Book Review: Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter

Denise Hunter never fails to deliver! Emotionally charged and suspenseful, I couldn’t put Blue Ridge Sunrise down until I turned the last page. Our leading lady is one stubborn girl (ahem, I can relate) and she bears the consequences for her decisions as we journey through from her 15 year old self to her wiser 24 year old self. Amidst the interesting business challenges surrounding the orchard and the lovely romance that runs throughout, what resonates for me is the reminder to value oneself for who God made one, we are defined neither by our failures or our successes but by His love. Though fictional, I love the thread of the scripture “God works all things for good” which is the backbone of this story, redemptive hope flows throughout. A warning: with the many descriptions of peaches and their accompanying delicious recipes, don’t be surprised if this one leaves you hungry! I thoroughly enjoyed it, 5 out of 5, and can’t wait for the next one from Denise Hunter.

From the back cover:

Former free spirit Zoe Collins swore she’d never again set foot in Copper Creek or speak to the man who broke her heart. But return she must when her beloved Granny dies, leaving the family legacy to Zoe–a peach orchard nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. When Zoe returns home with her daughter and boyfriend Kyle, she finds that she’s the only person in town who doesn’t expect her to give up the life she’s established far away from Copper Creek. Everyone believes she was born to run the orchard, but how can she make it her home after so many years? Cruz Huntley never quite got over his first love Zoe Collins, the little sister of his best friend Brady. Not when she cheated on him during their “break,” not when she took off to parts unknown with good-for-nothing Kyle Jenkins, and not even now—five years later. As life-changing decisions and a history with Cruz hang over Zoe’s head, tensions rise between her and Kyle. Even as she comes to terms with the shifting relationships in her life, Zoe still isn’t sure if she can remain in Copper Creek with her new responsibilities . . . and her first love.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the advance copy.