When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map–and hopefully restore her disgraced family name. But she’ll need help to do it.

As a foster kid, Luke Johnson never truly felt he belonged. Now he has a chance to earn his place in his hometown. But he doesn’t anticipate how his relationship with Hannah will set into motion events that reveal the truth about who he is–and who he was.

^^^Back cover blurb from You Belong with Me, by Tari Faris

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What can I say? I loved, loved, LOVED this book! (I don’t say that about everything I read, but this book was something special.)

Tari Faris is a gifted author. As a former English teacher, it isn’t uncommon for me to be distracted by grammar and writing mechanics (even in published books with good plots). I’m happy to say that DIDN’T happen here! Her use of language and grammar allowed me to sink into the story (undistracted) as Tari painted relatable characters in a charming setting.

While reading, one of the first things that jumped out at me was the dialogue. It was so REAL. I was blown away by how natural the conversations seemed, each portraying the feeling/relationship of the participating characters.

I especially liked the interactions between two of the protagonists: Hannah and Luke. Their friendship is so fun…so real (to use that word again). I could totally see friends interacting this way.

It was a delight to find more than one story happening in the cozy town of Heritage. Tari addressed several issues/heart struggles people could be facing through two love stories (and made it seem effortless to do so). More character perspectives means more opportunity for connection, and this book follows four characters.

Tari incorporates meaningful life lessons about God, which I love! (Pastor Nate, by the way, seems great.) One topic in particular really touched me—a topic I wasn’t expecting to find within these pages, but God used it to speak to me.

I’m not sure if this review does You Belong with Me justice, but I sure hope it does. 😊 If you like inspirational romance (and even if you’re on the fence about it), I strongly encourage you to read this book. I loved it…did I say that? From the setting and the characters, to the lessons and the presence of God, it was a delight.

***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***