Teresa Tysinger’s Someplace Familiar is a sweet and charming romance of childhood friends and a welcoming Southern town, and I mostly enjoyed it.

Livy Johnson and Jack Bowdon both have pasts that won’t let them go, but as they get reacquainted in the small North Carolina town of Laurel Cove, they begin to see all the potential of the future together. The romance between these two develops quickly, but given the circumstances, it feels realistic. They’re respectful and attentive, have great fun and chemistry, and despite a few inconsistencies, I loved seeing them fall in love with each other while learning to be themselves and forgive.

However, at the end of Someplace Familiar, there’s an event that seemed completely out of place with the overall feel of the story. To me, it felt unnecessarily dramatic and over-the-top, and I don’t think the story needed something so outrageously villain-y to spark the desired growth in the main characters. I really didn’t like it, and it stole some of my enjoyment at the end, unfortunately.

Still, it’s a cute, hopeful romance, and while I was left a little disappointed, Someplace Familiar has received many glowing reviews—so, readers in search of a good contemporary romance, this one might still be worth checking out.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit, I received a complimentary copy of Someplace Familiar and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

What a breath of fresh air this story is. Livy is a wonderful character who decides to fix her grandmother's cottage up. It's time for a new start for Livy after a relationship that was unhealthy for her ends. When the author described the cottage and all the repairs needed, it made me remember this little shack my husband and I built . We had some land and decided to build a one room cabin . It was hard work, but as it started to come together, I feel in love with the place.

Reading about Livy bringing life back to her grandmothers place was a sweet way to honor someone she loved. I liked how she came back to the little town and seemed to fit in right away. What I really liked abut this story was the vulnerability that Livy exhibited and how she needed to get past hurtful words her ex-boyfriend had said to her. It's hard to believe in yourself when you continuously are belittled.

Jack is a welcome addition to this story that brings hope for happiness in his and Livy's life. Jack has been deeply hurt by his ex-wife and has had a hard time trusting anyone. I liked how Jack and Livy seemed to hit it off and become comfortable with each other. The story brings up a great subject about forgiveness. Can Jack forgive his ex-wife? Will Livy be able to allow God to show her how special she is? The story is very well written and brings two people face to face with hindrances that have kept them from letting go of the past. I loved the part in the story when Owen tells Jack,"Unresolved anger and resentment can eat away at your spirit without you even knowing it. Then it becomes a big problem."

Jack and Livy each will face what has hurt them and make a decision that could set them free from bitterness, rejection and anger. Can they let go and allow God to show them grace and experience what forgiveness is? The ending is very emotional and I felt tears steam down my face. The story allows readers to feel the emotions of freedom when you allow God to embrace you with open arms. Thank you for a story that is filled with a love that sets us free from our past mistakes.

I received a cop of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

This was a sweet romance! Livy is needing a fresh start and buying her grandmother's house seems like fate. I really disliked her ex, he was a jerk. Jack recognizes Livy when they run into each other but I like that she didn't recognize him. That made it even better.

Jack is completely sweet and I loved his group of friends. Actually, I loved the whole town. The group that pitches in and helps just because and not expecting anything. That is how I grew up and I miss people like that! I felt so bad for Livy and what she had to overcome. Emotional abuse messes with people on so many levels and the author handled it well and realistically.

It was a 4/5. Absolutely sweet book. Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine. ( )

When the life you’ve dreamed of living hasn’t worked out and people have made you feel less than, comfort can be found in familiarity. So when Livy Johnson buys her grandmother’s cottage in Laurel Cove, she leaves New York and her dreams of becoming a famous artist for a more laid back rural setting.
The friendship between Livy and Jack Bowden started over one summer when they played together as children. Now, years later, they pick right back up. But both Jack and Livy have bruised hearts and wounded spirits. Both have doubts about themselves and issues trusting in relationships.
Teresa Tysinger weaves a story of redemption and hop in the midst of pain and healing. As her grandmother’s home is restored, Livy’s determination, faith, and confidence are being rebuilt. With God’s promises, new friends, and blossoming love, Livy just might find home.
A contemporary romance with plenty of sizzle, Someplace Familiar is a well-written story for anyone believing love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres, even when we—as humans—may fail.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

This was an enjoyable Christian romance. Both Livy and Jack have a bit of baggage when they meet each other for the second time. They both need to learn to forgive. They must learn to put their faith in God. I enjoyed this a lot. I received this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )