ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Susan L. Tuttle
Publisher: Candlelight Romance (Fiction)
Release Date: May 10, 2022
Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance
Falling in love again wasn't on her checklist, but he's about to pencil it in.
Nate Reynolds’s ugly history has dogged him long enough. He has spent years reforming himself, but there has to be a purpose for all the pain in his youth. When he discovers the perfect campground for rehabbing juvenile delinquents, he sees his chance for redemption. Even if it means butting heads with the owner’s granddaughter, Gwen Doornbos, a woman who, for all her sharp edges, possesses a heart similar to his. The more time he spends with her, the more he envisions a future he once thought impossible.
Four years ago, Gwen Doornbos lost her husband at the hands of a troubled teen. Her dream of ministering to kids died with him, and she returned home to help her grandfather run their family summer camp until his retirement. That day has finally arrived, except her grandfather has other plans for Camp Hideaway, and they include the irritatingly handsome Nate, a do-gooder with more brawn than sense who insists on bringing the past right to her door.
When an accident requires Gwen to temporarily assist Nate, she discovers that the campers challenge her in ways she’s not ready to face. Yet if she can find the courage to stay, the darkness that has shrouded her for so long may lift to reveal a love arriving out of the blue.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
MY REVIEW
Talk about the perfect read when the temperatures outside are quickly rising, and you find your mind gravitating to all the sweet things of summer!
A grieving widow is fighting to hold it all together four years after losing her husband. In one instant she has her life turned upside down when her grandfather tries to sell her safe space, the campgrounds that have been in her family for generations. Camp Hideaway isn’t just the place Gwen calls home, but also a place to hide away from life, so when charming Nate comes onto the scene she fights with everything she’s got to keep him out of her camp, and out of her heart.
For some reason I found myself distracted when I first started reading Out of the Blue, so trying to get into the story was a struggle, but once I became grounded I was hooked. I love the pairing of the strict rule follower and the goofy free spirit that finds joy and laughter in the little things. Witnessing Gwen break out of her comfort zone is refreshing, showing that even when life is messy there can be blessings that abound, and people can truly change your life if you open your heart and give them a chance.
Reading about the at-risk teens had my heart aching, knowing there are so many children that come from unsavory circumstances, and truly do not know their worth. Nyla especially captured my heart, and I loved her role in helping to open Gwen’s eyes, while also seeing Gwen work in her life in powerful ways herself.
Nate reminded me so much of the men in my family. That quick wit is something very familiar to me, and I loved seeing it in this story, especially when it came at more tense times. I also loved the dynamic between Nate and Gwen. You can tell there is something special there as you’re reading, and seeing their relationship grow, though slowly, was also satisfying.
The faith aspect in this narrative is strong without being pushy. Several of the characters live out their faith without shame, and you can tell that they truly care about people, and getting the message out there that these kids especially are loved.
Who doesn’t love a good camp story, complete with drama, forgiveness, healing, and all the feels in between? It’s the perfect read for any season, but especially for summer, that is right around the corner!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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| Photo Credit: Jocelyn Smilde |
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*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
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