Here to Stay (Where Love Begins, #2) in Christian rom coms and romances

Oct 14, 2013 Rissi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, most-anticipated, review, 2014

Coming back to a character we’ve already know can be something of a risk if not in the most skillful hands. Not because readers don’t like catching up with those characters (we do!), but because sometimes your idea of them doesn’t match up with what their more subtle (even mysterious) presence as a sidekick character begins.

STORY: Returning home to Whisper Shore Michigan wasn’t an easy choice for Blake Hunziker, who has lived a nomad’s life for years, but what he doesn't expect is a hero-like w Coming back to a character we’ve already know can be something of a risk if not in the most skillful hands. Not because readers don’t like catching up with those characters (we do!), but because sometimes your idea of them doesn’t match up with what their more subtle (even mysterious) presence as a sidekick character begins.

STORY: Returning home to Whisper Shore Michigan wasn’t an easy choice for Blake Hunziker, who has lived a nomad’s life for years, but what he doesn't expect is a hero-like welcome upon his return; especially from his parents. When small town living gets in the way of forgetting, and Blake crosses paths with old friends who blame him for a tragedy, and Blake also reunites with Autumn Kingsley the girl who dreams of travel. Autumn not only runs the only inn in competition with the Hunziker family’s upscale hotel, she is also the one girl his family wouldn’t approve of. So why then, are the two of them continuously drawn to each other?

Here to Stay, by Melissa Tagg | Book Review

One of Christian fiction’s sparkling new talents, Melissa Tagg returns to her cozy corner of fiction, inviting us to again, swoon over the adorableness of Blake, who just so happened to play a significant role in the author’s well-received debut, Made to Last . In his introduction (from MTL), Blake copes by using humor and becomes the comedic sidekick, which is something that can be iffy for a hero who anchors an entire novel. It's tough to find the balance between “funny” and hero-ready. But fortunately, from his experiences, Blake grows into a mature person who rises to the status of hero with all the proper creds. Similarly, Autumn is a special leading lady. In her, there is an image many of us will relate to; she loves a good book.
>To be honest, I had a difficult time getting “into” this book. Not because it's not good, it's more as a result of coming off an overwhelming reading stretch. Happily what Melissa’s “style” is so good, it charms her readers. This is so completely we’re loathe to leave the pages of her books. She has a great contemporary romance voice, plus tosses in cute pop culture references (something any frequent visitor to her blog will instantly “get”) and her sense of humor is unmatched (um, how could I forget? There is a bathtub incident that is hilarious!).

Expertly weaving in the backstory of these characters – most especially Blake, and making the title of Here to Stay shine through in every vignette of this sophomore novel means this is easy to fall in love with. Everything from the setting (hello, quaint) to the character’s ground this story. Oh, and as a fun bonus, we get to catch up with the famous Randi Woodruff. Visiting Whisper Shore is like tugging on your favorite sweater; the comfort of it sweeps us up into a sweet prodigal story with more than one (good) complication. In short, contemporary romance readers are definitely clamoring for Melissa Tagg to be here to stay. For a long time to come. ♥

A version of this review appeared on Fiction Addict.

Sincere thanks to the author, Melissa Tagg (and Bethany House) and Fiction Addict for providing a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes. ...more

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May 18, 2014 Iola rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley, christian-fiction, contemporary-romance, kindle, 2014

Autumn Kingsley operates Kingsley Inn, the family bed-and-breakfast in Whisper Shore, even though it was never her dream. The Inn is facing financial pressure, although getting the booking for a wedding will help … even if the wedding is for her ex-boyfriend. Meanwhile, Blaze Hunziker is back in town, and she somehow gets roped into planning the town winter festival with him, despite the fact that his father owns her main competitor, and her sister used to date his brother.

The character of Autu ...more

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Apr 15, 2014 Heidi rated it it was amazing

The list of things I love about Here To Stay seemed to grow with each passing chapter. First, let me say that I was looking forward to this sequel before I even finished Melissa Tagg's debut novel, Made To Last. Blake Hunziker's words, actions and his final scene in that story left me eager for more. I was thrilled when I found out he played the role of hero this time around. The rich layers that comprise Here To Stay are evident from the opening paragraph. Autumn Kingsley is fixing the roof on The list of things I love about Here To Stay seemed to grow with each passing chapter. First, let me say that I was looking forward to this sequel before I even finished Melissa Tagg's debut novel, Made To Last. Blake Hunziker's words, actions and his final scene in that story left me eager for more. I was thrilled when I found out he played the role of hero this time around. The rich layers that comprise Here To Stay are evident from the opening paragraph. Autumn Kingsley is fixing the roof on her family's Inn, longing for a letter to arrive in the mail that will supposedly "change everything". When she gets down from the roof, she runs right into an old flame and his new fiancée. Hello, conflict. Of course I had to keep reading. From the minute Blake appears on the pages of Here To Stay, it's obvious he has issues: struggles, challenges, regrets ... all of these combined with his generosity, ability to pilot a plane, and his desire to right past wrongs makes for one swoon-worthy, incredible hero.

Blake and Autumn have so many obstacles standing in their way, both external and internal. Guilt, pride, goals and dreams they long to achieve but haven't yet. Furthermore, their families have a long history of broken relationships and competing business interests. I was rooting for them both from the get go, yet each time the stakes increased, I couldn't help but wonder if this was the thing that would keep them apart forever. That's what I love about inspirational fiction: the issues and characters are relatable and the underlying message of hope and God's sovereignty is a subtle stream, flowing throughout the novel.

Melissa Tagg does an outstanding job of crafting dialog that makes us giggle one minute, yet tugs at our heartstrings just moments later. She has certainly carved a niche for herself in the rom-com genre. While I get a kick out of witty comebacks and playful banter, I long to read a novel where the hero and heroine come to grips with their heartache while experiencing a subtle, believable transformation. To me, those are the components of a powerful story. Well done, Melissa Tagg! You knocked this one out of the park. I can't wait to read book #3.

A special thanks to the publisher, Bethany House, for a complimentary copy of Here To Stay in exchange for a fair and honest review. ...more

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Apr 06, 2014 Gabrielle Meyer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: rom-com

Melissa's book, Here to Stay, is her second novel and it tells the story of Blake Hunziker, who we first met in Made to Last. I was really looking forward to reading Blake's story, because I fell in love with his character in Made to Last--and this story did not disappoint!

If you haven't picked up one of Melissa's books, I urge you to get one soon. Melissa has such a fun, spunky voice and her characters are so realistic and charming. The heroine in Here to Stay runs a historic inn, but her dream ...more

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Oct 31, 2013 Angela Suzanne rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, net-galley

This is the second book in the Where Love Begins series by Melissa Tagg. However, both books can be read as stand-alones. Readers were introduced to Blake Hunziker in the first book, Made to Last, and readers fell in love with his humor and charm. This book focuses on his journey home after being away for six years after his brother’s passing.

I already fell in love with Blake in the first book and it was nice to see his story and give depth to his character but also what had driven him away. Bla ...more

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Jul 31, 2018 Brianna rated it it was amazing

This book was sooooooooo good. Like to-die-for good. I loved every second of it.

Blake (though I love the nickname Blaze) was amazing. Autumn was awesome, and I loved her journey through the book.

I am now in love with Melissa Tagg's writing. ...more

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