Harte's Peak

by Maria Michaels

Vera Carrington loves her newly renovated home and her cafe, The Bean, but with a balloon mortgage looming over head and a man from her past ready to bounce on her misfortune, she may have to face the agonizing decision of keeping one and selling the other. Deputy Sheriff, Ryan Colton, is a new man in Christ. His days as a flamboyant pro-circuit skier are behind him, but to help Vera keep her home and her business, he agrees to coach her for an upcoming open ski tournament. He even agrees to hand over the purse if he should win. Can Vera beat the odds and win the tournament? Will Ryan save the day, or will they both learn to trust God, no matter the outcome?

206 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2014

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harte's Peak is an enjoyable Christian Romance story that follows the trials and tribulations of two people who are trying to rebuild their lives.

Vera Carrington is struggling to balance the financing of her renovated home and her cafe, The Bean. This sassy lady is determined to make ends meet and grow her business.

Ryan Colton is a former pro-circuit skier turned Deputy Sheriff. He has changed his lifestyle and has found his faith.

Ryan tries to help Vera keep her home and business when he offers to coach her on skiing for an upcoming ski tournament that has a top prize of $25,000. He is even willing to give her the prize money if he wins the ski tournament. But when opposites attract and misunderstandings abound, can Ryan and Vera find a common ground, race their way to the top of Harte's Peak, and accept the outcome?

Author Maria Michaels weaves a wonderful tale set in the picturesque small California Sierra Mountain town of Harte's Peak. The reader is easily drawn into Vera and Ryan's story as they struggle to find their way in life filled with trials and tribulations. You can't help but embrace Vera's determination and Ryan's patience, and root for them as they stumble down the path on their life's journey.

Harte's Peak is a warmhearted and inspirational story that has a nice balance of humor and romance. It is a quick easy read that will leave a smile on your face.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Book Promotions By Literary Nook.

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[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love small town stories and romance, this book will grab you at page 1. That's what happened to me. I'd been waiting to treat myself to this book for several weeks, hoping to escape the stress of my day job. When I finally sat down and met Vera, Ryan and the people of Harte's Peak I couldn't put it down. Vera is the feisty heroine who is afraid to let down her guard for fear of disappointment as she has suffered in the past. Ryan is a new man, having found his faith and turned his life around - but never lost his interest in Vera. I loved all the conflict that Michaels weaves into this story from Vera's no good ex-husband, Vera's financial woes and Ryan's fear. Best of all the skiing event of the year was a great way to pull Vera and Ryan together. Can they look past their inner conflicts and team up to save the cafe? And will Vera ever forgive herself? This charming small town romance also has equal doses of humor and the pages turned themselves. I highly recommend this story and as the weather is beginning to cool down it's the perfect way to spend a chilly fall afternoon!

[Ruth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my kind of contemporary Christian romance. It is a completely clean book, and the Christian message figures quite prominently into the story. It is a sweet romance with a bit of sappiness, but it also real. Amazingly, not everything works out like a Disney movie (even though it's quite close). The characters are sweet, and there are even a few points that are somewhat humorous. It is a light book that can be read quickly. However, the message is quite clear. Anyone can come to God just as they are, and He can change you for the better!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

[Katie Harder-schauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the cheesy Christmas movies that my mother loves to watch on the Hallmark channel, the ones where you know all along everything will work out in the end, and two characters will realize just how much they love each other, because those movies are all about the HEA and the good feels. With just a few details changed, this book could easily become one of those cheesy Christmas movies. I guess the point I'm trying to make with that, is that if you are looking for a feel good winter romance, this book will definitely meet your needs.


Copy received through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Vera is struggling in so many ways I couldn't help but want her to find happiness. Ryan was so likeable...not perfect, but very realistic. The characters and events made me feel invested in the story very early on. I hate to give away specific details in reviews, so I will content myself with saying there was one individual in the story that made my gut knot with frustration. Well done, Maria.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit I had a little trouble getting into the story initially. That is not to say I didn't enjoy the book overall. I found the story had a difficult flow for me. Once I got past that I enjoyed the story of Ryan & Vera. I would have enjoyed more descriptions of the town and ski area. I admit I like to travel when I read!!! Once I got into the story it flowed more evenly and I could not stop reading until I finished the book at 1 AM. It was a good story filled with Christian references and values. I would definitely read another book by this author.

I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Kimberly Westrope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Christian romance. The characters are very warm and real - very likable. And the circumstances that arise are believable and not overdone or too "nice" as Christian novels sometimes are. There are bad people and good people and those who are somewhere in between, long-time believers, new believers and those who have gone astray.

If you enjoy inspirational romance that isn't too sugar-coated and has realistic characters and their struggles, you will enjoy this story.