Fifteen years after she left Prince Edward Island, Natalie O’Ryan had no plans to return. But when her fiancé, music producer Russell Jacobs, books their wedding in her hometown and schedules a summer at Rose’s Red Door Inn, she sets out to put the finishing touches on the perfect wedding. But she can’t possibly prepare for a run-in with Justin Kane–the best friend she left behind all those years ago after promising to stay.
Justin’s never forgotten Natalie or the music career he always dreamed of pursuing. He’d been prepared to follow her off the island until his dad died and he was left to run the family dairy farm. He’s done the best he can with the life that was thrust upon him–but with Natalie back in the picture, he begins to realize just how much joy he’s been missing.
After Natalie’s reception venue falls through, she must scramble to find an alternative, and the only option seems to be a barn on Justin’s property. As they work together to get the dilapidated building ready for the party, Natalie and Justin discover the groundwork for forgiveness–and that there may be more than an old friendship between them.
What I Loved: From the moment I picked up the book I was hooked! I don’t know if Johnson was inspired by the movie Sweet Home Alabama, but I couldn’t help but pick up on some subtle similarities in the first few chapters. And I loved every minute of it! I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it was a remake, but if you’re familiar with the movie you’ll likely enjoy watching a similar situation unfold.
Johnson kept my attention until the very end. I sympathized with Natalie in a way that I rarely do in a book. She made me laugh, she made me cry. And no heroine is complete without a lovable hero. Johnson did a great job crafting characters that felt and acted like real people. The supporting cast is equally charming.
I’m going to miss visiting PEI with Johnson and the crew, but I’m looking forward to reading more from this talented author!
Rating and Recommendation: I’m giving On Love’s Gentle Shore 5 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy Christian Contemporary Fiction.
~I received a copy from Net Galley. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.
Christian Author: A.M. Heath 