I adored this book. that's all

I just wrote a paragraph about the prequel I didn't like as much and now I can't think of what to write for this.

Whatever. I loved it.

Made me laugh, cry, think everything.

def wasn't just a fluffy read. tbh none of Melissa Tagg's books are. Love her.
Also love Autumn (bookish queen). Also love Blaze (coz who couldn't? he'd totally win me over)
Also loved Ava and Victoria and Harrison (Harry) and Ellie and Tim and Francie and his dad and Pam and the farm owners and Kevin (duh) and are you getting me? and the message of this book. kinda needed it.

Ok so I loved the book (incase you didn't hear it the second time)
Also it's like 2:30 in the morning so excuse my ramblings I just stayed up to finish this
so worth it (I'm a morning person I never stay up)



that being said the cover needs an improvement - her muir harbour covers

Moved a little too quickly at the end, but it was enjoyable. I liked these characters much better than the last one.

Here to Stay by Melisa Tagg
I wanted to read this book for a few reasons: country side of VT and running an inn and an annual Christmas festival.
This book starts out following two people: Autumn Kingsley who is helping her brother run the dilapidated inn she was handed when she mother wanted to retire. Lots of secrets we learn of from the past that play a part in the present.
Also Blake Hurizkers who run the upscale hotel in town and he's just returned to the family fold and been welecomed. Lots of secrets come out about the death of his brother and they all learn new details on the death.
When things don't go right-she needs help-manual labor at the inn, and he needs help planning the big Christmas festival they combine forces and help one another out. She's had her fill of the inn and gets the job offer in Paris-loved hearing of this part of the travel.
But things don't go according to plan when she hopes a buyer comes to stay that he will make her an offer for the place. Lots of trust in God along with scripture quotes. Loved the travel, town and new things, especially how they celebrate the holiday.
I received this book from BooksClub Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.

Author Melissa Tagg’s trademark is turning her love of romantic comedies—especially old movie classics—into fun, page-turning novels, and Here to Stay is a prime example!

The story focuses on two adult children of feuding families. Blake Hunziker is the rich prodigal, who reluctantly returns home after years of adventurous wandering. Autumn Kingsley is the obedient daughter, who reluctantly stayed home to tend her family’s dream—even while she yearned to see the world and fulfill her own. As the back cover copy says, this story throws together “a guy who’s done running away with a girl who can’t wait to leave.”

Autumn and Blake both wrestle with feeling they have disappointed important people in their lives. When they join forces to run the town festival, they find themselves growing in appreciation for the unique folks in their town and for each other. Soon the worth they see in each other helps Autumn and Blake believe God sees worth in them. And they discover that His way of making dreams come true will never leave them feeling shortchanged by life.

This novel was so much fun! In Autumn’s desire to see the world, I spotted traces of While You Were Sleeping and It’s a Wonderful Life. (Isn’t the romance in the beginning rom-com like? Come on, Donna Reed in the hydrangea bush?) And maybe because I just finished a Gilmore Girl marathon, a lady innkeeper with a wisecracking male assistant really worked for me. I also enjoyed the Stars Hollow small-town feel of Whisper Shore and its quirky residents.

To say Here to Stay is a feel-good story does not diminish it in anyway. After all, how can any novel leave a reader feeling hopeful and happy without celebrating God’s heart and the many ways He touches our lives with love?

What I liked best . . .

The perils of accident-prone Autumn
How Blake transforms from guilt-ridden prodigal to confident hero
The town-wide snowball fight
Sweet Lucy from Hope House, a home for mentally handicapped adults
The photo-taking trip to Susie and Vern’s farm
The bathtub adventure
An earnest discussion about Narnia
The appearance of Miranda Woodruff and the From the Ground Up crew

My favorite quotes . . .

“In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary. We can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit.” Romans 5:5, The Message

“You don’t have to see every open door on the way to your end goal, just the one staring you in the face.”

“Maybe you start by thinking back to the last time you can remember when everything felt right. Like you were exactly where God wanted you to be.”

I am not into Christian novels but the description of this one was interesting so I decided to give it a try.

It is a good book. I enjoyed it but it isn't one that got me hooked on the story and it isn't one I would read again.

I do recommend this book if you are into Christian Romance

Oh, where to start?! Saying I loved this book would be a gross understatement, adored is closer but still doesn't quite describe how amazing this book was! Made to Last was one of my favorite reads of 2013 and I loved Blake's character in that book. So needless to say I had some insanely high expectations for Here to Stay and I am quite happy to announce that Melissa surpassed them all, leaving me giddy happy and totally in love with this new book!
Blake was so completely awesome! I loved his character's sense of humor and fun-loving nature in the first book and while those things were still there we were given a much deeper look into who Blake Hunziker really is, and it just made him even more amazing! I especially loved the scenes where he allowed himself to be vulnerable, I honestly melted and just wanted to wrap him in a big hug. Then there was his caring side, some of the things he did for people were just so stinkin' sweet but I won't spoil them for you! And the last thing I'm going to mention is how much I admired how he was no longer running from his past but was finally ready to stand up and face it.
Autumn was fantastic too! I appreciated how hard she worked to keep her family's inn running even though she was planning to leave and how much she cared for everyone there. Her personality reminded me of myself a bit, funny, cautious but willing to take risks with the right people, wanting to do what was best for everyone, book loving, and remembering random facts. I also loved how perfectly she and Blake fit together, definitely a match made in heaven.
And then there were all the minor characters who were great as well, inn staff, Ellie and Jake, Mrs Satterly, Lucy, the Hunzikers, and the Kingsleys. I thought it was really cute how Melissa incorporated her nephew Ollie, who has Down Syndrome, by having a little boy named Oliver and another character who had DS. Knowing about Ollie made those parts of the book all the more sweet!
One random thing I want to mention that I absolutely loved was the fact that Blake gave Autumn the nickname of Red! If fit so well and I loved the connection to The Philadelphia story.
I could gone on gushing for quite a lot more but this review is already crazy long so I'll wrap up! I love Melissa's writing style, her humor, the way she throws in fun movie references, and it just seems like every word is perfectly placed to create this wonderful story. In short this book was absolutely superb and I think it was even better than Made to Last! Also it is one of those rare books that I wanted to reread as soon as I'd finished it!
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

So I would give this story more than 5 stars if Goodreads gave me the option. This is an amazing story of redemption and overcoming tragedies and the rough stuff of life. Blake and Autumn are real people with real hurts to overcome and face and the way Melissa weaves their stories makes for a great read. I love how everything comes together in the end. If you enjoyed Made to Last, then this is a MUST read!!

Melissa's book, Here to Stay, is her second novel and it tells the story of Blake Hunziker, who we first met in Made to Last. I was really looking forward to reading Blake's story, because I fell in love with his character in Made to Last--and this story did not disappoint!

If you haven't picked up one of Melissa's books, I urge you to get one soon. Melissa has such a fun, spunky voice and her characters are so realistic and charming. The heroine in Here to Stay runs a historic inn, but her dream is to see the world. The hero has just come home from globe-trotting, and he wants to finally settle down and stay in one place. As their lives are brought together by a community event, we watch this unlikely pair fall in love. But how can either one give up their dream?

I especially loved the setting for Here to Stay. It's a small, lakeside town called Whisper Shores. Melissa did a wonderful job bringing the community, and it's citizens, to life. By the end of the book, I felt like I was a member of the Whisper Shores community. Melissa's story is funny, yet poignant, and you will experience all the joys and sorrows along the way. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a romantic comedy.

About this book:

“Blake Hunziker has played nomad for five years and landed in his fair share of trouble too. But now he's finally returning to his hometown--the Lake Michigan tourist town of Whisper Shore. Counting on a not-so-warm welcome, he's surprised at not only a positive reception but also a job offer. Determined to settle down and prove himself responsible, he agrees to the catch that comes with the job offer--coordinating the annual Christmas festival--even though he has no idea how he'll pull it off.
Autumn Kingsley, inn owner and experienced organizer of the Christmas festival, has always dreamed of traveling the world. Now she has a job opportunity in Paris and a surprise potential investor coming to town who just might take on her family's inn and finally leave her free to go. The only problem is that she has just two weeks to whip the inn into shape.
Their families have a long history of not getting along, but when Blake comes to Autumn for help with the festival, she actually agrees...in exchange for his help with the repairs to her inn. They may have struck a simple deal, but complications are quick to pile on when the guy who's had enough of running away and the woman who can't wait to leave join forces.”


Series: Book #2 in the “Where Love Begins” series. (Book #1, “Made to Last”’s review Here!)


Spiritual Content- A few Scriptures are mentioned, read, & discussed; Prayers, Thanking God, & Blessings over food; Talks about God & trusting Him; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Autumn wonders if God has forgotten about her but realizes things by the end of the book; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of a Bible; Mentions of churches & church going; Mentions of Christmas & a Nativity set; A few mentions of faiths; A few mentions of miracles; A mention of a Bible study;
*Note: A mention of a pet from the fiery pits of you-know-where; A mention of a superstition.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘crummy’, a ‘dumb’, a ‘sheesh’, two ‘drat’s, nine forms of ‘idiot’, and ten ‘stupid’s; Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Fighting, Injuries, Pain & Blood/bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); Blake (prior to the story) pretended to be a TV show host’s husband and the truth came out when she fell in love with someone else; Many mentions of an accident & a death (and wondering if the person wanted to die, barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of someone nearly drowning; Mentions of fighting, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of fires; Mentions of drugs, prescription-drugs, someone being addicted, & being high; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of divorces/separations & leaving a spouse; A few mentions of a war & execution; A few mentions of (kidding about) spiking the punch; A couple mentions of burglars; A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of lying; A mention of cigarettes;
*Note: Mentions of car brands; Mentions of singers & songs; Mentions of actors/actresses, TV shows, movies, books, & fictional characters; A few mentions of clothing brands; A few mentions of social media; A mention of magazines (GQ).


Sexual Content- A cheek kiss, a nose kiss, two forehead kisses, two almost kisses, a not-detailed kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, and a detailed kiss; Remembering kisses & almost kisses (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, & Hand Holding (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes & Winks; Noticing, Nearness, & Smelling (including muscles, barely-above-not-detailed); a ‘babe’; Many mentions of dates, dating, crushes, boyfriends, girlfriends, breakups, & exes; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & almost kisses; Mentions of flirting; A few mentions of a make-out spot; A mention of men being sexy when doing laundry; A mention of catcalling & whistling; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A couple mentions of Blake’s wet shirt & muscles; A mention of (not) dancing in your skivvies with a guy; A mention of being the butt of jokes.

-Autumn Kingsley, age 28
-Blake Hunziker, age 29
P.O.V. switches between them
361 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
While this book started off slow (to me) at first, I quickly enjoyed Autumn and Blake’s banter and seeing their friendship (to relationship) grow. This book was more than just a contemporary book or a book good for Hallmark movie fans, it had a lot of depth to it from both Autumn and Blake. I personally would have preferred a little less noticing/touches, but it’s still a really cute read. :)


Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspot.com/2014/07/here-to-stay-by-melissa-tagg.html


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Bethany House) for this review.

Outstanding new book from Melissa Tagg!
Here to Stay is Melissa Tagg’s sophomore novel, after Made to Last. It follows Blake “Blaze” Hunziker, who we met in the previous book. I was very interested in reading this book when I first heard about it, even though I still hadn’t read Made to Last - after finally reading it, I was so excited! I loved Blake in the first book and couldn’t wait for him to get his “Happily-Ever After.”
Melissa instantly drew me into the story and brought the town of Whisper Shore to life! I loved the old-time feel to it, kind of like it belonged to another era, and all the quirky characters she created breathed life into a town I can only see in my imagination. The descriptions were wonderful and she has almost poetic and definitely quote-worthy dialogue, which was undoubtedly my favorite part. She had me laughing out loud and on the edge of tears in turn. The characters are amazing, too! They leapt off the page and right into my heart. They are wonderfully down-to-Earth and when the book ended it felt as though I was saying “goodbye” to new friends. I will definitely be “visiting” them again!
Autumn Kingsley is the heroine in Here to Stay and Blake’s leading lady. I thought she was perfect for him, family rivalry aside. She brought out the best in him, as any good relationship should. I connected with her at once and fell more in love with her with every page I read. She’s the kind of lady you’d love to have for a best-friend. Autumn longs for a life of adventure, the kind her father always told her stories about, and a chance to experience life outside the small town she’s always lived in. But first she feels compelled to take care of her family’s legacy and her employees/friends. In her desire for freedom she faces many “what-ifs,” and questions about what the right move is. I love this quote from her sister, Ava: “Maybe the real freedom in in letting go of the “what-ifs.” Choosing hopeful expectation over worry that life is going to shortchange you.” - Ava Kingsley, page 374
Blake Hunziker is the hero and I must confess that I’ve loved him since Made to Last - I might even like him just a teensy-tiny bit more than Matthew Knox, who was the hero in that book (sorry Melissa, I know he’s your favorite). He is funny, sweet, strong, and crazy. He is the kind of fictional character that makes you wish he was real, but if he was, he’d be taken anyway. We knew from meeting him in Made to Last that he is haunted by something in his past and is still hurting from it. He goes back home to Whisper Shore, searching for forgiveness and a place to belong. While he is still the funny, joke cracking guy, there is a new depth to him. We see a new side of him, a deeper insight and understanding of who he is, and why. I loved getting to know this new Blake, who’s a little more serious, but still takes life as it comes, grinning most of the way.
I really enjoyed Blake and Autumn’s relationship. It was very sweet and easy. It started out as a friendship and slowly changed to something more. Nothing felt stilted or forced and I loved their banter as they joked and just enjoyed the moments.
The spiritual side of the book was as well done as everything else. Melissa doesn’t overwhelm the story, or take away from anything, but rather carefully weaves it in. It flows smoothly throughout the novel, sometimes in the background, sometimes the forefront, but always there. The story wouldn’t have been the same without it.
Autumn feels forgotten by God and wonders if He still notices her. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t felt that way at some point. I loved the moment when she finally realizes that He’d be there for her all along. Blake, on the other hand, carries an enormous burden of guilt and feels unworthy, like he has disappointed everyone, including God. He is also struggling with a grief that he hasn’t faced, hasn’t allow to heal. I really appreciated how she handles his grief, shining a light on his battle with it, but not in any way glorifying it. Instead when he ultimately has it out with God, we are left with a wonderful conversation with his dad and a reminder that God will heal any wounds, if we only ask. One of my favorite quotes from this interaction is, “In my most broken state, God saw me. I believe He even grieved with me. And then He started putting me back together, slowly, piece by piece. His heartbeat pulsing inside me when my own was broken.” - Linus Hunziker, page 325
This is where I typically have my complaints about a book, but I honestly don’t have any. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about it, which is a bit of a rarity for me. I actually loved everything about this book, from the characters, to the dialogue, to the descriptions that brought everything to life. From the sweet romance, to the even sweeter sigh-worthy ending, it is a wonderful book.
I highly recommend Here to Stay if you enjoy fun books with quirky characters, sweet romance, and happy endings.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network for my honest opinion, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
*All quotes were used with permission from the author and publisher.