I really enjoyed this clean, Love-Inspired Romance. I voluntarily chose to review this story and I've given it a 4.7* rating. There were a couple of slow spots but for the most part, it read pretty fast. Also a note to the reader, about the mother's illness. It's well worth reading also. ( )

Hometown Healing is a heartwarming coming home story about finding second chances. I enjoyed this novel by Jennifer Slattery as I settled into the Southern small-town charm of Sage Creek.
I loved the themes of healing and weathering hardship in this book and how Paige discovers perfection shouldn’t be her goal since real-life is far from perfect. Instead, the story emphasizes that clinging to faith and loved ones are what makes life worthwhile. Paige and Jed's story definitely gives you misty eyes a time or two.
Paige was deemed stubborn by more than one character, and her mule-headed nature was frustrating at times. But her poor wounded heart was eventually laid bare, and her behavior made more and more sense. I loved her transformation from the beginning of the story to the end. And little Ava is a doll.
Jed is a hunky cowboy, to be sure. But I loved his gentle nature, and how he was willing to risk his heart for Paige. I mean, he mowed his grandmother's yard every week! Sigh.
The dinner theater renovations were a blast, and it was so much fun to see all the work Jed and Paige put into it. Now, I want to get tickets for a local show!
If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction/romance, you will enjoy this sweet story. Take a chance on this book full of second chances! You won’t regret it.

I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

A sweet, sweet story that left me smiling, Hometown Healing by Jennifer Slattery has small-town romance, coupled with plenty of second chances, forgiveness, and a fun dinner-theater setting.

Paige Cordell returns to her hometown—but only temporarily. Jed Gilbertson, of course, has other hopes for Paige. As they work together, hurts from the past lay between them, and he needs a lot of patience and perseverance to work his way back into her heart—and convince her to stay.

Paige and Jed have chemistry from the start, and it becomes easier and easier to cheer them toward love with each new emotional detail the story shares. I so enjoyed seeing their growth throughout their romance, and I’m sure other fans of contemporary romance will, too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book 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. ( )

There were several times in Hometown Healing I didn’t like Paige much. The cold shoulder and brush off she continues to give Jed had me feeling for the guy. Yet, the way Jennifer Slattery lays out Paige’s backstory had me changing my mind about her, and even rooting for her happily ever after, by the end of the book. The wall Paige has built around herself to protect her heart seems impenetrable but with Jed’s persistence and tenacity to reach his former best friend, cracks are formed.

While Paige had some issues, I loved the setting of this story. The dinner theater was a fun angle as I got to go along for the ride in what is involved in setting up an event venue like this. From the food to the décor to the script, I felt like I was right there in the decision making.

Hometown Healing is about tearing down walls and letting go of past hurts in order to built something stronger and long-lasting with the people who matter most. Add in a meddling mother and grandmother, and an adorable three-year-old, and you’ve got a sweet read with moments of fun mixed in with a truth-divulging message.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Any story with the elements this one has, are usually on my radar:

* Small Towns (particular Texas, as I was born there)

* Handsome Cowboy(s)

* Single Moms with Small Kid(s) (particularly with daughters, as I was raised from the age of 4 by my mom)

So, I HAD to buy it!

This is one of those “second-chance romance” stories, complete with misunderstandings, trust issues, and self-doubts.

This is the first book of Jennifer Slattery’s I have read, and she has an amazing way of writing out the realistic nature and the consequences of rumors, extramarital affairs, rejection, fear, and tragedy.

But, the author also has the element of hope, forgiveness, and redemption.

Paige has been hurt three times:

* Her father leaving
* Believing her high school sweetheart was unfaithful
* An unfaithful husband who divorced her

On top of all that life has brought her way – she then loses her job and has to move back home with her mother, who also has some “health problems” with no medical explanation.

Paige is there temporarily though, hoping to get back to Chicago. Running into her high school sweetheart complicates things.

It was easy to see why Paige was so wounded, and in turn, mistrustful. Watching as she navigated her feelings and past with Jed was not only heart-wrenching, but frustrating.

This was a guy who clearly was trying to show he had changed – and that what she thought had happened, hadn’t. My heart broke for him as he tried repeatedly to get her to see the real truth.

In addition, Paige was harboring some resentment or grudge for a comment a mean girl had said in high school. So, I could see where things were awkward for her as well. Her fear of not wanting to be hurt, yet again, was causing her to push people away. I could definitely relate to that at one time.

Jed’s grandmother was a source of hope and inspiration throughout. Even when she knew that Paige’s mom wasn’t really sick, the woman was still friendly and didn’t enable her. I truly enjoyed Mrs. Tappen and felt she was the strongest character in the book.

Slattery’s realistic writing of Paige’s mom was so vivid; it was as if I could see this woman in person. It was a character that could’ve been someone I knew. The reader could easily see where Paige and her mother’s relationship was strained.

The shock was the scandal involving Jed’s father. The writer even made us feel sorry for Jed’s mother who had snubbed Paige.

For the Love Inspired line, there was some semblance of faith, but it wasn’t over done. I would state that it was mild on faith, while keeping it present.

There were a few typos that caused some confusion.

Without spoiling it, on pages 166/167, there were typos regarding Jed’s mother being addressed. There were five (5) instances of Jed’s mother being referred to as Mrs. Cordell (which is Paige’s mother), not Mrs. Gilbertson (Jed’s mother).

Overall, this was an emotional story. One that was full of hope and redemption. ( )