🏬🦛💕 "Since You've Been Gone" (Restoring Heritage #3) (2021) 💕🦛🏬 - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Restoring Heritage (Book #3)
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 7, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 08007364494
ISBN-13: 978-0800736491
⬅️Click Picture for Purchase Information
“Leah Williams is back in the quaint town of Heritage, Michigan, and ready to try again to make her business a success. But blank slates are hard to come by, and a piece of her past is waiting for her there. Heir to the Heritage Fruits company, Jonathan Kensington is the guy who not only made Leah's past difficult, he also seems determined to complicate her present as well.
Jon is trying to prove to the Heritage Fruits board that he, not his manipulative uncle, should be running the business. The board insists Jon find a new owner for the building that will house Leah's business. To avoid forcing a buyout of Leah's part of the building, Jon strikes a compromise with Leah, and the two go into business together. With her vision and his know-how, it might work. And Leah might realize he's loved her since high school. If only he didn't keep on shooting himself in the foot by boxing her out of important decisions.
Sparks fly in this romantic story of two people who must learn to trust both each other and the one who called them to this journey.”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division) of Baker Books, for providing an advanced review copy of the book through the author’s launch team. A positive review was definitely not required or requested in any way; all words are my own. [And, thank you to the author for the banner.]
Honestly, the first time I heard of Tari Faris was last year when I signed up for the launch team of the second book in the Restoring Heritage series, Until I Met You (UIMY). To prepare for that book, I bought You Belong With Me (YBWM).
So, how many books are there in the series?
PUBLISHED BY REVELL:
#1 – You Belong With Me (YBWM) [Luke/Hannah]
#2 – Until I Met You (UIMY) [Austin/Libby]
#3 – Since You’ve Been Gone (SYBG) [Jon/Leah]
Independently Published (by author):
#0.5 – P.S. Goodbye (PSG) [Grant/Caroline]
#2.5 – While It Was Snowing (WIWS) [Gideon/Danielle]
Chronological order of all books (by story):
#0.5 – P.S. Goodbye (PSG) [Grant/Caroline]
#1 – You Belong With Me (YBWM) [Luke/Hannah; Thomas/Janie]
#2 – Until I Met You (UIMY) [Austin/Libby; Nate/Olivia]
#2.5 – While It Was Snowing (WIWS) [Gideon/Danielle]
#3 – Since You’ve Been Gone (SYBG) [Jon/Leah; Colby/Madison]
With the exception of PSG, I’ve read all of the books in order (the above picture shows from most recent to previous releases; and that hippo is from The Rainforest Café back in the late 1990's). And, I do highly recommend that. As y’all can see – that is a lot to read! But, Faris has a talent about writing about small towns and people that are more like friends than fictional characters and you can almost visual life in Heritage. Unlike UIMY, I at least didn’t lose as much patience with the characters this time around. And, I found that it was difficult at times to put this book down for any length of time. I wanted to keep reading well past my bedtime.
This is the last book in the series. As such, there will be quite a few returning “favorite” characters – Chet, Grant, Caroline, Luke, Hannah, Thomas, Janie, Nate, and Olivia. Readers get the chance to catch up with them, if only at certain parts. Austin and Nate’s father gets a mention, but no real scenes.
Faris also introduces us to a new character – Colby Marc, while bringing back Madison Westmore and Dale Kensington. Readers will remember Madison was engaged to Thomas back in YBWM and left once she realized Thomas and Janie loved each other. This time she’s back and she hasn’t had an easy time since she’s been gone (see what I did there). Readers will also learn more about her past. And, I’ll admit that at first – I was shocked she came back. In my review of YBWM I said I hoped she didn’t come back for book #2. She didn’t. She returns here.
Even Otis makes his return, but there’s a secret he’s hiding as well. And, there was a point in this novel where something happens and I was worried about him.
As the Revell releases went, this too had a “dual” romance – Jon/Leah and Colby/Madison.
Don’t let that sweet, romantic cover fool you – Jon and Leah are definitely in for the long-form version of a romance, but Colby and Madison are definitely in for a long-haul as well. This is told from Jon, Leah, Colby, and Madison’s POVs.
This is at times cutesy, serious, emotional, inspiring, uplifting, and dramatic. There might be a few parts tissues are sure to be used or recommended.
The author definitely knows how to keep a reader interested without slugging along or moving at warp speed. It did take me a bit to get back into the swing of things. There are some potential triggers that need to be mentioned: mention of alcoholism, alcohol misuse, drug use, and mention of abortion. These are not seen/done on page, but rather mentioned.
Leah is back from Costa Rica, a place she mentions quite a bit, and looking to revive the WIFI store. Like most people – I too thought it was a computer store. But, it really stands for: Want It Find It. Reminds me of a store that used to be in 29 Palms – Benton Brothers. Sold a variety of items most “general stores” did, not groceries though.
Leah’s meeting is with problematic Dale Kensington. Thankfully, his son Derek, isn’t around much. But, Leah is shocked that she is meeting with Jon – Dale’s nephew, and the REAL owner of the company. Despite a cutesy meeting at an airport that resulted him giving her a ride home to Heritage some six (6) months earlier, Leah wants NOTHING to do with Jon.
She is under the impression (wrong at that) Jon disliked her in school. Though, that is the farthest from the truth. Still, Leah will do it on her own.
It is clear she has a vision for the WIFI, but as times have changed, Jon has to look at the feasibility since he does own the majority of the building. Leah has no business savvy, even she and her sister Caroline struggled before it closed. In addition, the name is problematic in today’s age.
Jon is feeling pressure from his uncle to put in a chain store – something that doesn’t really fit with Heritage’s image of being a small town. Jon gives Leah one week for a business proposal. But, Leah isn’t the only one giving him problems, his younger sister Abby is a problem child – failing so bad she might not graduate, and hanging out with a ruffian. It’s clear she misses their parents, and grief has no time-table.
There is Jon’s uncle Dale who not only moved into Jon’s father’s office (which was to be Jon’s) – but it’s clear he wants the company that is rightfully Jon’s. And, he’s not too subtle about it either.
The lead singer of a Christian band and Nate’s friend, Colby Marc, has come to Heritage to lie low after a scandal involving the band. Lots of drama for everyone involved.
And, then … folks who didn’t like her, you’re warned – Madison Westmore arrives back in Heritage. This is where I went “oh, no … not her … why”. But, there’s a purpose for everything and everyone, which is part of the lessons God teaches us.
While Jon wants to help Leah, she has to accept his help. And, despite knowing the chain store would be more financially viable, he is reminded of the partnership between his father and Leah’s grandfather. Of course, offering his help has Leah thinking he doesn’t trust her or that she’s incapable. That is until she realizes she can’t do it without his partnership.
Madison has her own reasons for returning – though she doesn’t plan to stay for long. And, after what she’s been through as a child, it’s slightly easy to see why she was the way she was. But, she’s also got a secret she wants to hide. She wants a better life for someone else and is there to get rid of the memories.
Colby is there looking for a distraction and offers to help her. With her past she’s leery of it.
Olivia is trying to hook Leah up with Colby but does think the partnership with Jon is a good idea. Leah is upset over a high school project that she and Jon aced, but saw her work trashed.
Leah doesn’t like the proposal and believes Jon will take everything and she’ll end up working for him, but still, she caves. Then, there’s the issue of the name being changed which she is against. And, sadly that becomes a source of contention between the two despite her pitching a great alternative.
As Jon and Leah work together, Jon has to deal with Abby’s attitude along with managing a company that has more issues than is being let on.
Madison isn’t looking for a romance, but accepts Colby’s friendship.
And, the bachelor auction is back! I laughed at a little old lady who wanted Jon. Oh, the hysterics. I thought it was sweet!
The mystery of Otis is solved after an incident, and the story behind his creation is endearing and heart-breaking. Still, the mystery is sweet and will keep future generations guessing.
Faris does a great job of keeping the reader reading to the very end to see where everything ends up with the title, as usual, coming near the end of the book.
Like UIMY, this book also has strong Christian themes – church attendance, references, mentions of God, themes of forgiveness, grace, and mercy are also abundant. These do play a key factor in the story. Also, stories of value and worth are quite apparent. I loved one quote after a serious incident – “My value is in who I am”, along with adding that the item (pottery) is an expression of creativity that God gave the person.
And, even Madison states that her story isn’t what she’s done, but rather what God does through her.
At times, it was hard to keep up with everyone. I think, of all the characters (and this hurts to say), Madison had the best and strongest character growth. I definitely came to understand her better. And, her “testimony” was by far the most emotional and powerful. Colby was pretty perfect, so not much to work with there.
Faris also made a great mention of perceptions of people with regard to social media. It is interesting that while we want our favorite people to be happy (actors, singers, athletes), there is always an “image” perception problem.
I truly loved what Olivia told Madison upon hearing about the social media fracas – “This isn’t the way Christians should treat one another”. It was a bold, strong, and powerful statement.
Faris even reminds us of some 1990’s “classics” that I remember all too well. There was a HILARIOUS Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) reference. If you don’t know, the late Alan Rickman played the bad guy, but it was the “crone” who had the best line of the movie during a scene with Rickman! I couldn’t stop laughing. I’ve often used that line myself! Even here lately.
I also loved the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade reference as well. To top it off – Leah and Jon even enjoyed playing MARIO KART on the Wii. I loved it on the Super Nintendo (SNES). I actually have a stuffed banana peel as I really loved those little things in the game.
One beautiful lesson came from a sign that Leah’s grandfather had on his OFFICE door – MAINTENANCE. It was God’s store; he was just maintaining it. Perhaps that’s the way we should think of anything – maintenance – we’re merely maintaining what God gave us.
I highly recommend that readers of the previous books grab this one to complete the series. Those who enjoy a good, clean romance with Christian themes are sure to enjoy this as well.
I’m definitely sad to say goodbye to the folks in Heritage. And, I think Hannah definitely accomplished the mission she set out in YBWM – restoring Heritage. I am eagerly awaiting Faris’ next big (or small) story/series. I still need to sneak in P.S.Goodbye though.
Overall, despite not reading PSG, I think this is the best book of the entire series! To quote someone, it is “totes adorbs”! And, can we go back to using the term “ruffian”?
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – BookBub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
Other Books in the series:
Series: Restoring Heritage (Prequel Novella)
Paperback: 172 pages
Publisher: Independently Published (September 19, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1693826046
ISBN-13: 978-1693826047
⬅️ Click Picture for Purchase Information
“What if a woman who’s all about the goals and plans falls in love with man who no longer believes his life has a purpose? A novice life coach needs to cement her reputation with one great success story. When a wounded former Special Forces operator walks back into her life looking for a job, she decides to work with him—a win-win for them both. If Caroline Williams had her way, she’d help everyone in town find their purpose in life—unfortunately, no one seems to want her help. But she refuses to give up, and her new status as a certified life coach should provide her with some badly needed credibility. All she needs is her first client. When Grant Quinn walks in looking for a job, Caroline knows he needs more than that—he needs a new plan for his life. But when Grant refuses to be honest about his dreams and his struggles, Caroline’s business might come crashing down before it starts. Wounded former Special Forces operator Grant Quinn understood the cost when he enlisted and served his country with pride. The scars on his face are reminders of what he lost, but he is moving on—now if he could just convince his family that he’s fine. When Caroline steps back into his life and offers to help find him a job in exchange for being her Guinea pig in her new life coaching business, he agrees. After all, what better way to show his family he’s okay than with a new, stable job? But when the anxiety he’s been running from ruins his one interview, his plans come crashing down. Can he trust Caroline enough to be honest about everything?”
Luke Johnson may have grown up in Heritage, but as a foster kid he never truly felt as if he belonged. Now he has a chance to score a job as assistant fire chief and earn his place in the town. But when the interview process and Hannah's restoration project start unearthing things from his past, Luke must decide if belonging is worth the pain of being honest about who he is--and who he was.”
Series: Restoring Heritage (Book #2)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 8, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800736486
ISBN-13: 978-0800736484
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“When she hears that the small town of Heritage, Michigan, is looking for a new librarian, Libby Kingsley jumps at the opportunity. Little did she know the library is barely more than a storage closet stuffed with dusty, outdated books. What the community really needs is a new building. But the only funds available are those being channeled into the new town square, and the landscape architect in charge of the project wants nothing to do with her plans.
All Austin Williams wants to do is get the town square project finished so he can do right by the family business and then extricate himself from the town that reveres the brother who cost him so much. But the local media and the town's new librarian seem to be conspiring against him at every turn. Will the determined bookworm find her way into his blueprints--and possibly even his heart?”
Series: Restoring Heritage (Book #2.5)
Paperback: 146 pages
Publisher: Faris Fiction (October 29, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-8553411091
Click Picture for Purchase Information ➡️
“Danielle Fair has been working at her dad’s mechanic shop since she could talk and she loves fixing cars. There is only one part she doesn’t love: everyone sees her as one of the guys - they even call her Dan. And maybe she is…after all without sisters or a mother, Danielle is lost when it comes to girly stuff. However, when she is forced to embrace her inner girly girl and Nate and Olivia’s winter wedding her makeover wakes up not just the attention of the guys she works with but the one man she actually cares about--Gabriel Matthews—Danielle is suddenly beset with way too much attention and no clue of who she should be.
There were always two things Gideon Mathews could count on: his beloved Detroit Lions not making it to the playoffs and Dan Fair being his best friend. But when Dan – no Danielle - shows up to his sister’s wedding dressed as, of all things a girl—no, a very beautiful, breathtaking, heart-stopping girl, he isn’t sure what to do with his sudden rush of emotions. Of course, he’s always known she was a girl, but suddenly he can keep his eyes, or mind…or heart away from her. Only now every guy in town seems to have the same problem. Did he lose his chance with Danielle by missing what had been in front of him for so long? Or can he convince her to be his by Christmas?
It’s Miss Congeniality goes to a winter wedding in a Christmas Cinderella tale. From snowed into snowball fights, Christmas trees to Christmas dances. This story has everything you need for a perfect holiday read.
Fuzzy socks and hot cocoa not included but encouraged while you read.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tari Faris is the author of of You Belong with Me and Until I Met You. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy, she is the projects manager for My Book Therapy, writes for learnhowtowriteanovel.com, and is a 2017 Genesis Award winner. She has an MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary and lives in the Phoenix, Arizona, area with her husband and their three children. Although she lives in the Southwest now, she lived in a small town in Michigan for 25 years. Learn more at https://www.tarifaris.com.
You can follow her on these social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tari.faris.author/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarifaris/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FarisTari
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