adventuresofaliterarynature's review against another edition
5.0
Another amazing and beautiful book from the talented Courtney Walsh!! I’m a relatively new fan (only read my first novel of hers in October) but this is my fifth book of hers and she has officially become one of my favorite authors!
I not-so-patiently awaited this book’s arrival in my mailbox and when it came I immediately set aside my current read (sorry not sorry) and dove in.
I was completely in love with both Grady and Quinn. Grady had a lot of work to do, but I loved watching him strive to be a better man and was cheering for him all the way. He always did life fast and his own way never listening or caring what others had to say but then Harbor Pointe forces him to slow down and Quinn gives him a reason to be better. His transformation throughout the book was one of my favorite parts and by the end he really was someone to admire!
Quinn is stuck, she does life by the book, and doesn’t deviate from the plan of how she thinks her life should go. Until Grady. It was such fun to watch him push her out of her normal little by little. They were as opposite as you can get but in all the right ways that complimented and challenged the other.
I absolutely loved revisiting Harbor Pointe and it’s become one of my favorite fictional towns. I love all the various townspeople and the unique flair they each brought. Especially Quinn’s Dad and the judge.
Also loved the whole Olympics aspect of the story since I’m a bit of an Olympics junkie!
I devoured this story and could stop reading because I just had to see how it would all work out! I can’t recommend Courtney’s books enough and this one is beyond amazing!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I not-so-patiently awaited this book’s arrival in my mailbox and when it came I immediately set aside my current read (sorry not sorry) and dove in.
I was completely in love with both Grady and Quinn. Grady had a lot of work to do, but I loved watching him strive to be a better man and was cheering for him all the way. He always did life fast and his own way never listening or caring what others had to say but then Harbor Pointe forces him to slow down and Quinn gives him a reason to be better. His transformation throughout the book was one of my favorite parts and by the end he really was someone to admire!
Quinn is stuck, she does life by the book, and doesn’t deviate from the plan of how she thinks her life should go. Until Grady. It was such fun to watch him push her out of her normal little by little. They were as opposite as you can get but in all the right ways that complimented and challenged the other.
I absolutely loved revisiting Harbor Pointe and it’s become one of my favorite fictional towns. I love all the various townspeople and the unique flair they each brought. Especially Quinn’s Dad and the judge.
Also loved the whole Olympics aspect of the story since I’m a bit of an Olympics junkie!
I devoured this story and could stop reading because I just had to see how it would all work out! I can’t recommend Courtney’s books enough and this one is beyond amazing!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
jillie's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
ugh I cannot figure out how I feel about Courtney Walsh’s books! Hometown Girl was okay- frustrating at times, but I still think about the town & characters. If For Any Reason was an incredible read & probably one of my favorites of the year.
This one was such a chore to get through. It’s a shame because it actually has some decent faith content, but the main characters were unlikeable & I personally didn’t think they should be together. It was repetitive (it felt like there were literal sentences copied & pasted multiple times throughout) & downright annoying at times.
But because I enjoyed other books by her, this won’t be my last.
7/31/23 - 8/3/23
This one was such a chore to get through. It’s a shame because it actually has some decent faith content, but the main characters were unlikeable & I personally didn’t think they should be together. It was repetitive (it felt like there were literal sentences copied & pasted multiple times throughout) & downright annoying at times.
But because I enjoyed other books by her, this won’t be my last.
7/31/23 - 8/3/23
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Addiction and Alcoholism
kookie9200's review against another edition
3.0
This book was...okay. It lacked grit and tension, and I felt that the ending was a little too pat to be believable. I found Quinn to be an inconsistent character, one minute being rude and inconsiderate of anyone that didn't fit the mold of her life and then talking about how her faith should make her be a better person. I found her to be a bit waspish and at times judgemental, and it made it hard to truly like her. Any time she was confronted with a problem, or something she didn't like, she pulled away. After a while it was monotonous.
Overall, the book was passable. The major arc of the story kept me involved, even if I didn't always like the characters.
Overall, the book was passable. The major arc of the story kept me involved, even if I didn't always like the characters.
colem4482's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic heartwarming story about second chances and never giving up. This book game me all the feels!
meezcarrie's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
“Sometimes, Quinn, we have to get out of our comfort zone in order to see what else God has for us.”
Oh how I love Courtney Walsh’s novels, and Just Let Go is one of my new faves! Authentically flawed (even the Christians – gasp!), real characters whose weekly brunch you absolutely want to crash, people you want to hang out with as friends. A quaint town with shops you want to visit and a Winter Carnival you’re itching to attend. A gentle-but-convicting (and not preachy) message about letting go of our illusion of control and placing our lives in God’s hands.
Has anyone claimed Grady as their next book boyfriend yet? Because if not, I call dibs. He’s swoony and endearing and flirty, and his ‘devil-may-care-bad-boy’ facade masks the vulnerability and inadequacy that’s been building in his heart for a long while. He’s the antithesis of the “typical” (whatever that means) “Christian” hero, but there is something in him that is completely lovable. Especially when he begins to allow God in. And he’s the perfect counterpart for Quinn’s predictable, no-risks personality – a wall she’s built around her own vulnerability and hurt. Together, these two just may break down each other’s walls – if they don’t kill each other first! Cue some fabulously delightful Grady-has-fun-riling-Quinn scenes and a sizzling kiss or two (or three or… ) and I’m all a-swoon. Especially as the cracks in each facade begin to widen and crumble – Walsh does a wonderful job with their conversations as they slowly open up to one another, perhaps as they never have anyone else. So tender.
I loved the cast of secondary characters as much as I loved Grady and Quinn, especially Gus (her dad) and his gang of friends. What a solid group of people that bring humor and heart to the story, exactly where and when it’s most needed. The importance of community is portrayed so beautifully here.
And oh how I can relate to Quinn, at least on some levels. I know what it’s like to avoid risks, to stick to the predictable. But I also know how life begins when you step outside of that tightly-held comfort zone and let God do His thing. Grady and Quinn both have control issues – and they both need to learn how to surrender that to the only One who is really in control. I loved that Walsh allowed Quinn – a Christian – to struggle with this element of faith. Because I’ve certainly been there, and I enjoy seeing characters who mirror my own battles , not just the more obvious ones that Grady faced. The ones that may not show up in a reckless lifestyle… just the opposite in fact … but are just as detrimental to our souls.
Bottom Line: Courtney Walsh has once again delivered a smartly-written romance with humor, a little heat, and a lot of heart. Her characters come alive on the page, and her message of letting go is organically woven into the story and touching. Swoonilicious kisses, grin-inducing flirting, and some truly romantic moments make this a must-read, and I wasn’t quite ready for it to end when it did. More, please!!! Perfect for fans of Becky Wade and Melissa Tagg, make sure this series is on your TBR pile!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
“Sometimes, Quinn, we have to get out of our comfort zone in order to see what else God has for us.”
Oh how I love Courtney Walsh’s novels, and Just Let Go is one of my new faves! Authentically flawed (even the Christians – gasp!), real characters whose weekly brunch you absolutely want to crash, people you want to hang out with as friends. A quaint town with shops you want to visit and a Winter Carnival you’re itching to attend. A gentle-but-convicting (and not preachy) message about letting go of our illusion of control and placing our lives in God’s hands.
Has anyone claimed Grady as their next book boyfriend yet? Because if not, I call dibs. He’s swoony and endearing and flirty, and his ‘devil-may-care-bad-boy’ facade masks the vulnerability and inadequacy that’s been building in his heart for a long while. He’s the antithesis of the “typical” (whatever that means) “Christian” hero, but there is something in him that is completely lovable. Especially when he begins to allow God in. And he’s the perfect counterpart for Quinn’s predictable, no-risks personality – a wall she’s built around her own vulnerability and hurt. Together, these two just may break down each other’s walls – if they don’t kill each other first! Cue some fabulously delightful Grady-has-fun-riling-Quinn scenes and a sizzling kiss or two (or three or… ) and I’m all a-swoon. Especially as the cracks in each facade begin to widen and crumble – Walsh does a wonderful job with their conversations as they slowly open up to one another, perhaps as they never have anyone else. So tender.
I loved the cast of secondary characters as much as I loved Grady and Quinn, especially Gus (her dad) and his gang of friends. What a solid group of people that bring humor and heart to the story, exactly where and when it’s most needed. The importance of community is portrayed so beautifully here.
And oh how I can relate to Quinn, at least on some levels. I know what it’s like to avoid risks, to stick to the predictable. But I also know how life begins when you step outside of that tightly-held comfort zone and let God do His thing. Grady and Quinn both have control issues – and they both need to learn how to surrender that to the only One who is really in control. I loved that Walsh allowed Quinn – a Christian – to struggle with this element of faith. Because I’ve certainly been there, and I enjoy seeing characters who mirror my own battles , not just the more obvious ones that Grady faced. The ones that may not show up in a reckless lifestyle… just the opposite in fact … but are just as detrimental to our souls.
Bottom Line: Courtney Walsh has once again delivered a smartly-written romance with humor, a little heat, and a lot of heart. Her characters come alive on the page, and her message of letting go is organically woven into the story and touching. Swoonilicious kisses, grin-inducing flirting, and some truly romantic moments make this a must-read, and I wasn’t quite ready for it to end when it did. More, please!!! Perfect for fans of Becky Wade and Melissa Tagg, make sure this series is on your TBR pile!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
betherin02's review against another edition
5.0
Full review on Faithfully Bookish
The author has skillfully crafted a relatable story which is simultaneously encouraging, challenging, practical, and entertaining.
Quinn Collins is firmly rooted in her small hometown and her comfort zone, both qualities I appreciate… in moderation. I love Quinn’s community and the way she is surrounded by her friends and family.
Grady Benson definitely has the arrogant professional athlete vibe going but oh, he is one intriguing character beneath the surface! He has setbacks and insecurities just like the rest of us with the exception of a much bigger audience.
Just Let Go‘s engaging plot and heartfelt message are spot-on. I highly recommend this story and look forward to the next installment of the Harbor Pointe series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
The author has skillfully crafted a relatable story which is simultaneously encouraging, challenging, practical, and entertaining.
Quinn Collins is firmly rooted in her small hometown and her comfort zone, both qualities I appreciate… in moderation. I love Quinn’s community and the way she is surrounded by her friends and family.
Grady Benson definitely has the arrogant professional athlete vibe going but oh, he is one intriguing character beneath the surface! He has setbacks and insecurities just like the rest of us with the exception of a much bigger audience.
Just Let Go‘s engaging plot and heartfelt message are spot-on. I highly recommend this story and look forward to the next installment of the Harbor Pointe series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
lawsam's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol and Injury/Injury detail
a_ab's review against another edition
Insufferable empty-headed drivel. But with frequent mentions of prayers and God, so it must be "spiritual". The book is so poorly written, it would be ridiculous to even mention characterizations - there are no characters in this book, only agenda points. A PowerPoint presentation would be a much more natural medium for this author.
I struggled through 20% and hit my patience limit.
I struggled through 20% and hit my patience limit.
melmo2610's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this book! It had been on my TBR since it's release and I am glad I finally got to it. The story was enjoyable and I really liked seeing familiar faces from Harbor Pointe!! Grady is a nice addition to the town. His story in coming to Harbor Pointe kind of reminded me of Lightening McQueen and his coming to Radiator Springs from the movie Cars-well known athlete who thinks he is all that and a bag of chips gets a reality check in a small town. That being said, this story hooked me from the beginning. Courtney wrote a great character in that even though I wanted to absolutely THROTTLE Grady at times, I still really liked him. That takes good writing to be able to do that. Highly recommend this read!