Nick is driven by guilt and duty. Mia is trying to escape from gossip and false appearances. Love is the catalyst that allows both of them to escape from the pressures that they have imposed on themselves and that have been placed on them. There is a miraculous turn about that solves many of the problems for both of them which makes the story more fantasy and less reality. ( )

Carolina Breeze continues the Bluebell Inn Romance series with Levi Bennett and Mia Emerson as the main characters. Levi is such a protective hard-working hero, and I liked him immediately, even though he often drove his sisters crazy. Mia is also very likable and engaging. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and develop. It was fun to have more of Molly and Alex’s story and see what was going on in their lives.

Denise Hunter is a fantastic story teller, and I know I’m in for a treat when I read her stories. With a little suspense and inspiration thrown in with a lot of romance, this tale was a very satisfying read. I’m looking forward to what’s in store for Grace in the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. ( )

When actress Mia Emerson becomes involved in a Hollywood scandal, she needs a safe place where she can get away. Wanting to explore the inn that her grandparents once owned, Mia decides to escape to Bluebell, North Carolina. Levi Bennett, along with his two sisters now run the Bluebell Inn. When Mia Emerson arrives, the three agree to keep her presence in town a secret for her protection. As Levi acts as Mia’s chauffeur and guide while she’s in town, the two become close. And when Mia finds a clue in her grandmother’s journal to a hidden blue diamond, Carolina Breeze, the search for the diamond gives Levi and Mia a reason to spend even more time together. The two continue to grow closer as Mia repeatedly extends her stay, but could the two from two different worlds realistically have a relationship that lasts?

I enjoyed reading Carolina Breeze. I like how Denise Hunter uses Levi’s and Mia’s struggles to highlight how parent-child relationships can have an effect on future relationships. I thought that Levi and Mia were both very likable characters, and I enjoyed the reappearance of Molly and Adam from Lake Season, the first book in the series. And as in all of Denise Hunter’s books, I appreciate the role that faith plays in the story. Overall, Carolina Breeze was an enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to the third book in the series.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ( )

Carolina Breeze is the second installment in the Bluebell Inn Romance series by Denise Hunter. This story centers around Levi Bennett, the oldest of the Bennett siblings. Through a series of unfortunate events, actress Mia Emerson ends up at the Bluebell Inn for what was supposed to be her honeymoon.
Levi ends up her chauffeur and tour guide for the week, but finds himself feeling a whole lot more than that. Will he let himself fall for a famous actress? You'll have to read and find out.

As I have come to expect from a Denise Hunter book, this was a well-written contemporary romance with likable characters and great dialogue. Just as in the first book in the series, I did appreciate a little bit of mystery in this one as well. The story also has a great setting in the mountains of North Carolina which made it even more special for this Carolina girl. This will make for a great summer read!

Although this could be read as a standalone, it is totally worth reading Lake Season if you have not already had the pleasure.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ( )

I have loved every single thing I’ve ever read by Denise Hunter. Carolina Breeze is the second book in her Bluebell Inn series. This series follows the Bennett siblings who are operating the newly-opened Bluebell Inn in memory of their parents, who were killed just before the events of the previous book, Lake Season. The previous book featured Molly Bennett and Adam Bradford, a reclusive author who came to the Inn hoping to find inspiration to write his next book.

This story features older brother Levi Bennett, who is struggling with the cost of starting up a business like Bluebell Inn. He has tried to spare his sisters from the growing financial stress, but the weight of that secret is getting harder and harder. Things take an interesting turn when famous actress Mia Emerson comes to stay at Bluebird Inn for what was supposed to be her honeymoon. Unfortunately, her engagement has recently been broken off, and Mia’s stay at Bluebird Inn has more to do with avoiding a huge tabloid scandal involving her married costar than it does her own nonexistent marriage.

I would have been just like the Bennett siblings and seen Mia’s stay as an opportunity to draw up some excellent publicity. Imagine how exciting it would be to own a small business that is noticed by a celebrity? I love the way the Bennett siblings work to keep Mia’s stay absolutely private. I feel like they balanced their excitement over her celebrity status well with their desire to keep her safe and protected and happy. I was overjoyed to see that Levi and Mia got along so well together, even going so far as developing feelings for one another.

I loved the scenes involving Levi and Mia. Levi’s decision to be her personal chauffeur means that the two have plenty of on-page time together without any other characters, and it was during these times that their relationship began. I especially loved it when Mia would go hiking and Levi would drive her or even hike with her. And just like the previous story in this series, a little mystery pops up involving a journal and some old jewelry. Levi and Mia continue their page-time by working together to solve the mystery. Ms. Hunter is really great at establishing a lovely relationship between her characters, and I always find myself super emotionally invested by the end of the story.

The Bluebell Inn series is a strong one and I’ve enjoyed every page of the two books that have been published so far. I only wish I already had the next book in my greedy little hands!! I’m eager to find out more about Grace, the remaining Bennett sibling.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you, Thomas Nelson! ( )