Bookshelf Friday - Just the Way You Are by Pepper Basham

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading Pepper Basham's books, so I happily snapped up the chance to read Just the Way You Are and review it. Here's a short blurb, and we'll chat on the other side!

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?

Something I've really grown to love about Basham is her ability to straddle two genres effortlessly. It reminds me that good stories don't have any particular shelf space. Historical or contemporary time periods don't matter. What matters are characters you connect with, timeless romance, and plots that take you on a journey you don't want to end. Just the Way You Are delivers all these things.

I loved the characters in this story. They paired together so very well. I also enjoyed the natural conflict that arose from placing these two together. The reminder that we are new creations in Christ and also that we can heal completely from old hurts was a spiritual thread that will speak to many. And as usual, Basham delivers her romance sprinkled with laughter. OH! And I have to mention that Basham was recently touted as The Queen of Swoony, and after reading even one of her books, you'll know why:)

All together I loved this book and happily recommend it. You can purchase it here.

Happy reading, friends!