanding with Mia and her co-star, she gets in the middle of a huge scandal and the paparazzi are camped outside her house trying to get the first picture or comment from her. She decides to go the Bluebell Inn in the NC mountains to get away from the constant bombardment. After all, she and her fiancé were supposed to honeymoon there and the reservation never got cancelled, so she decided to enjoy her time there by herself.

Bluebell Inn is owned and run by a brother and 2 sisters who took over the renovations and the inn after their parent's death in an auto accident. Levi, the oldest child, feels like he needs to be the leader in the family and keeps negative information about the inn from his sisters plus tries to tell them how to live their lives which doesn't always go over well with Molly and Grace. When Mia shows up at the Inn, Levi has no idea who she is but his sisters recognize her and they all agree that they will keep it a secret that she's there plus protect her from outsiders. The more time she spends with Levi, the more interested they become in each other but he knows that she will be returning to Hollywood and tries not to fall in love with her. Mia sees that he is very different than the men she knows and is impressed with his attitudes and his work ethic but knows that she will be returning to Hollywood. Will there be a 'happily ever after' for Mia and Levi??

This is a great book. There is romance - not just Levi and Mia but also Molly and Adam from book 1. There is a mystery about the past that needs to be solved and lots of great scenery in the NC mountains. it's a fun book to read to lighten your mood and make you smile.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

I don't really read much romance, it's just not my thing. But sometimes it's nice to just be swept away in a charming little vacation and get lost in a feel good book. And that's when I turn to Denise Hunter. Her stories are somehow soothing, like lying in a hammock with a slight breeze blowing while sipping on some cold sweet tea. I missed the first book in the Bluebell Inn Romance series but after enjoying this one so much I think I'll go back and read it as well. I really like this family and this setting and I don't want to miss out on any of their adventures.

There were so many things I enjoyed about this book. I loved that Mia was an actress. Loved that Levi had that first-born responsibility drive down to a pat. And I loved seeing glimpses of Molly and Adam (from book 1) and the mystery around another object in the inn.

Levi is a great hero and Mia makes a very unique heroine. I felt compassion for her and so hoped she'd get a happily ever after.

Carolina Breeze can totally stand on its own but please read Lake Season to ensure you get all the feels. 😉

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

What a pleasure to read about another of the sibling owners of the Bluebell Inn in the Appalachian Mountains! Your attention will be caught when Mia Emerson, a young Hollywood actress, shows up for the honeymoon suite minus a husband! Mia reads the journal left behind by a previous owner of the inn (her grandmother she never met) who states her blue diamond necklace is hidden in a safe place. Levi Bennett joins Mia in searching for the necklace and in fending off the paparazzi when Mia's location is discovered! In book 1 of the series, Levi did not want his sister to fraternize with guests but he can't resist when the guest is the attractive Mia! Denise Hunter has a way with words that will keep you reading. I recommend this contemporary romance to others. I received complimentary e-book from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Romance, family, heart, and hope. Denise Hunter has written another Sweet cozy romance that made me smile. This is the second book in this delightful series and although it can absolutely be read as a standalone I would encourage you to read the previous book as well. Levi and his siblings are Busy running their family inn. Although Levi has not been completely upfront with his sisters the inn isn’t doing quite as well as he has led them to believe. But Levi is determined to honor his fathers dying words to take care of his sisters. Mia is a big-time movie star whose life is starting to fall apart. Her engagement has been called off and her name is now being drug through the tabloids. She needs a little getaway and why not take her honeymoon trip to that quaint North Carolina town by herself? It has already been paid for. Mia also has familial ties to Levi’s family inn. When Levi and Mia meet there is a instant spark that slowly ignites as the two get to know one another better. But what could this small town innkeeper and movie star possibly have in common?

I sure do love a well told small town romance. Levi and Mia were both likable characters and I really loved watching their relationship develope. I also loved Levi’s relationship with his sisters Molly and Grace. Molly was the focus of the previous book and I liked seeing her relationship continue in a positive direction. There is also the addition of a little family mystery in this book that was lots of fun. Another wonderful installment in this series excited to see what’s in store for Grace.

This book in emojis 🎬 🌲 🏨 💎 🛥 💍

*** Big thank you to Thomas Nelson for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

Carolina Breeze continues the story of the Bennett siblings, which began in Lake Season. A full year has passed since the Bluebell Inn's opening, and oldest sibling Levi is struggling to manage everything, but things are on the verge of turning around since a Hollywood couple just rented out the entire inn for a week ... but then the bride arrives, jilted, alone, and escaping a scandal. And Levi's protective instincts kick in.

I loved Levi and Mia together! Their easy camaraderie seamlessly segued into attraction. Throw in a touch of a fake relationship (one of my favorite tropes), a treasure hunt, and a family secret, and you've got a great love story!

I found Mia's journey to finding love and acceptance to be especially touching (I almost cried when she learned something pivotal about her past), and I appreciated that Levi, while being a genuinely good guy, was far from perfect. At one point in the story, I literally wanted to punch him 😉. (I also recognize that, put in a similar situation with my own siblings, I would be Levi ... maybe it's an oldest child thing?)

I also enjoyed seeing the progression of Levi's sister Molly's relationship with Adam (the focus of Lake Season); while you could enjoy Carolina Breeze without first reading book one, why would you want to? Also, keep an eye out for Grace Bennett's story, Autumn Skies, which is slated for release this fall.

I've been anxious to read Levi's story since the first book in the series and I certainly wasn't disappointed. I'm absolutely loving the little mysteries that keep popping up at the Bluebell Inn . . . and the lovely romances that pop up along with them.

As can be expected from a Denise Hunter book, the storytelling is wonderful and the characters are so easy to love! The dynamic between Mia and Levi is incredibly fun. It's a sweet, slow unraveling of control for the two sensible lovebirds. The spiritual lessons tucked between the pages--about trust and surrender and accepting God's love--are handled beautifully. And as an added bonus, readers are given even more of Molly and Adam's story from the previous book.

This is another fantastic read from Hunter and an excellent addition to the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions belong to me.

I am completely addicted to the Bluebell Inn romance series by Denise Hunter. Carolina Breeze, the second book in the trilogy, was an absolute joy to read, just like the first. Instead of a celebrity author making their stay at the Bluebell Inn, set alongside this scenic North Carolina lake, we now get a film star.

This is older brother Levi’s story who crosses paths with newly established Hollywood icon Mia Emerson, who is fresh off an unfair scandal and personal heartbreak. The media presumes and ruins, and Mia is the victim. She retreats to this small North Carolina town where she has roots, to lay low and recalibrate. As slander and gossip ensue, she finds friendship, an unexpected mystery, healing and eventually love. This story offers depth as it examines how wounds from the past that can impede our future, and shares words of affirmation and truth that free us to truly live in our present.

Carolina Breeze was an incredibly sweet, cozy, feel-good story that was charming and a sheer delight to read. It has strong, moral characters, demonstrates the strength of family bonds, showcases faithful friendships, and offers worthwhile messages applicable to all. I eagerly look forward to the next installation this series.

This is book 2 in the Bluebell series and I really enjoyed it! I remembered the siblings from book 1 so I do recommend you read the first book so you have a bit of history to go by. The siblings are hosting a celebrity at their for what they thought was the celebrity's honeymoon. The change in fate leads one of the siblings to his biggest discovery yet. Family really shines in this series and I love that the location is in the Carolinas. I can't wait to read book 3. I was given this copy from NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Oh, what a wonderful story! I loved the way Mia and Levi connected. The author did a great job of making me understand that Mia truly was a famous movie star and had to deal with so many problems related to the press. But at the same time, I was able to see her as just an ordinary young woman, who was attracted to a kind and caring man.

Although Levi carried a lot of burdens on his shoulders, some of his own making, I thought he was a great character. I loved the way Levi felt about Mia. He kept having to remind himself that she was a movie star, as his attraction to her grew throughout the novel. These two had things they both needed to work out in their lives, yet they really were a wonderful match for each other.

This book is a great addition to the Bluebell Inn series, and could probably be enjoyed without reading book one. However, the experience will definitely be richer if book one, Lake Season, is read first, because the two main characters in that novel have some special moments in Carolina Breeze, as well.

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

So I got this book and finished it right away I could not put this book down, it truly draws you in and leaves you wanting more. To me the characters seemed very relatable to a point which is nice. They were fun to read about and it felt like you were right there sometimes. I liked Levi's sisters they love him but they but they are ready to be their own person and have no problem telling him. I loved how Mia has such a big heart, while we hear in real life that movie stars are so selfish the author had a way of making Mia relatable and it was really hard not to like her. I really like the community of this book. It really goes to show you that you can make your own family. This book is a good clean read. The book was a really fun read and I can't wait to see where the siblings go next I am totally rooting for Grace.

Carolina Breeze (Bluebell Inn Romance #2) by Denise Hunter is about Mia Emerson who has always wanted to be a star and has a huge following, Seemingly she has it made and then a broken engagement finds her escaping Hollywood following a huge scandal, that is sure to ruin her career. On the advice from her closest friend she goes on what should have been her honeymoon but without the groom. The reservations were already made for a week at the the Inn. Her grandparents owned the Blue Bell Inn,at one time and now they are deceased and she wants to learn more about them since she never met them. She never dreamed that she would find healing for her heart and a new love. If you enjoy Christian romances with characters that will tug at your heartstrings, then you will love Carolina Breeze. Great romance, great plot, great characters, all in all great book.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.