Since You've Been Gone (Restoring Heritage Book #3)

This was the BEST story! As much as I have loved the whole Restoring Heritage series, this one is definitely my favorite of the set. From Leah and Jon's story to the surprise story of Madison and Colby, this story was ah-mazing! I read it in one evening because I could not put it down. The dual relationships were really well written and I loved both of them. So so good. A beautiful story of God's redeeming grace and overcoming tragedy and fears. I loved this book! I received this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Wow! What a phenomenal conclusion to the Restoring Heritage series! Tari Faris became a favorite author of mine back when her debut novella, P.S.Goodbye released. I've read and loved each and every one of her books to date, and I was eagerly anticipating Since You've Been Gone, it grabbed me at page one and held me spellbound until I turned the final page! Reading this story was such a treat, I absolutely loved everything about this utterly delightful book! I love that each of this author's novels features not one but two love stories (double the romance, double the faith journeys, and double the kissing scenes? Yes, please!) I loved Jon and Leah, they were great together, their relationship felt very realistic and true to life, and it was a joy to watch them overcome old hurts and find love! As much as I loved Jon and Leah, I think I might have loved the secondary characters and their love story the tiniest bit more, their story was so beautiful it nearly brought tears to my eyes! The heart touching, and soul stirring faith messages in this book are incredibly moving, and beautifully written! Tari's books are perfect to read and re-read anytime you find yourself needing a reminder of the Truth! And, of course I would be remiss if I did not mention Otis, everyone's favorite brass hippo. I so loved learning his history as well as the answer to the mystery of how he moves, but no spoilers here, you'll have to read the book to find out for yourself! Reading this book gave me all the feels, it made me so happy, but also a little sad to have to say goodbye to this town I've fallen in love with, and these characters who feel like friends to me. I loved every minute of this book, especially the ending scenes which left me happy-sighing with a giant grin on my face! I loved, loved, loved Since You've Been Gone and most highly recommend it! If you haven't started the Restoring Heritage series yet what have you been doing with your life? This series is a must read for fans of Christian contemporary romance! I cannot wait to read this author's next book, and I'm hoping she will one day write a story about Jon's sister, Abby, I'd love to see that girl get a happily ever after! I received a copy of this book from the publisher as a member of the author's launch team. My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

Since You’ve Been Gone by Tari Farris is a charming, hometown contemporary romance. I loved the town of Heritage, Michigan! A small-town girl myself, I could appreciate the tight-knit group of Leah’s friends, the unique vibe of the downtown district, and the desire for the characters to make a difference in their hometown. I loved watching Leah’s dream of opening her own business unfold. I loved her creativity and determination to keep her grandpa’s legacy present in the community. Her partnership with Jon was oh-so-much-fun with their flirty interactions and sparking attraction. It made the development of the MIM store really come to life. And Madison and Colby’s story? Eek! Colby’s loving and gentle manner had me swooning at the turn of every page. It is no surprise Madison didn’t stand a chance against his big, handsome heart. Madison’s story of redemption and Colby’s determination to show her God-like love was such a heart-warming story, and one I needed! The struggles all the characters deal with from their pasts are heavy and heart-wrenching, but they are realistic and add such depth to the characters and their interactions together. And I loved how their community came together in faith and helped each other through difficult times. Overall, I loved this Restoring Heritage novel from Tari Faris. I would highly recommend it to all Christian contemporary fiction fans. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.