Summer Harbor Novel Just a Kiss, Book 3, (Paperback)

Just a Kiss is the third book in the Summer Harbor series. I haven't read Falling Like Snowflakes, but did read the Goodbye Bride. After reading this book I would love to go back and read the first book in the series. That being said this book is also a great stand alone novel. I love reading stories about families. The Summer Harbor Series is about the Callahan brothers as they find their way to their happy endings. Their lives haven't been easy, and with Riley injured in Afghanistan everyone is on edge waiting for him to get home. Just a Kiss follows Riley the youngest Callahan brother, and the girl who has been his best friend since they were kids, Paige. Paige wants nothing more than to hug her best friend in the whole world. When they last saw each other it wasn't the best circumstances and she can't wait to see for herself that he is okay. Knowing that he is coming home missing a limb isn't easy on anyone, and Paige wants nothing more than to take care of the man who's always been there for her. Knowing it isn't going to be easy doesn't bother her one bit. Will Riley let her be the help he needs? Or will his manly foolish pride and stubbornness get in the way? Riley wasn't planning on coming home this way. Not only is he embarrassed, but also in a great deal of pain. He had planned on his homecoming being way different, and can't help but feel like he is half the man he used to be. Being around Paige, the girl he's loved since they were teenagers is pure torture. He knows she deserves a better man than he is, and doesn't want her to know how he feels. Living under the same roof isn't helping matters. No one wants to be seen at their worst, and Riley doesn't see how life can get worse than it is now. Can Paige get through to him, or will he just keep stuffing everything down deep inside? I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a more complicated love story. One where the main characters face troubles and come out stronger in the end. Real love isn't perfect, and sometimes your heart needs to break a little before you understand what true love is. I really enjoyed getting to know Riley and Paige and couldn't help but root for them the whole time. Hunter had me laughing one minute, and groaning in frustration the next. I also enjoyed learning more about some of the struggles our brave men and women face when they return home after war. Who doesn't love a story with a big strong military man? I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a wonderful story of finding where God wants you. Riley is returning home from war, not the man he left mentally or physically and his best friend Paige, whom he has secretly loved will be his caretaker. Hidden feelings, misunderstandings, faith, and finding your way in this messy thing called life is the theme. I love the characters and the return of old ones from the previous books in this series. I enjoyed the tying up of Aunt Trudy's and the sheriffs past. Denise Hunter has a way of drawing you in and not wanting to lay the book down. I received a complimentary copy of Just A Kiss from Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Guild. The review and opinions are my own and not required.