Book Review of 'Good Gifts' by Kyle Hunter

Hello Bookworms!

I am running on no sleep right now thanks to some pretty gnarly storms that hit in my neck of the woods very early this morning. Luckily, there was no damage where I am, but my prayers go out to all those that have been affected by the insane severe weather that's been hitting our country lately.

Today I am featuring a sweet romance that is full of dreams and redemption that is as good for your soul as it is for your imagination, so grab a cup of something hot, sit back, and enjoy my thoughts on Good Gifts by Kyle Hunter.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Good Gifts by Kyle Hunter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Good Gifts

Series: Brenner Falls #1

Author: Kyle Hunter

Publisher: Monceau Publishing

Release Date: December 28, 2022

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Nathan Chisholm’s high-pressure job in the big city is interrupted by an inheritance he doesn’t want, a struggling dinner theater. He returns to his hometown of Brenner Falls, Pennsylvania, so he can sell it fast and return to his normal life.

Leah Albright’s plans for her life went up in smoke and she’s forgotten how to dream. Instead, she spends her days at a dull job in Brenner Falls and her evenings with musical instruments and her cat. As holidays approach, she fakes cheer to stave off her disappointments.

Nathan and Leah rekindle the friendship they had in high school and attraction brews. But Nathan’s leaving town once he sells the theater. And the residents of Brenner Falls, including Leah, don’t want their beloved historic theater sold. And certainly not to the developer who’s been lurking around.

Nathan finds himself trapped by well-meaning decisions and growing feelings for Leah. He may have gone too far to turn back from the risks to his future and his heart.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound

My Review

Leah is stuck in life and has forgotten how to dream, settling for “good enough” in life after her fathers sudden passing several years ago. Nathan is thrown a curve ball with the sudden loss of his uncle, and in his passing Nathan realizes just how much of his life has been dedicated to work. He is forced to make a major change when he finds out what his inheritance will be, which sets his life off in a different trajectory than what he’d thought it would go.

Though I overall enjoyed this novel there were a few things that stuck in my craw, the first being Leah’s character. Though she does redeem herself later in the story in the beginning she really agitated me. She was such a shrew to her brother when he was at a low point in his life, infantilizing him, and even in her own thoughts she doesn’t have any faith in him. What does that say about her character as a good, Christian woman? I know we all fall and, like I said previously, she does redeem herself, I struggled to like her character the entire novel.

The constant repetition was another thing that grated on my nerves. It was thought about and talked about over and over to the point of redundancy. I understand that Nathan has some major life decisions to make but good gosh! I really think if this would’ve been reigned in just a bit that it would’ve made for a smoother read.

What I did love was the sense of family and all the fall and holiday vibes, as well as the overall sense of community. The faith aspect is solid, showing both the good and the not so good, which is much appreciated, especially when it comes to character growth.

Good Gifts is a sweet ,small town, friends to lovers troupe with flawed characters, picturesque Pennsylvania foliage, and dreams that you can’t help but root for. Good Gifts is the total package.

My Rating: ★★★★

Also Available

About the Author

Kyle Hunter is the author of nine novels of inspirational romance and women’s fiction. Her relatable characters will become like close friends you’ll cheer for and learn from as you join them on their journeys. Story settings range from Europe to small town America. As characters face challenges, the insights they gain will always be relevant. Kyle spent thirteen years in France, and she’s intrigued by faraway places. Currently, she lives in North Carolina where she writes fiction, non-fiction (under the pen name K. B. Oliver) and the travel blog OliversFrance.com and teaches French to adults.

Connect with Kyle by visiting Kyle-Hunter.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive an ebook of Good Gifts, ebook of Prodigals in Provence, and $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 3, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 10, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*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.