One Fine Day: A Hearts Bend Novel

A return to Hearts Bend, Tennessee with some wonderful new characters and others that we already love. This is a sweet romantic story of second chances in love, forgiveness of past mistakes, and letting go of the past. Chloe moves back to Hearts Bend from Paris, France after her husband dies and her mom is diagnosed with cancer. Sam is the Titans star quarterback recovering from an injury and hoping to go to the Super Bowl and win the coveted ring. They were childhood friends and reunite when Sam's investment company buys the local donut shop and hires Chloe to bake and manage the shop.

“If he didn’t know better, he’d think this was some sort of celestial conspiracy.” It’s a wonderful return to Hearts Bend, TN where football reigns supreme and delicious baked goods abound. Kudos to author Carrie Padgett on her first Sunrise Publishing accomplishment! Returning to this vibrant small town with beloved “old” characters and lovable new characters was quite fun. Sam’s quest for healing of body and soul was heart-aching and redemptive as he learned about himself, his deepest angst and grudge, and true forgiveness. Chloe’s journey from deafening grief to following her dream and living life fully was lovely to see. And Sam, though he does make blunders, is so incredibly sweet and romantic! A touch of supernatural (as is expected in any book guided by Rachel Hauck) rounded out the faith thread that was well-integrated into the plot line. All you contemporary romance fans, head on over to Hearts Bend for another series of sweet, small-town charm and see whom God will redeem next! I received the book via JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

One Fine Day by Carrie Padgett is the first in a new series that returns readers to Hearts Bend. I loved the characters right from the start. Chloe Beason LaRue and Sam Hardy are great together and their romance is so tender. An important story thread is about taking responsibility for our actions and learning from the mistakes we make. The secondary characters are charming and add a good deal of humor to the story. If you are a fan of Rachel Hauck and you loved the original Hearts Bend series, you’ll love this book. Carrie Padgett has her own voice, but she’s done a stellar job at capturing the essence of the previous books. There is a great faith element woven throughout the story, but it isn’t preachy. One Fine Day is a sweet love story that will leave you feeling like you’ve just finished a warm, buttery French pastry. It’s a five-star for me. I received an ARC for review, but I’ve also ordered the paperback to add to my Hearts Bend collection.