Laureano does it again! I love this story and seriously wish I could go to this little town. Laureano has an amazing ability to craft a story so well that you feel a deep desire to be in the story with the characters.

I think the characters are my favorite part of this story, followed by the storyline itself. I've spent moments during the weeks after finishing this book reflecting on scenes in the story and moments the characters share. And it's not just the main characters that are well developed. Each person has a purpose and you feel they have a story to tell. I love this about Carla Laureano's stories; you can tell she spends a good amount of time caring for and "feeling" each person in the story.

Thank you Carla and Tyndale for this amazing getaway from everyday life. This book will definitely be on my bookshelf.

*This was given to me in advance purely for review purposes by Netgalley. The opinions here are honest and my own.

I liked reading Prevenance. Kendall has made it on her own in the world until she discovers she has been left property in Colorado. She investigates a family she never knew she had and finds some much sought after answers. She also discovers the voids in her life. I liked all the parts about design and furniture and different architectural styles. There is religion in the book, for idea that seek it. It's a solid story about growth, acceptance, and change.

Cute story! Interesting characters with great back stories. Love the architecture themes. Easy quick read. Felt like the story was a little predictable and I felt vaguely like I had read something similar before. Didn’t keep me from reading it though! The relationship between Kendall and Gabe was interesting, albeit fast. Seemed a little unnaturally fast. Not my favorite of Laureano’s books but still pretty good.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

I loved the even keel of this book, the plot and the characters. You won’t get an adrenaline rush from it which is a good thing in today’s overly dramatic society.
As the author unfolds the main character’s journey to finding Christ and romance, I really appreciated the fact that the relationship with Jesus was a priority. Even in the story, the main characters prioritize Christ first. It is such a rarity to see that in a fiction plot.
I would recommend this book to others and it is suitable for teenage readers.

Provenance is a very well written inspirational romance. The plot and characters are well developed and believable. I love this author’s books and this one was no exception.

'Sometimes no matter how hard you wished for something, you still came up short.'

I just this minute read the last word of this book. I really enjoy Carla Laureano's wok and have reread several more than once. So I am always excited to see she has a new book coming out. She writes with a depth that I truly enjoy. She doesn't just craft characters and throw them on a page. No, she delves into their lives and reveals their deepest emotions, their longings and heartbreaks.

'If you didn't let anyone in, you couldn't be hurt by rejection. You couldn't be disappointed. It was easier to be alone by your own choice than to have someone make that choice for you.'

The characters of Gabe and Kendall are incredibly well formed here and I very much was all in learning their back stories and what brought them to this point in their lives. This was a long story, but never felt forced or long. It moved deeply and the word I believe I'd use is 'fulfilling'. It was heart-satisfying.

Laureano shows us that there are never any coincidences with God. He is there, waiting patiently, loving His creation. The spiritual thread of this story is so powerful-so much so that I found myself smiling numerous times at how the author played it out. And, even though this book has a very strong story line and wonderful characters, God is the true hero of this story. Psalm 139;16 is one verse that went through my mind during the reading. This one is a winner in every way. I felt so good reading it! Well done!

My thanks to Tyndale House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I was not expected to leave a positive review and the opinion here is my own.

I received a complimentary eARC of the novel through NetGalley and Tyndale House, in exchange for an honest review.
What I Liked

Gabe, who Kendall meets shortly after coming to town, is a Christian, and I really like that Gabe’s faith plays an important role in the plot, as well as in his day-to-day decisions and relationships.
Thematically, I liked the discussion of spiritual adoption, paired with earthly adoption. For me, this provided fresh insight into the Scripture on adoption. Plus, the commentary on forgiveness is spot on.
Laureano has a knack for concisely illustrating and articulating common human experiences.
The novel is powerful! Laureano crafts a believable backstory for Kendall, and her characterization is also believable. As a result, I has some definite tear-jerker experiences as I walked with Kendall on her journey.
I enjoyed the cast of characters and their relationships, within the small town. For example, most of the townsfolk stop at the coffee shop every morning to start their day and Gabe’s grandpa bakes desserts and treats for the local diner, as well as the cafe. And, the market doubles as a pizza parlor. (Okay, maybe I actually liked the small town food. Is that a thing?)
The mystery element was well-executed. Kendall begins the story knowing close to nothing about her family of origin, and spends the novel learning her own story. I would have liked to have solved the mystery even earlier, but I think that’s a good thing, in the sense that it unraveled over time.
In terms of the romance, I appreciated that the plot wasn’t as straightforward as romances often are. For example, both characters acknowledge that they have not known each other very long. There was another component I really liked, but I don’t want to spoil anything.
Content Concerns

There is one somewhat intense/ graphic kissing scene. However, part of the graphicness is due to Kendall wondering if it will “lead” anywhere.
There are references to a homosexual character, as well as a comment (made by a non-Christian) to the effect that the character previously repressed his “true” identity.
Overall Impression

This is one of those books that I think I would recommend by comparison. As far as Christian books go, it was just a little more graphic than I’d have liked (I don’t think most people would take issue with it)—but it makes sense due to the character’s perspective. With that said, it’s not my first choice as a Christian book, but I would feel very comfortable recommending this title over a non-Christian book. And, I think it can definitely appeal to non-Christian readers. (I will add a quick note that I don’t agree with 100% of the ideas presented).

There's something ironic (and also blissful) about reading a book during summertime that involves snow. :D I might have devoured this read amidst a record-setting Pacific Northwest heatwave ... and loved the mental respite.

Readers of Laureano's other works (notably The Solid Grounds Coffee Company) will enjoy the occasional Easter-egg reference here; I love it when authors do that!

Also similar to her other works, Laureano isn't afraid to sidle up to hot-button issues, as well as point readers back to Christ above all. I truly enjoyed this thought-provoking read about provenance in every sense, from interior design and home restoration to one's own personal life and family history. The small-town Colorado setting was endearing not just for snow in my heat-infused world, but also for its residents' love and care for each other ... where "everyone knows your name" (with all the perks and foibles that come with it). An excellent read.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This story about small town community, the complications of heritage, the challenges of discovery, the art of transformation and the beauty of belonging is, in my opinion, Carla’s best book yet.

The romance in the story is well done and weaves in and around the other themes making the tale multi-faceted. The small town setting and the well developed characters add to the narrative. Add some antiques, historic architecture and a re-evaluation of what holds values and you have an excellent book. A delightful tale from start to finish. I enjoyed this novel.

I received a free digital galley of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really, really liked this book! I loved the title, but had no idea what it meant. I thought maybe something to do with France but then I looked it up. And it is the perfect title, Provenance from the French provenir ‘to come from’ – as an example ‘tracing the provenance’. And this whole book was about tracing these characters’ pasts through buildings, letters and other means.
It was a fascinating book. I love stories that I can’t figure out where they are going and this one certainly qualified on that. The setting of the book was perfect, few books are set in winter with snow and extreme cold. And the characters had unique occupations, especially Kendall.
I loved the author’s Saturday Night Supper Club series and this book felt similar (without all the food though). I just love the way she writes!
I found this a great read and would recommend it highly!
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ebook. The opinions are entirely my own.

A contemporary story full of small town charm, with a bit of mystery, faith, and a clean romance. Two characters brought together abruptly by a surprise inheritance, try to figure out how to save a historic property and preserve a small Colorado mountain town.

Provenance is defined by the dictionary as "a place or source of origin"; from the Latin, "to come forth". What a perfect title for this book featuring a woman who is given a chance to delve into a forgotten, painful childhood. It's a touching story when it all plays out, with a mystery or two slowly revealed, and one of redemption in the end.
The faith struggles felt realistic, especially in Kendall's character. She starts from a place of mistrust, pain and doubt based on experiences of abandonment and false assumptions, and grows into a person with hope springing up from truth and love. I liked Gabe a lot, and his sincere desire to do what is best for Kendall. He wrestles a lot with his own past, and seems to grow in faith when he seeks God's will in his life. I loved his grandfather who baked and ran the B & B, and other characters who pop in and out of the town coffee shop. Some sensitive issues are touched on, but handled carefully.

Fans of contemporary Christian romances with flawed characters will likely enjoy this story. 4.5 stars

I really enjoyed reading this book!

You can read elsewhere what it’s about, but I particularly enjoyed the slowly developing love story between the two main characters, as well as the main female character finding family. The setting in Colorado wasn’t bad, either!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

Provenance by Carla Laureano is a book set near a gorgeous lake in Colorado, and partly in LA. I loved how this book reads. It is a contemporary romance but it definitely differs from the authors previous works. Here, the heroine Kendall is more broken than her other characters. She has deep past hurts and she is trying to work through them. She has reached great success as an interior designer but has big holes in her life when it comes to having family. When she inherits property in Colorado, Kendall finds herself in a whole new world. I love the way the author ties Kendall's own life into the work she does. And the resolution in this book works so perfectly. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it highly. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Such a great book!!
After inheriting a sizable amount of property in the mountain town of Jasper Lake, Colorado, Southern Californian and interior designer Kendall Green embarks on a journey to uncover the truth of her past and discover where she really belongs.
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I enjoyed the setting of this novel (cold and snow, which makes this a perfect Fall/Winter read) as well as the characters and the sweet love story. But my favorite part was the theme of home/belonging. “Home” can mean so many different things, but the way the author handles the topic, and where Kendall finally finds her place, can resonate with many of us.
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This would be perfect for fans of Becky Wade, Courtney Walsh, and other inspirational romance authors. I’d also recommend it for fans of books that focus on “found family” and a small town community feel.
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I really loved this one!

I would love to live in the town of Jasper Lake! The setting in this story was beautiful, the characters just right. That word provenance is not one I’ve heard often, but once I understood the meaning I appreciated the story that much more. Lots of thoughtful insights and great dialog in this story. Recommended.

Kendall has a “successful” live, but a lingering “why” about her past. She has been holding on to hard feelings toward family members, then comes to the following realization.
“But you know what I’ve realized? It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change anything. I wasn’t hurting them with my hate. I was only hurting myself....she forgave them...she felt like a different person. A person ready to face whatever life had for her.”

Great novel by Carla Laureano. I haven't read any of her other works, but this contemporary Christian romance is definitely on point. I found Kendall and Gabe to both be very strong protagonists and their development was organic. I liked finding out about Kendall's history and I can understand why she acts the way she does. I thought that Gabe would have some kind of superficial characterization, but his history was just as intriguing as Kendall's. I found that I loved the aspect of restoration and growth in this novel. Both Kendall and Gabe were real people and they didn't pretend to be something more. I liked that the only thing standing between them was the different in faith but that even when Kendall accepted Jesus into her life, they didn't immediately jump into a relationship. I found that to be a very mature response and not one that I would've seen from other Christian romances.

Carla Laureano has been an auto-read author for me for a while, so I was very exited to get an arc of Provenance, her upcoming contemporary Christian romance. My luck with arcs has been pretty hit or miss lately, but I'm pleased to say that this novel did not disappoint and only reaffirmed my love for Laureano's unique stories.

Provenance is the story of Kendall Green, a former foster kid and current interior designer who suddenly discovers she's inherited property from an unknown relative. Kendall knows basically nothing about her family and her past, but she's told herself that the past doesn't matter and instead chooses to focus on the future. However, the promise of an inheritance--an inheritance that could help her solidify her business in LA--is too much to ignore, and she finds herself in the small town of Jasper Lake, Colorado. In Jasper Lake, Kendall meets Gabe Brandt, Jasper Lake's mayor who's struggling to keep the town from going under or losing its charm to a big ski resort development. He's hoping he can convince Kendall to keep the five lakeside houses left to her to stop the development of the ski resort and save the town that saved him. As the two work together to learn more about the houses, they find themselves hunting down the truth of Kendall's past...and fighting their growing feelings for each other.

Kendall and Gabe are fantastic leads. Kendall is detached from her mysterious past, uninterested in her family history and focused on growing her interior design business in LA. Straightforward and determined, she's initially against keeping the houses, but she slowly accepts that she needs to know not only the history of the houses but also the history of her family and what happened to keep her apart from a grandmother who was beloved by the citizens of Jasper Lake but who Kendall herself knows nothing about. Gabe is a good foil to Kendall; while she is mostly serious and closed-off, Gabe is friendly and open without being overbearing or feeling like he's trying too hard. He has a sweet, self-deprecating sense of humor, and he genuinely cares for the town and wants what's best for its citizens. His background in urban planning should be ideal for helping transform Jasper Lake into a thriving community, but he's stuck and running out of time, and Kendall is his last hope.

Although they're initially forced together for the sake of business, Kendall and Gabe work well together, and their relationship feels natural and is a lot of fun to see evolve into something more. They also make a great team in regard to helping the town. Kendall doesn't have any desire to keep the houses or stay in town, but
she's polite and practical about her decision. She realizes how her actions will impact the town and tries to help, giving Gabe an outsider's perspective and several good ideas of how the town might reclaim its former popularity. Of course, her plans change, and their teamwork develops into a genuine friendship that finds them on a historical treasure hunt to save the houses. I appreciate how both characters' careers played important roles in their work, and I like learning more about both interior design and urban planning.

In addition to creating great leads, Laureano does a wonderful job of creating a cast of secondary characters and a setting that brings Jasper Lake to life. I love the descriptions of the town; it feels a bit touristy but is still welcoming and fun. It also definitely has a small town feel in that everyone knows everyone and everyone else's business, but the citizens aren't obnoxiously gossipy or overly nosy. As far as supporting characters, I love Opa and Delia. Opa and Gabe's relationship is sweet, and the multitude of sweets and pastries that Opa bakes all sound delicious! Delia is a delight, and she's the perfect voice of reason. She's honest but kind when telling her friends how it is, and she does her best to help others see the reality of their situations. Her coffee shop sounds so cozy, and I love the cameo from Solid Grounds Coffee Company!

As this is a work of Christian fiction, faith is an important topic. Laureano chooses to address the characters' faith by highlighting the importance of letting your actions speak to your faith and relationship with God and not worrying so much about how others view you; God knows your heart and the truth, and He's who truly matters. There's also a strong emphasis on the importance of God's timing. He has a plan for each of our lives, but He lets us make our own choices. He doesn't push us to have a relationship with Him but instead patiently waits for us with open arms until we find Him. Gabe is a Christian before the book begins, but Kendall comes to find God throughout the course of the story. Her journey to faith feels natural--once she starts searching for the truth of her family, she starts questioning whether she could ever have a place in God's family, and it takes the unending love of her former foster family to show her that God's love doesn't ever stop, nor is it dependent on us being perfect. Kendall's struggles with loss and abandonment are ones with which many people can relate, and Laureano does a great job of showing how those struggles can impact our entire lives until we learn to accept that there are people and a savior who will never abandon us.

And because this is also a work of contemporary romance, it's inevitable that Kendall and Gabe will end up together. However, I am very pleased with how Laureano handles their romance. The big issue keeping the two apart isn't some overly dramatic miscommunication but rather the characters' differences in faith. Despite liking Kendall, Gabe is determined to not have a romantic relationship with a non-believer. Although Kendall doesn't initially understand his convictions, in seeing both Gabe's and Delia's faith, she learns to understand that there are Christians who do practice what they preach, even if she doesn't like it. Kendall does eventually come to accept Christ, but Laureano doesn't let that serve as the magical catalyst for Kendall and Gabe to get together. Both characters have personal issues to work until they're truly ready to begin a relationship, and I really like that they're given time to work on themselves individually before becoming a couple. Laureano's handling of the situation is very Biblically-based and shows a great deal of trust in God's timing and plan, and I love that this is the way she chose for the characters' paths to go. It's different from what I was expecting and from what I have seen in other Christian fiction novels, and I applaud her for showing maturity in the characters' faith.

Provenance is a story of history, belonging, and heartbreak as well as a story of hope, found family, and love. Laureano has written another wonderful contemporary novel that features a great cast of characters and a lovely and interesting Colorado town. I hope to one day get more stories about the citizens of Jasper Lake to see if Kendall and Gabe's hard work pays off--and to see how their relationship is going, of course! Fans of contemporary Christian romance will thoroughly enjoy this read!

Imagine never knowing who your family was or where you came from, living your life in foster home after foster home, always feeling abandoned, and then you get a letter from an attorney saying that your grandmother has left you her entire estate, but there is a deadline for claiming it. This was the life of Kendall Green, the main character in Carla Laureano's newest book, Provenance.

Both Kendall and Gabe, the other primary character in the book have had an education in the school of hard knocks, which makes this book so interesting. The characters are not over-the-top perfect and that makes them relatable to the reader.

I have watched enough Antiques Roadshow to know that the provenance of a piece adds to its value, it's the pedigree, so to speak. What Kendall doesn't know is her own provenance and alternately hopes and dreads finding it through her grandmother's estate.

I have read a few of Carla's books and thoroughly enjoyed them all. Her writing is engaging and compelling. This book is one I lost sleep over, because I just couldn't put it down. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a genuine Eames chair to sit in and read.

Tyndale House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

PROVENANCE by CARLA LAUREANO is a beautifully written romance novel with unforgettable characters and an encouraging story. There is a strong Christian message, namely the importance of dealing with one's past so that it does not affect our future, forgiveness and restoration.
When Kendall Green goes to Jasper Lake to accept her inheritance, she has no idea that she is part of the town's history. . In fact other people seem to know more about her provenance than she does. Being a designer whose main interest is in restoring historical homes and sourcing antiques, she is the ideal person to help save the town from a huge commercial development, but will she really want to be involved in restoring something her family, who seem to have rejected when she was five, once owned? It is in researching the provenance of her grandmother's house, with the young mayor, Gabriel Brandt's assistance, that she gradually learns the truth about where she came from. I love the comparison of the foster parents, who wanted to adopt her, with God the Father who is waiting with open arms to adopt us.
Although Gabe has issues with his father he realizes that Kendall was in a much worse situation when she was growing up. Being a "fixer" he desperately wants to save the town from being ruined by Phil Burton and his grandiose development ideas, but knows that Kendall needs the money the sale of the houses will bring in to save her design business. As he gets to know Kendall he realizes that he wants to fix her problems as well and I really like to see his kindness and strong Christian values. Both Kendall and Gabe have great depth of character, in spite of, or maybe because of, what they have been through.
It is altogether a lovely read and one I highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.