Monday, May 7, 2018

Just the Way You Are

GIVEAWAY
BASHAM, PEPPER
JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

Mountain girl, British boy, and a culture clash of epic proportions

Single mom, Eisley Barrett, prefers to keep romance safely housed within a centuries-old mystery, but when she travels to England at her uncle's dying request to unearth the truth, she never expects to tumble into her own fairytale.

Leading man and reformed rogue, Christopher Wesley Harrison, is fighting to build a new reputation after tragedy introduced him to the power of redemption. His hardened cynicism and his self-protective avoidance of romance crumbles at Eisley's two left feet, and sends his heart into unscripted territory.

When his past threatens to ruin his second chance at love, can some Appalachian matchmaking, some adorable kids, big-family antics, and letters from the grave salvage their unexpected romance?

It's a Britallachian romance sprinkled with humor, romance, mystery, and a little bitof magic.

My Review:

Warning: reading this book is likely to induce extreme chocolate cravings. Read at your own risk...and make sure to have a chocolate stash on hand! Because hero Wes is "Ghirardelli in human form." (p 12)  Honestly, I don't know which had me swooning more - Wes or all the chocolate references. Either way, a fainting couch is a definite requirement to get a sensitive reader safely through to the end. :-)

And this is the kind of book you don't want to read because if you do it will be over. Yeah, I know that doesn't make much sense but here's the conversation I had with myself the whole read

Me: Slow down! You're reading too fast!
Myself: But it's so good!!!!! I can't help myself.
Me: Keep it up and you're gonna reach the end way too soon.
Myself: Gasp!
Me: I know - see that's what I'm sayin'! This good read is going to be over before it's begun.
Myself: Not if I stop and reread the good bits...that way I can savor it longer.
Me: Brilliant! That will slow you down some without interfering with your reading pleasure.
Myself: Right. So at the end of every chapter, I'll go back and read over the good bits.
Me: Hmmm...in other words, you're gonna read each chapter all the way through twice?
Myself: ((blissful sigh) Pretty much. This is going to be fun!

Brilliant and witty and soooo relatable. Eisley especially. Adorably klutzy (and really, it's time we kltuzes had a heroine to look up to!) and so refreshingly funny. She can't seem to stop turning her inner most thoughts into spoken-out-loud sentences at the most inopportune times with delightful results. I belly laughed so much I'm thinking of adding this book to my fitness regimen -- my obliques got way more of a workout with Eisley then doing sit-ups!

And then there's redeemed rogue Wes...as yummy as all the chocolate comparisons Eisley thinks up to describe him. Their hysterical first meet sets the tone for the whole story - though he doesn't stay that grumpy for long thanks to the whimsical Miss Eisley.

As a fairly new Christian, Wes has sworn off romance. He's still coming to grips with the tragic results of his former hard-hitting lifestyle. Which is totally in sync with Eiseley's determination to avoid real life romance at any cost. Been there, done that and doesn't trust herself to go there again. Ha! These two were made for each other and Basham sets out to prove it with toe-curling perfection. Seriously, plug in the fans, grab some ice packs and be prepared to s-w-o-o-n!!!!

But this romantically euphoric read has even more to offer with a compelling inspirational thread that was pointed directly at me. Seriously - Eisley battles with fear and doubt even though her faith is strong. And yes, that does seem like an oxymoron but since I'm going through the exact same thing, I totally get how it works! I've been so uplifted by this story!

And I haven't even touched on Eisley's zany Appalachian clan or the intriguing centuries old mystery or the obnoxious secondary character that I wanted to throttle or...well, this review is too long as it is. Best way to sum it all up:

Romantic Comedy that sizzles!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Just the Way You Are, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, please remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 13 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

48 comments:

  1. Lol, you could have added my name to that little dialogue you had with yourself, I did warn you if you read it too fast it would be over too soon :) I reread a lot of lines over too before moving on.
    Pepper says book two in this series isn't out until October and I can hardly wait to read what she dreams up next. Anyone who hasn't read this one needs to, and as soon as possible, I loved the humor and the romance, perfect on both counts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I tried to heed your warning but it was too hard! :-) I wonder who is featured in book two? I admit to be ridiculously intrigued my wee Mary's widowed father who we never even meet and she is only featured in one scene but my imagination is running riot!

      Delete
    2. I don't know how in the world I'll ever top book 1!! I love Eisley SOOOO much!!! But it's been fun writing two introverts who are thrust into extrovert situations - Poor Henry and Julia

      Delete
    3. Oooohhh -Julia's next???? So would Henry have a daughter named Mary?????

      Delete
  2. Pick me, pick me! What a delightful review! Since I talk to myself anyway (and answer), this is the perfect book for me! lol Plus my paperback TBR stack is no longer a stack. Wahhh... Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh no -- perish the thought of a dwindling TBR pile! I shudder at the thought! I'm so glad I'm not the only one engages in meaningful dialogue with myself! lol Good luck, Diana!

      Delete
    2. Thanks! The most meaningful conversations are the ones we have with ourselves bc who knows us best? LOL

      Delete
    3. OH NO DIANA! The one (and probably only) good thing about being a "slow reader".......the TBR pile rarely if EVER runs dry! LOL! Although this one might be one of those that I devour, after reading this review! ;)

      Delete
    4. Yep, you won't be able to resist this one, Amada -- you'll just have to gobble it up in one go. lol

      Delete
  3. This book sounds like lots of fun! I'm sure I'll enjoy it. Thanks for the giveaway.
    may_dayzeeATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you'll enjoy it too, Kay. Good luck!

      Delete
  4. Ooooooooh! I am jumping up and down over this book. Thank you for the opportunity, Kav! mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a book worthy of trampoline jumping! Good luck, Melanie.

      Delete
  5. I have had nearly the exact same conversation with myself with certain books I've read--that war between savoring and devouring. Sounds marvelous!

    rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beautifully expressed - a war between savoring and devouring. I'm not sure if I've ever truly won a war. lol Good luck, Rachael.

      Delete
  6. Sigh. I love her books....
    mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm a new convert. :-) Good luck, Mindy!

      Delete
  7. I already have constant chocolate cravings! The cultural clash sounds fascinating, topped off by humor. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This book will amp up those cravings! I think I'm a chocolate blob now that I've finished this read. Good luck, CC!

      Delete
  8. Loved it! Hope all BEST readers get a chance to read it! HOW CAN we wait patiently for Oct. for the next story?!?!?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know...and I love how she's created a new genre - Britallachian romance. Bwahahahaha!

      Delete
  9. Replies
    1. YAY!!! EEP!!!! I love book talking in code.

      Delete
  10. No need to enter me in the book drawing since I have a copy of this delightful book. I've only read Pepper's contemporary books; I'll have to try her historicals sometime. Her books do not disappoint. I love her combination of romance and humor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She has a gift for romantic comedy for sure. Looking forward to reading more of her books and really looking forward to book two in this series!

      Delete
  11. CHOCOLATE CRAVINGS?! I'm SO IN! ;)

    Hugs, Amada
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A reader after my own heart! Good luck, Amada!

      Delete
  12. I’ve heard a lot about her books but I haven’t read them yet. Thank you for the chance.
    leliamae54(At)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sadly, we're reading twins in our Pepperlessness as well, Lucy...except now I'm one up on you. Bwahahahaha! Good luck!

      Delete
  13. I have yet to read anything by Pepper, but this sounds like a delightful place to begin. Thanks for the synopsis, the review, and the giveaway! I’ll keep my fingers crossed and hope for a win!
    gobersATembarqmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, VanG. Hope you get to 'meet' Pepper through one of her stories soon. Good luck.

      Delete
  14. I love Pepper! I have read a couple contemporary and one historical. I need to read the whole historical series. I’ve heard about this book and would love to own it! Thanks! paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have an ecopy of this but really would love it in book form (since I haven't even read it yet)!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'Book' books are the bestest! Good luck, Trixi!

      Delete
  16. I have issues with speaking my thoughts aloud too! Foot in mouth disease is a real issue for me! Lol

    mylittlebirdiebooks (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You will totally relate to Eisley! Good luck, Karen.

      Delete
  17. I have chocolate on hand. Looking forward to reading this book.
    Have Chocolate Will Read.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lol - love that motto, Janet! Good luck!

      Delete
  18. Oh this sounds like such a delicious treat Kav. I love books that make me want to slow down and savor them. Thanks for the review and the giveaway!
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Delicious treat is the perfect way to describe this book! Good luck, Loraine.

      Delete
  19. This book sounds adorable. I love klutzy heroines, heroes who can't help but fall in love and chocolate. I would to love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.

    chanelmonroe5(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This book is definitely for you! Good luck, Chanel.

      Delete
  20. Sounds like a fun read
    I love the sound of Pepper's books
    Thank You for the chance to win a copy
    iamabho AT gmail DoT CoM

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ladysnowangelphotos(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete