Just the Way You Are (A Pleasant Gap Romance Book 1) by Pepper Basham

Book Description:

Single mom, Eisley Barrett, prefers to keep romance housed within a centuries-old mystery, but when she travels to England to unearth the secret, an actor with a sordid past offers her heart a very different type of discovery.

Wes Harrison has a past he's ashamed to confess. Suspicious and cynical, he's managed to avoid romantic entanglements since a tragedy upended his career and life, that is until American Eisley Barrett comes along. Her authenticity and kindness upend his bitter assumptions and send his heart into unscripted territory.

When his past threatens to ruin a second chance at love, can some Appalachian matchmaking and letters from the grave salvage their unexpected romance?

Humor, love, mystery, cute kids, crazy families, and culture clashes make this Britallachian Romance a unique and delightful romantic comedy sprinkled with adventure.

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Fantastic storytelling! Basham captured and held my interest all the way through! Delightful characters, settings, and dialogue; plus a few good laughs were found within the pages of this novel. Both our main characters have dealt with heartache and their past experiences play into the way they view circumstances and others. Seeing them move forward, grow and trust, was part of what made this story so enjoyable. Watching them move from friendship and interest into more was a grin worthy experience, and one I did not want to end. The faith elements were woven in so well, and only enhanced the story; lots of good truths packed in.

I am in love with this cast and really looking forward to Book 2! I hope to see Wes and Eisley's story played out a little more there. Not that this novel did not end well, it did, but I just want to see more of their story! Plus, Basham has created a cast of interesting secondary characters that I look forward to getting to know better!

My only complaint was a few minor inconsistencies; was Eisley's oldest boy 7 or 8?! I am not sure, but it's not that important to the overall story. I can definitely recommend this one! A swoon worthy, but sweet romance; faith, love, hope, and family merge with an ancient mystery, along with a villain at work, and you are sure to be glued to the pages!