Pretty well done for a Love Inspired book. I loved Jonah as a character, and I loved that the town learned sign language to be able to communicate with him.

Jonah is being raised by his mother, Jean, who is the mayor of a town that used to be called Matrim's Valley but has been rechristened Matrimony Valley in an attempt to make it a wedding destination in the Smoky Mountains to revive the town which has struggled since the mill closed. Jean chose to keep Jonah's existence from his father (Josh) for a variety of reasons (none of them good enough ones in my opinion) but finds her hands are forced when Jonah's father turns out the be the step-brother of the first bride she's attracted to Matrimony Valley.

Soon, Josh finds that his usual workaholic personality is blunted by the desire to be with his son. Something that doesn't make his work partner happy. Choices must be made. ( )

This may be my favorite book by Allie Pleiter yet! Small town setting in the Smoky Mountains, a community coming together to become a wedding destination, a little boy who, despite obstacles makes friends easily, and a man and woman who once loved each other meeting again.

Josh Tyler is intelligent, driven, and on the rise to success beyond what most people experience in their lifetime. Jean Matrim takes comfort in her hometown, a quiet valley filled with God’s beauty. Two people who are at opposites but tied together for life by a child they share.

As Josh gets to know his son, the valley makes its own impression on him and he doesn’t know if he can merge his two worlds.

I enjoyed the gorgeous setting and the townspeople (both the supportive and the cantankerous), Josh’s unique career, little Jonah’s place in the story, and learning the history shared between Josh and Jean. And I’m so glad that Kelly’s story is coming next!

But most of all, I liked the growth of both characters, the ability to admit their mistakes in the past and their ability to learn from them—even if the path is a bit twisted.

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. ( )