Book Description:
From beloved author Betsy St. Amant comes an enemies to more, Hatfields and McCoys swoon-worthy contemporary romance set in a small beach town that reminds us that true love is worth fighting for.
Noah Hebert recently inherited the Blue Pirogue Inn—along with all its problems. He needs money to keep his beloved childhood home from being shut down by his family’s longtime nemesis, Isaac Bergeron. So when Noah’s lawyer approaches him about an additional segment of his late grandfather’s will, it’s just in the nick of time. But even from beyond the grave, his grandfather is up to his usual games. In order to receive the last portion of inheritance, Noah must follow the clues. But there’s one condition…
Magnolia Blossom Cafe manager Elisa Bergeron is shocked to discover an acquaintance from the local Puzzlers Club left her something in his will—and even more surprised to discover they are clues to a portion of his estate. When she learns she must work with introverted inn-owner Noah Hebert to solve the puzzle, she’s torn. Growing up in the middle of a multi-generational feud between their families, she’s been taught by her father Isaac that Heberts can’t be trusted.
When these two exes must work together to save their future, will love get a second chance or will the longstanding family feud claim another generation?
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading Where I Found You, the first book in Betsy St. Amant’s Magnolia Bay contemporary romance series set in a coastal Louisiana small town. Noah spent his childhood in Magnolia Bay and relocated to Shreveport after his parents divorced. He loved spending summer vacations in Magnolia Bay with his paternal grandfather at their family owned Blue Pirogue Inn.
Noah recently inherited the inn from his grandfather and he’s only back in Magnolia Bay to facilitate the necessary repair work to reopen it. He has actively avoided seeing Elisa—the girl he once dated and can’t forget.
Elisa manages the Magnolia Blossom Cafe. She graduated from culinary school and put aside her dreams of opening her own restaurant when her mother, who used to cook at the cafe, passed away. Elisa is emotionally attached to the cafe and its big-hearted owner, Mama Delia. Elisa has heard that Noah is back in town and assumes he’s avoiding her. She’s reluctant to see him and dig up past hurts from their failed romance.
Elisa’s father is the town building inspector who can’t stand Noah and his family. Twelve years ago, the multigenerational feud between their families contributed to Elisa and Noah’s romance ending.
The meet cute between Noah and Elisa is awkward, embarrassing, and amusing for the townsfolk who witnessed it. Noah and Elisa aren’t happy when a stipulation in Noah’s grandfather’s will forces them to work together to solve a puzzle that will unlock a portion of Noah’s inheritance. They search for clues and can’t ignore the underlying attraction that’s pulling them closer. I loved seeing how their romance developed as they overcame past issues and challenging family dynamics.
There were many hilarious moments and hijinks as they raced against the clock to solve the puzzle mystery. The quirky side characters were delightful and added to the small town charm. I appreciated how the faith threads in the story came together in a satisfying story resolution.
I recommend When I Found You to contemporary romance readers who like childhood sweetheart enemies-to-more second chance romances with an intriguing puzzle mystery and a relevant faith element in the story.
Many thanks to JustRead Tours and Sunrise Publishing for the advanced reader copy.
