Southern Charm by C.C. Urie: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

Calianna Grace doesn’t know how much longer she can tell herself that she doesn’t want more out of life. She works hard so she can stand on her own two feet, not wanting any charity from the close friends she has found over the years. She’s gotten used to working her many jobs and has become too comfortable in the stagnant relationship she developed during her time in Deadgrove. But it isn’t enough, and she knows sooner or later, something is going to go wrong if she doesn’t do something about it.

Holt Prescott is a con man on the run. After being discovered in a compromising situation by his boss, he is forced to flee the big city of New Lanta. Now not only is he on the run from the law but also the biggest mob boss New Lanta has ever seen. When his motorcycle breaks down in a dead-end town that doesn’t even have a stoplight, he knows he has officially hit rock bottom.

When Holt stumbles into the only restaurant in town, road weary and exhausted, he saves Cali from a nasty spill. Suddenly, the little town doesn't seem quite so boring anymore, and Cali finds herself wishing that it was. She decides that the best course of action is to avoid the handsome, smooth talking stranger, and Holt decides that he only wants her. While trying to get enough money to replace the part he needs for his motorcycle, he does what he can to get a job working alongside Cali. However, the job she gets him at the church doesn't quite turn out the way he expects. After spending more time together, Holt learns that Cali is more than a pretty face, and Cali realizes that Holt isn’t the man she first assumed he was. Between church services and getting ready for the harvest party, their feelings for each other slowly start to change. But when Holt’s past comes to call, will the two of them be strong enough to face it? Or will Holt’s past sins ruin their lives before they can even start?

Book Review

Gritty Christian fiction with small-town autumn vibes and just the right amount of danger/suspense? Um, yes please! This one has been on my TBR for a bit, and my only regret is that I'm just now reading it... it was so good. I enjoyed the chemistry between Cali and Holt right from the start, but let's be honest... in the beginning, Holt was definitely not the type of MMC most of us would expect in a Christian romance. In fact, you might start reading this and question if it is a Christian romance at all, as there is a lot of lust and objectification... and honestly, you might be uncertain whether to continue but I encourage you to do so because... oh what a beautiful story of redemption it turned out to be! Is it messy? Yes. Are the characters imperfect? Absolutely. Are they going to say/think some things that might make you a little uncomfortable? Maybe. But in seeing where Holt started from, as unlikable as that might be at times, it also allows us to see God working on him... and that is something I loved even more than the romance! I love seeing Christian romance that isn't afraid to take on the hard stuff and show real life struggles that both Christian and non-Christian alike struggle with, and I thought this one did so very well, ultimately pointing readers back to God. I find myself very much looking forward to what is going to happen next in the series...I can't wait. 

Southern Charm is a Christian romance with kisses only, though there is some innuendo and non-detailed mentions of past experience. There is also very minimal minor language.


You can purchase your copy here: https://link.amazon/B013qQgOS