Blue Ridge Sunrise (Blue Ridge Romance #1) by Denise Hunter

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.

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One thing I love about Denise Hunter is she knows how to write books that get into the gritty parts of life that aren't so pretty.  Her books bring out the not so pretty and the sometimes hopeless parts but she also shows how those not so pretty things can turn into beautiful things through love and faith.  Hunter's books always feel like a journey that end in the best sort of satisfaction for me.

Cruz and Zoe have quite the history.  It unfolds slowly throughout that book as the two try to navigate a new reality of working together after years spent apart.  They parted after some big misunderstandings which provide for some major bumps in the road as they try to come to terms with what happened.  Cruz and Zoe are imperfect people.  Their flaws are obvious but so are their strengths.  It makes them feel human and easy to relate to.

I loved the light suspense and the added tension it brought as I just waited for that "something" to happen that I knew was coming.  

I enjoyed this book a lot!  I read through it quickly and found myself caring about the characters.  The pacing is great.  I really hope Zoe's brother gets his story next!  :)

Content:  mild violence, mentions of sex outside of marriage with no details, kissing.  Light Christian fiction elements.

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.  All opinions expressed are my own.