Bookshelf Friday - Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg

Before we get started, I need to announce the winner of my April Bookshelf Giveaway...Doris Griffin, you win! Take a look back at my April reviews and let me know which of the four books you'd like! You can email me or catch me on my Facebook page:)

And now on to Melissa Tagg's latest and greatest. Here to Stay is Melissa's second novel, and I have to say, she upped the bar even farther from her first. No pressure, Melissa:)  Here's a blurb, then we'll chat!

After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what reception he'll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he's stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas Festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events...

If there's one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it's Whisper Shore. For years, she's been stuck running her family's inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job offer in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.

The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn's the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade--she'll help with the Festival and he'll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who's done running away joins forces with the girl who can't wait to leave.

This book drew me in from page one. Melissa has an easy style of writing where the words and story simply flow. She also does humor well. I know dialogue is one of her favorite parts of writing, and I can see why. Her story truly does happen between the quotation marks, and it makes the pages fly by. As a reader, you get to truly know the characters and hear their voice rather than Melissa's (Though knowing her, she does possess a keen sense of humor. The woman is funny.)

Being a Michigander, I also loved that she set the story in my beautiful state. It was fun to see it through her eyes, and I enjoyed the scenery and places she snuck in. The backdrop was perfect for Blake and Autumn. I have to mention, too, the fact that if you love the show Gilmore Girls, you'll love this book. From what I'm told by faithful fans of that show, Here to Stay has a similar feel to it. Now, that being said, I've never seen one episode of that show, and I still loved this book immensely. Blake is a strong leading man; he made my heart catch on several occasions. The attraction between the two builds at a perfect pace with just enough conflict to make you wonder how they'll get together. You know they will, it's a romance, but the ride there keeps you smiling, laughing, and sighing. I definitely enjoyed every moment the book was in my hands.

If you haven't already made room on your shelf for Melissa, I strongly encourage you to do so. She is a fresh and fun voice in contemporary romance, and one you won't want to miss. You can purchase Here to Stay here.

Oh! And here's Melissa's Would You Rather Question:

Would you rather...

Wear a rattlesnake for a belt?

OR

An electric eel for a tie?

What did she choose?

I would go with the rattlesnake belt for two reasons:

1) Both rattlesnakes and eels are scary, but eels are also slimy. Extra creep factor.

2) I don't even know how to tie a tie.

Thus, rattlesnake belt. :)

HA! Thanks, Melissa. And I have to say, I'd take the tie. The whole getting bit every time I have to use the bathroom...yeah, wouldn't look forward to that.

Have a great weekend, everyone! And let me know what you'd choose:)

Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.