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Golden Beach #1
Restoration
After the tragic death of her fiancé, Grace McConnell turns to the only remaining constant in her life, her work. So when she’s offered the lead position for an international restoration project, she jumps at the chance to get away from her small town, full of John’s memories.
Drew Tensley has always been a hard worker. Dedicated to his family and community, he put aside his own London career to take over the family business after his mother’s terminal diagnosis. Five years later, he’s ready to start living for himself when he literally runs into his hometown’s newest architect.
Grace quickly discovers that traveling halfway across the world was the best decision she’s ever made. Until she meets Drew, a man whose personality and lifestyle are the exact opposite of John’s, but whose face is the spitting image. Struggling with her own motivations and feelings, research uncovers secrets she isn’t ready for; secrets that could ruin her second chance for true love.
Drew Tensley has always been a hard worker. Dedicated to his family and community, he put aside his own London career to take over the family business after his mother’s terminal diagnosis. Five years later, he’s ready to start living for himself when he literally runs into his hometown’s newest architect.
Grace quickly discovers that traveling halfway across the world was the best decision she’s ever made. Until she meets Drew, a man whose personality and lifestyle are the exact opposite of John’s, but whose face is the spitting image. Struggling with her own motivations and feelings, research uncovers secrets she isn’t ready for; secrets that could ruin her second chance for true love.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2015
598 people are currently reading
978 people want to read
About the author
Kim Loraine
79 books1,064 followersUSA Today bestselling author Kim Loraine was raised a Navy brat but spent most of her life growing up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A proper Washingtonian, she's addicted to coffee, doesn't let a little rain ruin her day, and thinks the sun is a gift from God. When not chasing her three little minions around, Kim spends her time writing, reading, and binge watching Doctor Who.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 5, 2016
Kim Loraine's Restoration is a beautiful story of love, loss, and starting over. The characters are sweet and relatable, and filled with emotion. This is a unique story with tons of little lessons and beautiful moments along that way. Definitely a must-read!
February 5, 2017
Can you get over loosing the one you love after they die? This is something Grace McConnell has to deal with. After nearly a year of coping, she accepts a position with her company that has her moving overseas. The last thing she expected was to meet the adorable Drew Tensley.
This story started out well, but regrettably it fizzled out for me. I loved Drew, he was a pure gentleman with class and honor that was exactly what is needed in a hero. Sadly, I just couldn't identify with Grace. She came across to me as someone that wallows too much and was dishonest with Drew for an unconceivable reason. It only dragged the book out longer, and making it even more predictable with the outcomes.
I normally love second chance romance books, but third and forth chances..... just gets too much.
Unfortunately, this book was not for me.
*I received a copy for an honest review.
**Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.
This story started out well, but regrettably it fizzled out for me. I loved Drew, he was a pure gentleman with class and honor that was exactly what is needed in a hero. Sadly, I just couldn't identify with Grace. She came across to me as someone that wallows too much and was dishonest with Drew for an unconceivable reason. It only dragged the book out longer, and making it even more predictable with the outcomes.
I normally love second chance romance books, but third and forth chances..... just gets too much.
Unfortunately, this book was not for me.
*I received a copy for an honest review.
**Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.
May 2, 2015
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
A delightful debut about two damaged souls that fate throws together, only to tear them apart again. But like all romances, it wouldn't work without a Happily Ever After, would it?
I am a big fan of flawed, realistic characters, and Kim Loraine's debut novel, Restoration, gives us that and then some. I loved the slow burn of this novel and the sweet, sexy romance that develops between Drew and Grace. And Drew...oh, Drew...I could hear his voice in my head, only it sounded a lot like Klaus from The Originals, and all I gotta say is...yum! ;-)
Overall, a masterful, squeal worthy romance that left a smile on my face long after I finished the Epilogue! I can't wait for the next book in this series!
A delightful debut about two damaged souls that fate throws together, only to tear them apart again. But like all romances, it wouldn't work without a Happily Ever After, would it?
I am a big fan of flawed, realistic characters, and Kim Loraine's debut novel, Restoration, gives us that and then some. I loved the slow burn of this novel and the sweet, sexy romance that develops between Drew and Grace. And Drew...oh, Drew...I could hear his voice in my head, only it sounded a lot like Klaus from The Originals, and all I gotta say is...yum! ;-)
Overall, a masterful, squeal worthy romance that left a smile on my face long after I finished the Epilogue! I can't wait for the next book in this series!
December 31, 2017
This book was a fantastic heart wrenching beautiful Romance. Grace is still hurt from losing who she thinks is her one true love. She moves across the pond for work and in hopes to heal. Then she meets Drew and her world will never be the same. If you like good honest real life romance this book is it.
Congrats Kin Loraine on a beautiful book.
Congrats Kin Loraine on a beautiful book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2016
**I received a copy in exchange for an honest review**
What happens when you run into the face of the love of your life.....after he's dead?
A year after the tragic loss of her fiancé John, Grace McConnell takes a job in England for her Architectural firm. Running from the past of a small town never sounded better. John died a hero. She'll die loving him. She knows this. Or it's what she tells herself. Until she see's him standing at the baggage claim. John. Only it can't be him. John's dead. Right?
Five years, a bitter divorce, a heartbreaking betrayal, a vicious ex-wife, ago Drew Tensley gave up an aspiring London career to take over his family business after his mother falls terminally ill. But now it's time for Drew to live for himself. So that's what he sets out to do. Only he wasn't expecting to run into, literally, the beautiful woman in his store. One look at him and she's gone. His need to know her isn't. If only he could keep her from running every time she see's him.
With charm and determination we watch as Drew pursues Grace and patiently tears her walls down one by one. Although, she don't want to she gives in. No woman in their right mind could resist a man with soulful brown eyes, charming personality and British accent. It's bloody sexy! Grace finally takes her chance, restores the faith in her heart and simply loves Drew. For himself. But she has a secret. A doozy of one.
What happens when your secret gets out before you're ready?
Mrs. Loraine's superb writing skills allows us to experience the captivating tale of love between two damaged souls. The slow burning love. The hurt. The happiness. The sadness. The joy. The heartbreak.
Thank you once again, Mrs. Loraine for making me feel. For letting me live in another life. Another love story.
Rating:
Amanda@Tears and Lipstick Smears Book Blog
What happens when you run into the face of the love of your life.....after he's dead?
A year after the tragic loss of her fiancé John, Grace McConnell takes a job in England for her Architectural firm. Running from the past of a small town never sounded better. John died a hero. She'll die loving him. She knows this. Or it's what she tells herself. Until she see's him standing at the baggage claim. John. Only it can't be him. John's dead. Right?
Five years, a bitter divorce, a heartbreaking betrayal, a vicious ex-wife, ago Drew Tensley gave up an aspiring London career to take over his family business after his mother falls terminally ill. But now it's time for Drew to live for himself. So that's what he sets out to do. Only he wasn't expecting to run into, literally, the beautiful woman in his store. One look at him and she's gone. His need to know her isn't. If only he could keep her from running every time she see's him.
With charm and determination we watch as Drew pursues Grace and patiently tears her walls down one by one. Although, she don't want to she gives in. No woman in their right mind could resist a man with soulful brown eyes, charming personality and British accent. It's bloody sexy! Grace finally takes her chance, restores the faith in her heart and simply loves Drew. For himself. But she has a secret. A doozy of one.
What happens when your secret gets out before you're ready?
Mrs. Loraine's superb writing skills allows us to experience the captivating tale of love between two damaged souls. The slow burning love. The hurt. The happiness. The sadness. The joy. The heartbreak.
Thank you once again, Mrs. Loraine for making me feel. For letting me live in another life. Another love story.
Rating:
Amanda@Tears and Lipstick Smears Book Blog
May 31, 2016
Grace suffered a tragic loss of her fiancé, John about a year ago and she was hired for an international job in London to do a restoration on a building not long thereafter. What better way to try to start over in a new country and without having to see the past in her little town right? Wrong, she thinks she is hallucinating when she gets to London and thinks she is seeing John from the moment she lands. She runs into this person again in a store down the street from her house as well. Is she going crazy and letting the past overtake her?
Drew is a hard worker who put aside his career for his family and town about 5 years ago. He has a crazy ex-wife who you will meet and will want to strangle while reading this story. He has a run in with Grace. Does he think she is crazy or he will let her craziness slide and pursue a relationship with her?
Can Grace put aside the similarities of both John and Drew and truly be with Drew for Drew and not a resemblance of John? Will secrets that she is keeping from Drew and she finds out in her research harm their relationship?
Restoration is not only about a town restoring their buildings, this is a book about restoring your self worth and pursuing a relationship with some challenges after you overcome the blocks in the way. Grace and Drew are soul mates that may have meet in a not so simple way, but in the end they belong together and it truly shows that their past relationships were to just pass through life until they met. Secrets and all.
Drew is a hard worker who put aside his career for his family and town about 5 years ago. He has a crazy ex-wife who you will meet and will want to strangle while reading this story. He has a run in with Grace. Does he think she is crazy or he will let her craziness slide and pursue a relationship with her?
Can Grace put aside the similarities of both John and Drew and truly be with Drew for Drew and not a resemblance of John? Will secrets that she is keeping from Drew and she finds out in her research harm their relationship?
Restoration is not only about a town restoring their buildings, this is a book about restoring your self worth and pursuing a relationship with some challenges after you overcome the blocks in the way. Grace and Drew are soul mates that may have meet in a not so simple way, but in the end they belong together and it truly shows that their past relationships were to just pass through life until they met. Secrets and all.
June 28, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books.
Love, Love, Love this book. Grace had dated John for 5 years when he was killed saving someone from a fire (he was a fireman) his death devastated her only after his death did she find out he planned to propose. John was her world and without him she was lost operating like a comatose robot. With the help of her friend she gets back to work and ends up in London working on restoring some of the old buildings in the area. She is finally getting on with her life and dealing with John's death when she runs into Drew a carbon copy of her late husband at first she thinks she is seeing John because she misses him so much but as time goes by she finds that even though Drew looks alot like John he is very different in good ways. This story follows the attraction between Drew and Grace and the problems that arise from hurt feelings when Drew feels he is just a replacement for Grace's late husband John. This was a very touching and romantic story I look forward to reading the next book about Grace's friend Valerie.This book was reviewed by a member of the review staff at Cocktails and Books. The name of the reviewer can be found under the post categories.
Love, Love, Love this book. Grace had dated John for 5 years when he was killed saving someone from a fire (he was a fireman) his death devastated her only after his death did she find out he planned to propose. John was her world and without him she was lost operating like a comatose robot. With the help of her friend she gets back to work and ends up in London working on restoring some of the old buildings in the area. She is finally getting on with her life and dealing with John's death when she runs into Drew a carbon copy of her late husband at first she thinks she is seeing John because she misses him so much but as time goes by she finds that even though Drew looks alot like John he is very different in good ways. This story follows the attraction between Drew and Grace and the problems that arise from hurt feelings when Drew feels he is just a replacement for Grace's late husband John. This was a very touching and romantic story I look forward to reading the next book about Grace's friend Valerie.This book was reviewed by a member of the review staff at Cocktails and Books. The name of the reviewer can be found under the post categories.
January 10, 2016
--I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
When first beginning this book, I thought it was going to be a long, boring listen. I was wrong. 15 minutes in, and I was hooked. The storyline was more than real and captivating. Grace McConnell goes to England to try and rebuild her life after losing her longtime boyfriend to tragedy. Little does she know, there is a man in the town she settles that is an exact look alike to him. The attraction is immediate and over time, she overcomes her infatuation with the fact that he looks like her old boyfriend, and Grace falls in love with Drew. There are many complications, real life situations(like Drew's mother's illness) and heartbreaks that keep you enthralled with finding out the result of this relationship. Can they overcome all the problems? You will have to read the book to find out!
Sophie King is an amazing narrator and gives a wonderful performance of this book. I especially loved her voice for Drew...totally fell in love with his character and I can say it was her warmth in his voice that brought it out.
When first beginning this book, I thought it was going to be a long, boring listen. I was wrong. 15 minutes in, and I was hooked. The storyline was more than real and captivating. Grace McConnell goes to England to try and rebuild her life after losing her longtime boyfriend to tragedy. Little does she know, there is a man in the town she settles that is an exact look alike to him. The attraction is immediate and over time, she overcomes her infatuation with the fact that he looks like her old boyfriend, and Grace falls in love with Drew. There are many complications, real life situations(like Drew's mother's illness) and heartbreaks that keep you enthralled with finding out the result of this relationship. Can they overcome all the problems? You will have to read the book to find out!
Sophie King is an amazing narrator and gives a wonderful performance of this book. I especially loved her voice for Drew...totally fell in love with his character and I can say it was her warmth in his voice that brought it out.
June 26, 2016
I received this book from the author in exchange for reviewing it. I was honestly nervous, "contemporary romance". Not my normal area of reading.
I was pleasantly surprised at this story. It is relatable, engaging and yes, a romance but not a gooey one. It is realistic and real. There were a few events in the story line that while are very real life, they also seemed a bit cliched to me. But when those few came along, the author gave a twist that changed them up to something unexpected. I liked that very much - 'knowing' the story ahead of time is not something I care for personally.
I found this book to be entertaining, emotional and in no way sickly-sweet. It was a real story that could actually happen. I will continue on with the series. Great job!
I was pleasantly surprised at this story. It is relatable, engaging and yes, a romance but not a gooey one. It is realistic and real. There were a few events in the story line that while are very real life, they also seemed a bit cliched to me. But when those few came along, the author gave a twist that changed them up to something unexpected. I liked that very much - 'knowing' the story ahead of time is not something I care for personally.
I found this book to be entertaining, emotional and in no way sickly-sweet. It was a real story that could actually happen. I will continue on with the series. Great job!
July 2, 2016
I love the book and cannot wait to read Renovation. The only thing about the book that did throw me off though was that you would be reading a sentence and the very next connecting paragraph would be a completely different time, situation and another persons outlook. So sometimes I was confused until I read a little more into the paragraph and realized that it changed scenarios. All in all though I thought it had a wonderful story line! Kept me interested the whole time. I would have finished it a lot sooner except I have worked 129 hours in the last 10 days and haven't had much time to read. I do recommend every one reading it!
December 26, 2015
This is not a genre I normally read (bodice ripping romance), but this was written by a Yokosuka Navy wife and I like to support fellow Navy wives. I enjoyed this story of a couple struggling with a relationship despite their emotional baggage. It was well written, plotted and paced. If you like hot romances then this is one for you.
April 10, 2015
This is a great read with fantastic character development! Grace and Drew are relatable and real. This love story is engaging, moves quickly, and the premise is unique and interesting. Romance isn't my typical genre, but this story definitely swept me up!
July 22, 2015
4.5/5.0
This contemporary romance is a story of loss, learning to trust and live anew, and finding love in the process.
Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This contemporary romance is a story of loss, learning to trust and live anew, and finding love in the process.
Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 17, 2015
Excellent debut from Kim Loraine. Restoration has all the things you could hope for in a great romance novel. Memorable characters, interesting plot, and steamy, but tastefully handled, sex. I highly recommend this one!
November 5, 2016
This story was a true page turner and had me guessing every step of the way. I found every chapter a new adventure for Grace who lost her fiance. A sad tale but she puts her life in order by working to get over the lost of her fiance that died. Great characters, great reading flowing a must read.
April 25, 2015
Loved it!!
Wonderfully written, captivating....I can't wait for the next book! I feel like I know the characters and want to know what happens next!
Wonderfully written, captivating....I can't wait for the next book! I feel like I know the characters and want to know what happens next!
September 20, 2015
A really well-written book and a great read. Loved the characters! Be prepared to fall in love with Drew, and have the tissues handy. Well worth the read.
August 15, 2016
Gtreat read
Not necessarily an I can't put it down book but none the v less a fun book. Try it you just may enjoy it
Not necessarily an I can't put it down book but none the v less a fun book. Try it you just may enjoy it
March 18, 2017
Grace was devastated when she lost her love of five years. John was a firefighter and lost his life on the job. Their love didn’t dissolve, there was no deceit, no reason for it to not continue on with marriage and children. It was ripped from her, her future with him stolen.
Drew’s life used to be about money and prestige. He was a lawyer in London, working hard and living the life, married to Susan-a gorgeous bombshell. Well, that is until he walked in one day and found her “occupied” with one of his co-workers. That life, along with his marriage ended. That moment not only broke his heart, it destroyed him.
After moving across the globe to head up a restoration project, Grace comes face to face with Drew, a man who looks identical to John. The more time they spend together, the more her suspicions and feelings grow. Does she feel this way because he looks like John? He may look the same, but he is so different. As she uncovers secrets of the past, she is torn on what they will do to their growing relationship. Will he, or even-does she, trust in her feelings.
This is a wonderful book, one that is more than just the typical contemporary romance. This is a book about loss and grief, of truths and acceptance, of letting go and moving forward, of growth and loving again. Kim Loraine does an excellent job giving us an emotion, hopeful, and heartwarming tale. The book is well-written with great character development. The main theme was a little predictable, but there are twists and turns that kept it refreshing and unexpected. There is great detail, without going overboard, that paint a beautiful picture.
I am looking forward to more and can’t wait to get started on the next book, which is Valerie’s story.
Drew’s life used to be about money and prestige. He was a lawyer in London, working hard and living the life, married to Susan-a gorgeous bombshell. Well, that is until he walked in one day and found her “occupied” with one of his co-workers. That life, along with his marriage ended. That moment not only broke his heart, it destroyed him.
After moving across the globe to head up a restoration project, Grace comes face to face with Drew, a man who looks identical to John. The more time they spend together, the more her suspicions and feelings grow. Does she feel this way because he looks like John? He may look the same, but he is so different. As she uncovers secrets of the past, she is torn on what they will do to their growing relationship. Will he, or even-does she, trust in her feelings.
This is a wonderful book, one that is more than just the typical contemporary romance. This is a book about loss and grief, of truths and acceptance, of letting go and moving forward, of growth and loving again. Kim Loraine does an excellent job giving us an emotion, hopeful, and heartwarming tale. The book is well-written with great character development. The main theme was a little predictable, but there are twists and turns that kept it refreshing and unexpected. There is great detail, without going overboard, that paint a beautiful picture.
I am looking forward to more and can’t wait to get started on the next book, which is Valerie’s story.
May 10, 2018
Twins an ocean apart
Grace lost her boyfriend of five years to a fire he was fighting, saving others. A year later as she was trying to move on with her life, she takes an assignment in Europe. She thinks she is losing her mind as she sees her ex at baggage claim. Later she literally runs into him at the local grocery in the small town she is working and living in. She meets him and falls in love. A trip back to the States has her wondering if she is in love with Drew or her dead ex, John. Some research reveals they are twins given up shortly after birth. Split apart. One to a British family, the other to Americans. Eventually Grace realizes Drew is nothing like John and is everything she needs and wants forever. A lovely HEA.
Grace lost her boyfriend of five years to a fire he was fighting, saving others. A year later as she was trying to move on with her life, she takes an assignment in Europe. She thinks she is losing her mind as she sees her ex at baggage claim. Later she literally runs into him at the local grocery in the small town she is working and living in. She meets him and falls in love. A trip back to the States has her wondering if she is in love with Drew or her dead ex, John. Some research reveals they are twins given up shortly after birth. Split apart. One to a British family, the other to Americans. Eventually Grace realizes Drew is nothing like John and is everything she needs and wants forever. A lovely HEA.
July 1, 2018
I can't help but think that the only reason this book got so many high reviews is because of the overabundance of sex scenes in this book. While one might set the tone for the relationship between the characters, too many make a story trashy. This story was almost trashy to me. Although the ups and downs of the relationships between the characters were fully developed, the rest of the background of their lives, jobs, etc. was underdeveloped. The story line itself wasn't bad, but it was so bogged down with extensive descriptions about how they couldn't keep their hands off of each other that it got old and boring. Therefore, although I did finish this book (it's almost impossible for me not to finish once I've started), I probably won't be reading anything else by this author.
April 28, 2018
This was a lovely, heart filling romance. I loved the characters, Grace and Drew. At first seemingly star-crossed and often at odds because of Grace's secret and losses they both experienced, they reach a happy ending together as you knew they would.
The book was set mostly in England with side jaunts to the Scotland I love, and with a focus on restoring old buildings, all combined to keep me reading to the wee hours.
The book was set mostly in England with side jaunts to the Scotland I love, and with a focus on restoring old buildings, all combined to keep me reading to the wee hours.
October 20, 2019
I really liked the unusual storyline, well written and I really fell for Drew/Andrew. I'm just disappointed that two issues took over any believable true bond between the h & H.
Sadly, Grace kept secrets throughout the majority of the story from Drew. Her reasons were lame and the amount of time that passed before the cat was out of the bag just became the overriding point of the story.
Then she cruelly decided to do the right thing by no communication and hurling hurtful statements.
Sadly, Grace kept secrets throughout the majority of the story from Drew. Her reasons were lame and the amount of time that passed before the cat was out of the bag just became the overriding point of the story.
Then she cruelly decided to do the right thing by no communication and hurling hurtful statements.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2018
Recovery
Life turns upside down when you see a ghost and find out he's real. Grace runs from memories of her deceased fiancee only to run into someone looking just like him. What are the odds? As Grace discovers the similarities and differences between the two men, she also discovers how different her love for each is. Nice twist and turns throughout.
Life turns upside down when you see a ghost and find out he's real. Grace runs from memories of her deceased fiancee only to run into someone looking just like him. What are the odds? As Grace discovers the similarities and differences between the two men, she also discovers how different her love for each is. Nice twist and turns throughout.
April 24, 2018
Read on the train the the course of one day. This book had a very interesting premise that for the most part was well-designed. There were a few sexual scenes that were more graphic than I care for but o the whole I enjoyed this book.
May 28, 2018
A little long
This book was a little predictable and it took a long time to get to the point and I think it had too much sexual innuendo in it. Don't think I would recommend it to my friends.
This book was a little predictable and it took a long time to get to the point and I think it had too much sexual innuendo in it. Don't think I would recommend it to my friends.
December 25, 2018
A tearjerker and a happy read all at once.
Beautifully writen, emotional and itelligent. The plot is quite original and very compelling. I FELT the character's level of happiness and grief along with the storyline. A tearjerker and a happy read all at once.
Beautifully writen, emotional and itelligent. The plot is quite original and very compelling. I FELT the character's level of happiness and grief along with the storyline. A tearjerker and a happy read all at once.
May 15, 2017
I listened to this audiobook and it was great. The story was good and the characters were great. I love series that are standalones but still connected.
April 24, 2018
A nice love story.
April 30, 2018
Enjoyed history of places.
Good read. Although a bit to sensual for my tastes at some parts. Enjoyed the historical sites the saw. Some twist, basically predictable.
Good read. Although a bit to sensual for my tastes at some parts. Enjoyed the historical sites the saw. Some twist, basically predictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews