Zoe and Nick obviously make a cute couple, so I wasn't surprised by the ending. Nick's brother--I'm not sure his role was even necessary. It felt more like a filler than a "supporting" character. Aiden strikes me as a cute kid. Zoe's parents (excuse me, foster parents) sound great.

Rachel--I felt that she needed to grow more in this novel. I felt that there was more to her than what we were reading. A missed opportunity, perhaps? I hope to read more about her in future books.

Overall, it's a cute book. It's clean, well-developed, and the set-up is good! The reason for 3 stars? It's TOO SHORT. Face it. I wanted more meat. More dialogue. More flirting/does-he-like-me?-Does-he-not-like-me? For a short book, it was very packed-in, and I think that may be a partial reason as to why I wanted the book to be longer: so it would feel better paced out and have a more natural progression to it. ( )

The characters seemed real and they struggled with issues that real people struggle with. I could identify with Zoe's unsureness about how long she might have her job (especially at first). Starting something new is always a bit scary. ( )

Heart-warming, Gentle Romance...

Kimberly Rose Johnson has written a heart-warming gentle romance in Island Refuge. Nick Jackson, "doctor in a former life," is hiding from a past failure. Zoe Griffin, executive chef of a five star restaurant, has been hurt and humiliated beyond her ability to bear and needs an escape. Their paths cross when Nick establishes a B&B off the Washington coast and hires a cook via his former employee.

Overhearing a phone conversation early on, Zoe is convinced that Nick is set on replacing her. This fear rules her life and many decisions she makes regarding her employment and relationship with Nick.

Nick struggles with his own demons from the past, while a mysterious guest at the B&B holds answers that can affect them all. This is a sweet, clean romance that lopes haltingly along because of the characters' all too - human failing to trust in God, but trusting in their own understanding and acting thereon.

Will Nick and Zoe decide to put aside their self-doubts and trust God for healing, or will they cling to their own understanding and muddle along? A light, fun read that was a breath of fresh air.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Island Refuge, Book #1 of the Wildflower Bed and Breakfast series, is another beautiful story by Kimberly Rose Johnson. She never disappoints. The story and the characters drew me in. I did not want to lay it down.
I loved the Bed & Breakfast setting! And what could be even more romantic than a B&B located on an island? Picture ferry rides across the waterway, beautiful wildflowers, adirondack chairs overlooking the water—ahhh, just the kind of place that beckons to me.
Off to a difficult start in their employer/employee relationship, Nick and Zoe soon start to see the softer side of each other. Pain and unforgiveness stand in the way of them learning to let go of the past and move into a relationship though. What will it take for them to move beyond their past? This romance is coupled with a bit of mystery that compliments the story well. Who is this person staying at the B&B, and why is she here? She obviously isn’t your usual overnight guest.
Ms Johnson writes on some tender issues such as the loss of a spouse, broken relationships, foster parenting, lost confidence, and learning to trust again beyond the pain—trusting both your heart, and the Lord to help you work through your future. Her use of both prayer and scripture reinforce the theme of the book.
A copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review. I was not asked to give a positive review. ( )

Island Refuge

I would have loved to see the antiques that were left in the Wildflower Island Bed and Breakfast. Interesting that that is the first thing I talk about? Maybe, but because our heroine Zoe does not really like the style, it sets the tone for the story. And later on in the novel you see how this furniture figures quite largely in the interactions between the different characters. I have a friend whose name is Zoe, and I was reminded of her as I read the story. Both are strong in the face of hardship, both persevere. Nick is also a strong character, but both he and Zoe are running from their past. I loved how Kimberly had them work through the things that bothered them, how some minor characters were the catalysts for change and how it all came together. Including Aidan and Max in the story made for some humor. I really loved this book, and am sure you will too.

Thank you Kimberly Rose Johnson for the opportunity to read this book.
I received this Ebook free from the author in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions are my own ( )