Liz Johnson: On Love's Gentle Shore

By Kelly Bridgewater

Fifteen years after she left Prince Edward Island, Natalie O'Ryan had no plans to return. But when her fiancé, music producer Russell Jacobs, books their wedding in her hometown and schedules a summer at Rose's Red Door Inn, she sets out to put the finishing touches on the perfect wedding. But she can't possibly prepare for a run-in with Justin Kane--the best friend she left behind all those years ago after promising to stay.

Justin's never forgotten Natalie or the music career he always dreamed of pursuing. He'd been prepared to follow her off the island until his dad died and he was left to run the family dairy farm. He's done the best he can with the life that was thrust upon him--but with Natalie back in the picture, he begins to realize just how much joy he's been missing.

After Natalie's reception venue falls through, she must scramble to find an alternative, and the only option seems to be a barn on Justin's property. As they work together to get the dilapidated building ready for the party, Natalie and Justin discover the groundwork for forgiveness--and that there may be more than an old friendship between them.

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

I read Liz Johnson's first Prince Edward Island Dreams' book, The Red Door Inn, and really didn't like the novel, but I have been given a second chance to read Johnson's writing with On Love's Gentle Shore. I have to admit I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one. With vibrant characters and a wonderful plot idea, it was not hard to get lost in the story.

Johnson's writing is spot on. With a romance, there is a lot of internal dialogue and emotions traveling through the pages. The feelings jumped from Natalie's and Justin's perspective right into my imagination. I had no problem understanding Natalie's problems. Johnson did a good job at creating a setting that has continued throughout the series. The setting seemed peaceful and relaxful to enjoy a vacation from the hustle and bustle of normal life.

I enjoyed getting to know Natalie. I understand and empathized with her issues from her past. It must be horrible to have to deal with her parents. No wander she wanted to run away and never come back. But Natalie survived, even if she was living a lie to her fiancé Russell. I enjoyed watching her change and become a better person in the end of the novel. As for Justin, he was the best friend who became the love interest. I enjoyed seeing him show how much he loved Natalie and wouldn't let go over her. What a hero.

On Love's Gentle Shore is a unique yet predictable novel that I didn't mind spending a couple of hours with. The plot is basically Natalie planning her wedding in a town she ran away from when she was younger.

I believe fans of contemporary romance will enjoy this novel and should pick it up right away. Novels like Becky Wade, Irene Hannon, Johnnie Alexander, and Melody Carlson will enjoy sweet romance.

I received a complimentary copy of On Love's Gentle Shore by Liz Johnson from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars