Honeysuckle Dreams

March 15, 2018

Brady Collins receives the shock of his life when he learns that nine-month-old Sam is not his biological son. In the wake of his ex-wife's death, Brady's former in-laws are battling for custody, claiming that he has no rights to Sam. Distraught, Brady consults his attorney, who suggests that if Brady were to marry, the court might look favorably on his guardianship. Brady's friend Hope Daniels is the perfect candidate to step into the role of loving fiancée, but then an irresistible career opportunity presents itself, and deception about her pending marriage may derail her plans. Brady and Hope must decide what is most important, including their growing desire to make a fantasy marriage a reality. VERDICT This second series outing (after Blue Ridge Sunrise) is a feel-good romance with a happy yet realistic ending. With several of Hunter's books already adapted as Hallmark Channel movies, this offering by a master of the genre is sure to be another hit with her fans.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 26, 2018
Hunter reverses the typical order of inspirational love stories in this enjoyable second installment of her Blue Ridge Romance series (after Blue Ridge Sunrise). After Brady Collins’s ex-wife dies in a car accident, he becomes a single parent and must rely on the kindness of friends to help him care for his six-month-old son, Sam, while he expands his car repair business. Hope Daniels has been friends with Brady’s sister since childhood and becomes indispensable to Brady as Sam’s primary babysitter. When Brady learns he may lose custody to his ex-wife’s parents after they claim he isn’t Sam’s biological father, his lawyer mistakenly assumes Brady and Hope are engaged and suggests Brady’s upcoming marriage could be just the thing to swing the custody battle in his favor. At first, the pair agrees to a fake engagement; but after the judge grants Brady temporary custody that seems contingent on their engagement, the stakes drive Brady and Hope to actually marry. Brady still carries scars from his ill-fated first marriage, and Hope has fears and broken dreams of her own. They unite, however, in their love for Sam. While Brady relies on his faith during difficult times, religious elements never dominate the plot. Likable characters and the hope for a second-chance at love make for an endearing and unconventional romantic tale. Agent: Karen Solem, Spencerhill Assoc.