| Title | : | On Love's Gentle Shore (Prince Edward Island Dreams #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0800724518 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780800724511 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 332 |
| Publication | : | First published July 1, 2017 |
On Love's Gentle Shore (Prince Edward Island Dreams #3) Reviews
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On Love's Gentel Shore (Prince Edward Island Dreams #3) is the third book in the series by Liz Johnson. I don't read many contemporary books, I am more of a historical reader but I will be reading more by this author!
This is my first experience with this author and I am so glad I decided to give her a try!
Ahhhh. the description she gave of Prince Edward Island, I'm on the next plane there :)
I have books one and two in this series and though I may be reading the series out of order I definitely will be reading them!
Because her fiancee, Russel books a summer stay at the Red Door Inn and makes plans to have their wedding on the island on PEI, Natalie O'Ryan is forced to return to her hometown and the many memories she would rather leave in the past. Her family, while it lasted was fodder for the rumor mill and she hung her head in shame as a teenager. The last thing she wants to do is return and have the talk start up again. She is in love with the idea of being in love but not with her fiancee. She sees him as a way to stay off the island she made her escape from 15 years ago when she was 17. He has no idea of her past or of the abuse and neglect she went through. Upon returning to the island she runs into her former best friend,Justin. They stuck together like glue, through thick and thin. He knows the real her and all she has been through.He has respect for her but he is upset she left without a word to him all those years ago. After she returns to the island he is so mad at her for leaving and hurt too. They develop feelings for each other even though she is engaged to Russel. They both do their best to not act on these feelings. Russel doesn't know the real her and she can't keep up this facade anymore. Such a sweet story of redemption and strong tones of forgiveness. Very enjoyable read!
Pub Date 04 Jul 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. -
Natalie O'Ryan left Prince Edward Island many years ago and now her fiancé has surprised her with wanting to come back for their wedding destination. She doesn't tell him, but she sees so much pain here on this island and wants nothing more than to leave. So she puts on her happy face and determines that she will soldier on.
Justin Kane was Natalie's best friend for many years during her time on the island and was always her safe place. Can he still protect her when old memories are brought back with startling clarity?
I've loved Liz Johnson's 'Prince Edward Island Dreams's. With the first one, I felt it was my favorite, then along came the second and I felt the same way. But with this third and final novel in the series, it is definitely my favorite. Heartbreaking at times, but also joyful, this is a novel to be savored to the fullest. And, as one reviewer put it, 'there is enough snap, crackle and pop' romantic tension between Natalie and Justin to satisfy any romance fan.
It is great to catch up with characters from the first two novels in the series. Johnson has created a community here that I personally would love to visit and her characterizations are wonderful. There are a few fictional places I'd love to visit and this is one.
Liz Johnson also manages to plumb the depths of human emotion in Natalie's character. I was overcome during parts of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book and felt it is Johnson's best work to date. Don't miss this one!
*I was given a preview copy of this book. My opinion is my own and honest. -
This book was oh-so-angsty and I loved it! Natalie is in some serious denial through most of the book which frustrated me, but in a good way- I was totally consumed by the need for her to open her eyes and see how much better the alternate path would be. I loved seeing her process all the hard stuff as she reconciled with Justin and realized how much their separation devastated him too. Renewing her friendship with him also woke up a dormant part of her personality that she had suppressed, and it was interesting to see the clash between the submissive fiancé Russell knows versus the vibrant, funny, passionate woman Justin sees. I loved reading from Justin's perspective and how deep his feeling run, even though he attempts to be the strong and silent type. The amazing setting of the island and the Red Door Inn was a huge part of the book and I loved that the characters from the previous books played important roles in this book as well. One of my favorite scenes was the "kitchen party" where Justin and other musicians came together to play and we see how he puts his feelings about Natalie into his songs. A wonderful conclusion to the series and I highly recommend reading them all!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own) -
I absolutely adored this series. The whole Prince Edwards Island Dreams series was one you will not soon forget. The love story and the setting alone are worth the read. But Natalie's story was one of the best romances you will read this year.
One thing that I found great was getting to get together with some of characters from the first two books.
You are going to want to fall into Justin and Natalie's story, be careful you might just be like me and never want to leave PEI.
This is a 5 star book and I highly recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own. -
"This book had me in tears by the end."
Real life can be hard and the past even harder.
In this book, our MC tried running from the pain and abandonment that her past brought her for most of her adult life. Running so far as out of Canada and straight into the United States. But when Natalie is preparing for her new life via her wedding with her busy finance, she gets a surprise when he wants to get to know her more and decides to have their wedding in her old stomping grounds, Prince Edward Island. An idea he thinks is great and she agrees with, hoping that she can still pretend her life never happened there. And more importantly praying he never finds out the shame of her past either. Soon, there is no choice but to face it and the people she has desperately tried to avoid, head on.
A couple of things made me want to read this book.
1. It was set in Canada!
2. It had a red head on the cover :D
3. It dealt with real life issues.
I have to admit, this was a hard book for me to read for a few different reasons.
First up, when the side characters of PEI were first introduced, it felt like I was down South in the States. Not in Canada on the island. This was hard for me to navigate, being Canadian. But, once I adjusted my thoughts a bit, I was able to get through the book.
Second, it is a romance novel and romance alone is hard for me to get into. That being said, I did like the development of this story because it wasn't simply about romance. It was about trust, misconceptions, loving people when it's hard and some aspects of faith. All these elements were amazing in this story.
Thirdly, and following up on the whole romance thing... It also had a fiancé that was barely around and Natalie was quick to not really care or seem to have any standards of being alone with men when she was engaged to another man. That kind of bothered me, especially when she had a past with one of the men and was getting married, a life long partnership, to another man.
Lastly, I can relate to a lot of Natalie O'Ryan's past. Some would say that is a bonus in a book. But this one felt a bit too close to home for me and literally had me in tears in the end. It definitely pulled on the heart strings a little too deep, digging out my own wounds. All-be-it, very different issues than this book, but still--I was hoping they stayed buried, lol.
This is NOT a bad thing or negative mark on the book, just hard for me to read. And I let it work on my heart... breaking up the fallow ground... so to speak in my own life. Which was difficult, but good. If this was what Liz Johnson was hoping to do, she accomplished that in my heart. Something I can respect her for and was brilliant.
All in all, I really appreciated the social issues brought up in this book and for that reason alone, it is worth reading. I love the determined, yet kind of crazy character of Natalie. The character arc was great for both her and Caden. As well as the side characters I grew to love!
I enjoyed On Love's Gentle Shore and was so grateful that Revell Publishing gave this advanced readers copy to me to review. And also allowing me the freedom to give my personal opinion as well.
Due to some of the relational aspects of this book, I have rated it slightly lower.
Recommended as an Adult Christian Fiction Romance novel -
What book did I love so much that I read it twice? In a row? On Love’s Gentle Shore. That one. Confession: when I saw the title, I rolled my eyes. I did. Between it sounding like a knock off of the Janette Oke series (sorry, Liz… it did!) and just being the kind of sappy title I can’t stand, it just made me cringe.
And then Liz Johnson had to go and write a song lyrics that made it not only a meaningful title, but the best to showcase her story.
This book is deeper than the others in the series. Yes, the first dealt with difficult subjects, the second with our insecurities, but this one… this one strikes at the heart of that we don’t like to think about or discuss.
But Ms. Johnson doesn’t just lay out the ugliness of life and show how people pick up the pieces. She shows how others try to help—and how sometimes those attempts fail. She shows how deeply those uglies permeate into our very souls.
She shows the beauty of what happens when Jesus steps in. You know, Jesus doesn’t just wash the feet of His disciples. He washes the filth from our lives—our hearts—our souls.
And I’ve rarely seen it shown so well as in On Love’s Gentle Shore.
I know I’m supposed to talk about characterization—fabulous, by the way. And, I’m also supposed to let you know about story consistency and if she managed to get the setting right (perfect scores on both, by the way). Sappy types will want to know if there are sufficient toe curling or “stick-your-head-in-the-freezer” kisses. There’s one. And it was one of the few I’ve ever actually read. I tend to skim over those things. I read this one.
It’s hard to explain why it was so different—why I could stand to do something that usually makes me uncomfortable. Look, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to read it again. I’m not naive enough to think this emotional high will last forever, but as I read this story, I saw a beautiful picture of Jesus’ love for us. And that kiss just seemed to mean more than hormones and endorphins and all that.
And the technical stuff? The book is beautifully written with detail not only to the story, the setting, and the characters, but also to word choice and accuracy. Just the fact that she spoke in terms of meters instead of yards shows how well Ms. Johnson immersed herself into Canadian culture.
Memorable quotes—they abound. However, I can’t bring myself to share them. Out of context, they lose their richness. That is how beautifully woven this story is. But one line sums up just how authentic the characters feel. I mean, c’mon. “…and he’d never wanted to punch a pastor more”? Perfection.
Five stars. No hesitation at all in that assessment. Readers who love redemptive stories with strong, flawed characters and a generous dose of realistic romance will love this book. I suspect readers who don’t will like it a lot, too! -
4.5 stars
Liz Johnson has created a cast of characters I would truly love to meet in her Prince Island Dreams series. In this third book of the series, we are able to immerse ourselves in the familiar world of North Rustico once again. Natalie O'Ryan has returned to the island to make the final arrangements for wedding. This is her first visit back to the island she fled from fifteen years earlier. Natalie is forced to confront her past, one that is filled with pain. Liz Johnson skillfully allows the details of Natalie's past to slowly surface. This is a story of forgiveness, repairing relationships she thought were over. A series of unexpected circumstances force Natalie to work closely with Justin, her best friend for many years. Both felt a sense of betrayal when they separated years earlier. Will they be able to get past their bitterness, the feelings of betrayal and find their friendship is still as strong as ever? Will Natalie allow herself to be loved, "warts and all"? Or will she continue to hide her true self, believing she is not worthy to be loved?
Johnson skillfully depicts the beauty of the island, allowing her readers to momentarily enter the peaceful world of this small community on Prince Edward Island. We feel we have returned to visit with the fictional friends we have made in the earlier books. For those new to the series, this can be read as a stand alone. But don't be surprised if you find yourself unwittingly drawn into this charming world, grabbing the first opportunity to read the earlier books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own. -
I am glad to have finally continued on with Johnson's series. I read the second book first a few years ago, and finally got around to the first book and this book this year. Johnson's writing has a unique, compelling quality about it that I've come to enjoy. It flows so well and easily keeps my attention. Once again, I was captivated by the setting of Prince Edward Island and loved the small town feel of the story. Of course, when everyone knows everyone, it's hard to live your past down, and no one knows this more than Natalie O'Ryan. Natalie is back on PEI for her wedding, drawn back against her will by a fiance who thinks he's secured the wedding spot of her dreams. However, Russell doesn't know the true Natalie, and that's the way she likes it. Safe and secure, away from the ugliness of her past. Her former best friend, Justin, knows Natalie well, and when he is roped into helping with her wedding, their reunion is not a happy one. However, memories are hard to forget, and those who loved Natalie always hoped she would return home.
I truly think this is a case of "it's me, not you,"since one key part of the story is just not my favorite. It's a personal preference more than anything else. I really like to root for couples, and while both characters are wonderful, I just couldn't root for them as a couple. So I admit the romance fell a bit flat for me. However, I was captivated by Natalie's personal growth and her overcoming of tragic childhood circumstances, as well as the strong theme of reconciliation and forgiveness. It was also lovely to see Marie and Caden, who were lead characters in the first two books. Though book two remains my favorite, I did enjoy all of the books in the series. I recommend it to fans of contemporary romance, who also enjoy stories of overcoming past traumas and personal growth. -
On Love's Gentle Shore is the third and, I think, final book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series. It is also my favorite of the series, which is a surprise considering I wasn't sure about the romance in the beginning...I mean, the heroine was engaged at the start of the book and yet it seemed like there was going to be a romance between her and her old beau -- or at least there were sparks -- and unless it was done right, I knew I wouldn't like the breaking up of a relationship that was serious.
Now I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't say what happens or which way the romance went, but I did end up loving the book and I found the story captivating. I didn't want to put it down and am sad that it is over.
As with all the books in this series, I loved the characters and setting. The writing was fantastic; it held my interest and the story wasn't hard to follow. There were also some scenes that had me on the edge of my seat because I didn't know what was going to happen next and I didn't want it to be anything bad.
All in all, I recommend On Love's Gentle Shore. I don't think you need to read the previous books in order to enjoy this one, but since they were so good I think you might want to. ;)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.* -
I so enjoyed the first two in this series. Sadly, this one... not so much.
Parts of the storyline were good, but it was the story as a whole, and the characters, relationships, and near hatred in the village that made the story uncomfortable for me. -
4.5/5
This book messed with my emotions. It dealt with a heavy issue of child and alcohol abuse and how sometimes third parties' hands are tied to step in and help (even though I think more could have been done).
Natalie had so much heartache do face and deal with when she returned to PEI. For 15 years she dealt with her hurt by running away and hiding behind a mask. Now she finally had to face the past and oh boy, what a heavy past that is. She was also an example of how people's words and prejudice impact a person.
Justin also had to deal with his one hurt and healing process when Natalie returned. The scenes where they were arguing/dealing with the past were so raw and real.
Some people might criticize the romance and love triangle because Natalie was engaged, but I think the author dealt with this rather well
This story was so much than just a love triangle. It was about forgiveness, stepping out in faith and facing the truth - the truth with others, but mostly with one self. Natalie had to learn that happiness is not safe and comfort, but so much more.
I loved what Natalie's father said - can't remember the exact phrase but something in the line of "You can't always fix all your wrongs, but you can change by just doing the next right thing.
*Narrator - I listened to the audio book and the narrator did a great job of bringing the characters to life and bringing out the raw emotions. There was just one part where Natalie was crying/sobbing which more irritating to me, but that was one small part of the whole story.* -
The third book in Johnson's Prince Edward Island series takes off from the very first page. If you've come across this series and picked it up based on an 'Anne with a E' passion for the Island, this will not disappoint. These books are classy and unhurried.
Each story that I read in this series, makes me want to pack my bags and book a flight immediately. Is there really an Inn with the appeal of the Red Door? I sure hope so, this setting oozes charm and small (extremely small) town familiarity. Set in North Rustico, which Natalie refers to as the 'Crick' (I wasn't quite sure what that was), the everyone knows everyone, and then all your business too, hasn't worked out quite so well for Natalie O'Ryan. Daughter of the Island philanderer and town drunk, a mother who neglected and abused her - getting far far away at 17 was all she ever dreamed of. Subject to constant gossip, she was one girl who didn't feel like sh had one good thing in her life. Except Justin Kane. A chance childhood meeting in a lighthouse on Kane land, their friendship blossomed. With a pact to leave together, it all came to a crashing end on the sudden death of Justin's father & a nasty accusation. Not looking back and vowing to never return Natalie packed a bag and ran. Thinking Justin would come find her, but never did she felt abandoned by the last person she had. 15 years later and our story begins. She's back on PEI again with a fiancé in tow, with a wedding to organize. With the help of Marie, of the Red Door Inn, we return to our beloved characters of the first two books, and a chance meeting in O'Gradys. She's back and Justin doesn't know what's hit him.
I literally couldn't put this book down. This might be my favourite of the 3 so far, and I loved the first two. I felt every tender emotion. Every tug at the heartstrings. The history they had shared together, meant it was inevitable Natalie & Justin would need to find some kind of resolution. There isn't a heavy dose of inspirational dialogue, which I think worked really well in this case. Sometimes it can overpower the storyline, and when you have a character as deeply troubled as Natalie, her healing process needs to come from a gradual natural place of inner growth. Of course God can play a powerful part in our restoration of self worth, I was just appreciative of the way Natalie found her peace in the story.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, you could read this without the others first, even though the characters play significant roles in this book. However, I loved that I knew them already and we have such a natural continuation. So, seek out the first two and enjoy some PEI bliss.
Thanks to Netgalley & Revell for the eARC. This is my honest review. -
This is the third book in this series that I have read, and oh I loved to be back at the Red Door Inn, back with Marie and Seth, and the beautifully described Island of PEI, and yes I wish I were there!
This is Natalie and Justin’s story, a little girl who was the not seen as a child of this Crick, and if she was seen she was bullied, so can you imagine coming back here after fifteen years? Yes she has grown up and now is being married, and yet the bullies are still here and we see a few of them are still at it. Then there are those who did as much as was possible to help this neglected little girl, yes Aretha Franklin, and Mamma Cheese Kane were two who embraced this woman as a child, and then there was Justin, he stood up for her, and yet she feels he wasn’t there in the end.
How could she come back to the demons that abound here, and yet isn’t it time to face them, she is now in her thirties, and about to be married, as her fiancé has made the plans to marry where she is from.
We get to watch as the events unfold leading to the wedding of the year on this Island, and enjoy picking the flowers and yummy cake, along with the venue.
There are some surprises here and some concerns that will peek your interest, and a lot of needed healing and forgiveness. Enjoy!
I received this book through Bethany House Publishing Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review -
Oh, I really loved this story! Natalie is a character you love to feel sorry for even though it's her own actions of running from the past (rather than facing it) which have cause a lot of the issue. Small-town gossip isn't kind, and it hasn't improved by neglect. As soon as the townsfolk realize Natalie's back for the summer, the old gossip rises up bigger than ever and flies around with new vigor.
I don't often read books that deal with the direct damage that town gossip can do, and I loved the application readers can draw of the damage it's all too easy to do to someone by a bit of unfounded or semi-founded gossip.
I did love how Marie (from book 1) befriends her and sticks up for her, and I really loved watching that relationship unfold. I also loved her interactions with Justin's mom.
Justin was fun to get to know and a likeable guy. Natalie's the most memorable, though! :)
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required. -
What fun to return to the shores of Prince Edward Island. This series has continued to delight, and the third book, On Love's Gentle Shore, share the same mix of love story and characters who yearn to find a place to call home.
For Natalie, returning home to Prince Edward Island only brings back the childhood trauma that she tried to outrun years ago. But her fiancé, music producer Russell Jacobs, decides that PEI is the perfect place to hold their wedding. Before Natalie knows it, she is back home neck deep in wedding preparations and face to face with old memories and people she would rather have never seen again. And then there is Justin. Her childhood best friend, he was her everything until she ran and he never followed. Thrown together with Justin, Natalie will have to face her past if she wants to follow her heart in the future.
On Love's Gentle Shore starts with a combination of my two favourite love story beginnings - best friends to more and love at first hate, well at if not hate a whole lot of unresolved anger and feelings of betrayal. Natalie and Justin have so much history, but so much of it has been left unresolved. Natalie returning to the island gives them a chance to rekindle their friendship and maybe, finally, explore what might have been. I loved watching their relationship move away from anger and bitterness and back towards the deep friendship they kindled from the age of five. They have a beautiful connection.
The writing is very descriptive in this book. There were times when I just couldn't take any more detailed descriptions of the delicious delicacies that Caden creates. I get it already, it tastes amazing. Stop it, you're making me hungry! But there is no doubt that the writing places the reader firmly within the gorgeous setting of PEI and within the middle of the characters' emotions.
I truly enjoyed Natalie's story. Everything she has overcome is so heartbreaking and seeing her get her happy ending is wonderful. Justin is equally wonderful. He is a fantastic best friend - every girl needs a Justin. But there is no doubt that they were always destined for more than friendship. As Natalie wrestles with her past, Justin faces his grief over losing Natalie all those years ago, and they both must assess what they want for the future. Faith is an underpinning factor in this story, but doesn't take much of the focus. Natalie wrestles with a God that could love her, as feeling unloved is something she has struggled with all her life. Justin's simple faith has always been a comfort to her, but something she didn't pursue herself.
On Love's Gentle Shore is a delightful contemporary romance, with charming main characters, a strong romance founded in friendship, and wonderful secondary characters, many of whom are old favourites from the previous two books in the series.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog
Madison's Library. -
"The island is all about lights and gentle shores."
That may been have true for most residents of picturesque Prince Edward Island, but coming back to her childhood home to be married was only full of dark shadows for Natalie O'Ryan. Unknowingly, because she had never told him otherwise, her fiance surprised her with a destination wedding site that he thought would thrill her, instead she is busy stuffing down humiliating memories, while trying to keep Russell far removed from the gossip that continually swirls between local residents.
Justin Kane would know those riotous red curls anywhere. Growing up, it had always been "them". "There hadn't been a Natalie with Justin. Or a Justin without Natalie." Until she left, without a word. Natalie O'Ryan has certainly grown into a beautiful woman and her appearance back on the island is a brutal shock to his senses; but as he continually reminds himself, she is getting married, getting married, getting married . . . to someone else. . . . . and it seems, the celebration venue is his old abandoned dairy barn.
The romantic tension between these two former soul mates greets the reader instantly, and with enough "snap, crackle, and pop" to fill a thousand cereal bowls. What could possibly be gained, at this juncture, by telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Can Natalie discover that it is never too late to "do the next right thing"?
"On Gentle Shores" is a lovely conclusion to Liz Johnson's "Red Door Inn" series, seamlessly inserting characters from previous stories into the present one, making life on Prince Edward Island nearly impossible to resist. I am grateful to the author for an advance copy of this book; the opinions stated are entirely my own. -
Enter in the most beautiful Island your mind can take you and that is where Liz Johnson takes the reader. I have loved every single minute of The Prince Edward Island Dreams series! If you have not read any of the books, I highly recommend that you put them on your summer reading list, like now! Before summer is over. "On Love's Gentle Shore" is the third book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. Don't worry if you decide to just pick up this book because you'll fall in love with the small Cape Town feel and the amazing characters. Will an old town flame spark up a previous romance and end a wedding or will Natalie go through with her wedding? The only way to know is to grab the book and start reading. Once you do read this book, you won't be able to put it down! It is definitely a book to throw in the beach bag and read in one sitting. I give this book 5/5 stars. Thank you to the publisher for providing me a complimentary copy. A favorable review was not required. I am sad to see this book end, but I am thankful to have spent time in Prince Edward Island. Get ready for an amazing book!
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The best kind of reads are the ones you can't bear to put down, the ones you find yourself thinking about when you're not reading them. That's exactly what I experienced while reading On Love's Gentle Shore.
It's safe to say that author Liz Johnson gets better with each novel in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series. I enjoyed The Red Door Inn, and I loved Where Two Hearts Meet, but On Love's Gentle Shore is on another level. I kind of wish I hadn't given five stars to the second book, as that doesn't leave any room for improvement ratings-wise, yet On Love's Gentle Shore is just so. much. better.
Though there's never any doubt about the novel's conclusion (really, when is there in a romance novel?), On Love's Gentle Shore engaged my emotions in the best way. I ached for Natalie as she dealt with feelings of rejection and inferiority. I longed for Justin to just spit it out and let Natalie know his true feelings, yet I admired his restraint and respect for her relationship. And I wept as the novel reached its ultra-satisfying conclusion. With strong, fleshed-out characters, a toe-curling romance, and a beautifully written lesson about bitterness and forgiveness, On Love's Gentle Shore is easily one of the best books I've read so far this year.
Disclosure of material connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own. -
Wow! When I started reading this book, I didn't realize it was third in a series so I had a bit of a challenge to figure out the 'who's who' but once I did, I was hooked! There are many layers to this story and its characters that are beautifully revealed throughout the whole book. A tome it is not, so the few hours it took to read it sped by. Yes, I read it in one sitting! Liz Johnson is a new-to-me author and I can assure you I will be looking for her books from now on. She writes realistic scenarios making it easily relatable. If you enjoy contemporary romance with a firm Christian foundation, this is a book you should read.
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I really loved how the author kept this series fresh by keeping just enough of the familiar without overloading each book with all of the same people and places you read about before. The Red Door Inn is obviously a common thread, but this story didn't feel like a repeat of the others, instead bringing in fresh faces and new places to explore. A really strong ending to a beautiful and heartwarming series!
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The third and final book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series is excellent. Readers will feel as if they are coming home, as many of the characters are familiar. Some wonderful themes of forgiveness and learning to move forward from a terrible childhood are explored and handled deftly and gently by the author. Readers will emit sighs of happiness at the beautiful conclusion to this series.
Natalie O'Ryan reluctantly returns to Prince Edward Island for her wedding because her fiancé mistakenly believes she wants it to be held there. Natalie shook the dust off of the place years ago after a childhood filled with abuse and disappointment left her broken down. She has since made a life for herself, but doesn't want to revisit old wounds. When her reception venue falls through, Natalie is forced to consider a barn on the property of her former best friend and sweetheart, Justin Kane. As the two reconnect, they realize that misunderstandings have separated them over the years. Yet the problem of Natalie's upcoming wedding means that they are likely not meant to be together. -
Full review on FaithfullyBookish.com
While I didn't pick this series up right away, the rave reviews and the appearance of an auburn-haired lady (and bold green accents) on the cover of the final book expelled all my "too good to be true" hesitations.
With her fiery hair and simmering temper, Natalie O'Ryan's character gives a deft nod to our beloved Anne yet she is an independently endearing heroine in her own right. My heart ached for Natalie as her backstory was revealed throughout the book.
While the Prince Edward Island Dreams series is a great read for all fans of Christian contemporary fiction, it is an extra special adventure for those of us who love Anne, Gilbert, and their island home. I highly recommend this entire series! Once you experience one story, reader friends, you will want to read them all!
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own. -
I’ve loved this Prince Edward Island series from Liz Johnson, but just wasn’t able to fit in the final book in the series when it released. Thanks to a friend's recommendation, I picked it up over the Christmas break and loved it every bit as much as the first two books in the series. The story is a bit of a heart-wrenching one at times—there’s some pain and misunderstandings to get through—but I loved the way Justin and Natalie’s friendship was restored, piece by piece, into something much deeper and so beautiful. This had all the elements of a ‘best friends to more’ story that I love, with a whole lot of added depth. Just beautiful.
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Satisfying conclusion to the Prince Edward Island Dreams Series. As with the first in the series, the main female character has a difficult relationship with her father. Natalie was abused as a child by her mother and feels unloved and the need to be someone completely different. In removing herself from her past, she finds that her true character has been hidden.
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Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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"She'd thought it was safe to come back to the island. She'd thought it was safe to come home. She'd been wrong."
Natalie O'Ryan should be excited with the future that laid in front of her. The upcoming marriage to Russell Jacob, music producer in Nashville, Tennessee. But when Russell suggested that they get married on Prince Edward Island, Natalie knew she wasn't ready to face her past. She left Prince Edward Island years ago looking for a future far away from the childhood home where she grew up. It wasn't just dealing with her childhood and the parents that she wished weren't hers. Even though her mother passed away years ago, she didn't know where her father was and she was fine as long as he stayed hidden. What she didn't want to face was the love she left behind when she ran away.
Justin Kane spent his time working on the dairy farm and pouring his feelings into his music. He always dreamed that one day he might leave the farm for greener pastures in the music business. But when Natalie left him without saying goodbye, he felt that life has long left him. Until she returned to the island with news that she was getting married to the same music producer that Justin had hoped would sign him one day. How would he come to terms with his past while she was getting married in the old barn on his families dairy farm. It was the only place big enough to hold that many guests and it will force them both to resolve their pasts so they can both move on with their futures.
Yet with only a few weeks left to plan the wedding, Russell gets called away to help deal with a recording mistake with a big name artist and has to leave. He promises Natalie that he will return in plenty of time for the wedding and believes that Justin is just the right person to help her make the last minute arrangements. After all they were childhood friends right? Isn't that what Natalie told him? Will Natalie and Justin be able to work together on wedding arrangements or will their feelings from a past come back to reunite them as they always should have been? Will Natalie's past prove her undoing, even though she hasn't told Russell about it?
I received On Love's Gentle Shore by Liz Johnson compliments of Revell Publishing. This is the third book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series and I have loved them all. Perhaps my heart is always leaning to happily ever afters, and when you see love torn apart by mistakes that could be remedied, you always cheer for them to be reunited. This contains all the perfect elements to make a romance work, a beautiful seaside island, romance between two past loves, and a situation that forces them to be together even though they know they shouldn't be. Liz Johnson delivers a beautiful and heart-warming romance that is just the perfect book to add to your summer reading list. I would give this one a 5 out of 5 stars because once I started, I didn't want to put it down. -
Natalie O’Ryan fled a painful childhood on Prince Edward Island, Canada, and was never going back. Until her fiancé decided it’d be the perfect place for their wedding. Right in her hometown. Surrounded by people who’d be too happy to tell him all the things she doesn’t want him to know.
Even worse than the gossips, though, is facing her childhood best friend, Justin Kane. Natalie and Justin each blame the other for ending their relationship, and now they have to work together on the wedding venue… and readers can’t help thinking these are the two who should be getting married, instead of bringing Natalie’s work-obsessed fiancé into the picture.
On Love’s Gentle Shore is book 3 in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series, and it released just after Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations. Readers who are new to the series can start here and not feel lost, but there is a continuity of secondary characters from the beginning, and if you’ve read the previous books you’ll recognize them and see the ongoing developments in their lives.
Reading this series is like coming home, to a place we wish home could be. Rose’s Red Door Inn, where the bridal couple stay, is warm and welcoming, and it’s staffed with the kind, caring people readers met in book 1.
There are caring people in the community, too, although Natalie has spent too long focusing on those who caused her to leave. It’s good watching her realize how many people did love her as a child, and who haven’t given up on her now.
My only issue after reading is that Natalie’s childhood was dysfunctional enough that in the real world, the people who loved her would have reported her parents. The fact that they didn’t changes how I feel about their goodness. Still, there’s much to appreciate in the novel.
As well as being a romance, it’s a story of forgiveness, and faith, and relationships worth mending. The scenery is brought to life until you can almost picture yourself there, and the descriptions of the food may add a pound or two just in the reading.
Favourite line:That didn’t stop a bucket of dread from gnawing its way into his belly and settling in like it was paying rent. [page 32]
Liz Johnson has written over a dozen novels, both contemporary romance and romantic suspense. For more about the author and her work, visit
lizjohnsonbooks.com.
[Book has been provided courtesy of
Baker Publishing Group and
Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.] -
On Love’s Gentle Shore continues the sweetly romantic style of this series with a final story bringing some previous characters full circle and new ones a hard-won joy. One thing I’ve really enjoyed about this series is that each novel has been vastly different — the first having a hint of suspense (The Red Door Inn), the second a unique story of happiness (Where Two Hearts Meet), and this third one a new twist on a romantic trope with deep roots of friendship. While each can stand independently, overall they encompass themes of joy and belonging — and all have fun moments of humor.
Author Liz Johnson presents the “voice” of the characters with her smooth style, balancing lighthearted moments with those of import and gravity. Sometimes a line penned hit me in the heart with its clarity and truth. Other times, the humor and wit of a situation made me almost laugh! (Particularly when involving Justin’s POV, especially with the dairy, cake, or his sweet Mama Kane.) Or, the subtle romantic moments naturally born of friendship between Justin and Natalie had me smiling or swooning over the littlest things, like plaid shirts. And lighthouses. And a kitchen party.
With this story, Johnson employs a common romance trope that I’m not usually an advocate of: an almost-love triangle with an already-engaged heroine returning to her hometown only to reconnect with an “old friend”. HOWEVER, Johnson implements it with such care and plausible ease I can’t help but be impressed. The context of this situation serves as the necessary catalyst for Natalie’s growth and, subsequently, Justin’s own small realization of joy. Without the trope setup, the depth of characterization and fully realized arc of the characters would not be possible. It has the potential, with this feature, to be a top-notch Hallmark production with its plot and endearing cast, which would be just fine with me ;). (hint, hint, Hallmark)
Speaking of the journey these characters take, its complexity surprised me in a few ways, particularly concerning Natalie. It’s a deeper story of forgiveness and letting go of bitterness, of the importance of honesty in all relationships. Natalie’s character shows how events or people from the past can influence who you become and your choices in the present. Though Justin grew as a character and experienced his own life lessons, this story is Natalie’s transformation. She comes to terms with so much, especially the idea of her own self-worth. Witnessing her growth as a result of her circumstance and the love of friends who shield and support her is an experience not to be missed!
Thank you to Revell Publishers for the complimentary review copy of this novel. This is my honest review. -
“Forgiveness isn't reserved for the ones who deserve it. God gives it freely, and we should do the same.”
On Love's Gentle Shore is book three in the Prince Edward Island Dreams, written by Liz Johnson. Natalie O'Ryan grew up in Prince Edward Island. Her father was a drunk that ran around with women and her mother abused her. Her family was gossiped about and she was picked on a lot. Her best friend was Justin Kane. They spent a lot of time together growing up in the light house on the Kane farm. They had a deal that they would stay together, but Natalie could no longer put up with the abuse and gossip, she left Prince Edward Island with intentions to never return.
Natalie is engaged to Russell a record producer in Nashville. Russell is the brother of Adam, who lives in Natalie's home town. Russell has decided that they will get married there. They arrive in Prince Edward Island weeks before the wedding to plan the wedding but when something goes wrong with a recording he rushes back to Nashville and leaves the planning of the wedding to Natalie with the help of Marie, the owner of the Inn where they are staying and Justine, the owner of the barn where the reception is to be held.
While preparing the barn Natalie and Justin work through why she left unexpectedly and Justin finally finds the note Natalie left him. Natalie's father returns to the Island and wants to apologize to Natalie. She wants nothing to do with him. Natalie is visiting with Marie, when she finds out Marie's father was not good to her and has never offered to apologize. Marie points out that God forgives and we should to.
This is a good book, that has the theme of forgiveness running through the story. Forgiveness to Natalie's father for not stopping the abuse she suffered. Forgiveness to Natalie for leaving Justin without saying goodbye.
This is a great end to the series. The characters are very well defined and the story is so descriptive. I want to visit the area, stay at the Inn and taste all the great food! I can almost hear the water and see the light house beacons. This is a series that is best read in order, but the author give information to help the reader know what happened in earlier books. I really think this series would be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys reading contemporary stories. The story has just enough suspense to make me want to not put it down until I was done reading it. This is a Christian romance and done very nicely. It is not preachy and the romance is not overwhelming.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. I have chosen to write this honest review.
