E-ARC Book Review and Discussion Questions: Come As You Are by Jess K. Hardy

Are you ready for a captivating journey into the fictional world of Bluebird Basin? Jess K. Hardy leads us through a spellbinding narrative in the first book of the Bluebird Basin series, Come As You Are. As an advanced reader copy (ARC) reader, I had the privilege of diving into this heartwarming story and exploring the depths of its characters and themes.

Come As You Are by Jess K. Hardy

Book Overview

Come As You Are by Jess K. Hardy

Publisher: Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op

Series: Book 1 of 2 in the Bluebird Basin Series

Genres: Adult Romance, Contemporary Fiction

Recommended ages: 18+

Netgalley shelf e-book novel page count: 301

Published: 2022, Available for purchase now.

Thank You to Netgalley, author, and publisher for sending me a digital e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

Ashley Cooke, 46, is battling with everything she has to salvage the struggling ski hill her father founded and worked tirelessly to transform into a thriving and inviting ski and snow relaxing environment for all. Ashley hires men from Little Timber, a local sober living home for recovering addicts, to help out and contribute to the season's cost savings. She did not expect to become distracted and fall for Matthew Madigan, the owner and leader of Little Timber, who, as a 53-year-old recovering addict, has dedicated his life to helping other addicts get their lives back on track. Ashley faces mounting financial difficulties, an ex-husband who is doing everything he can to acquire her ski hill and win her back, and Matthew is attempting to keep his men clean and on track while dealing with his own history and problems. Will these two be able to overcome their pasts, current struggles, worries, insecurities, and fears, and perhaps rediscover love, hope, and strength?

Content Notes: Addiction, divorce, grieving the loss of a parent, a gaslighting ex, a tough connection with a parent, and overcoming the fear of not being good enough to receive and give love again.

Review

Date Started: June 26th, 2024 Finished: July 2nd, 2024 

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  The cover is vivid, well-drawn, and accurately depicts the characters, scene, and tale. The map in the book is lovely and looks like a marketing map for a park or ski resort. The narrative contains elements of humor, realism, romance, sadness, and reflection, which made me laugh, smile, cry, and feel and reflect with the characters. The characters are all so relatable, charming, and well-developed that you feel as if you are right beside them, developing with them on their adventures. The plot was brilliantly written, well-developed, and had a few minor plot twists that added mystery and intrigue to the story, making it even more engaging. The writing was beautiful, realistic, and inventive, which made it easy to identify with the characters and immerse oneself in the plot and environment. The characters, events, and plot drew me in from the first page, and I wish I could have read it all in one night, but I couldn't.

The humor is well-done, and it serves to alleviate the stress and difficult periods in the book while helping readers laugh alongside the characters. There are so many relatable moments for various people, such as worrying about how one will pay their bills, feeling like life has taken you on a rollercoaster you did not agree to ride, grieving a parent, having a difficult time in life but doing your best to get back on track for yourself and loved ones. I appreciate how on the cover and in the book, it is mentioned that Madigan has fear and hope tattooed on his hands, which to me felt like a nod and warning to not let fear control you or overwhelm optimism for a brighter future. I adored and enjoyed Madigan's brother and parent-type banter, as well as his bond with the men from Little Timber. Their friendships were entertaining, witty, relatable, and admirable. Ashley's connection with her daughter Davis and mother, Maude Alice, was relatable and reminded me of my own with my mother. Murphy the dog, despite being a minor character, plays a crucial role as a lovable sidekick who sets things in motion while also serving as a loving fur companion. I liked how Ashley and Madigan's romance progressed; it was realistic, amusing, and impressive in how they supported each other's journey to conquer their challenges, anxieties, and strive for their goals. The romance becomes a little spicy, hence the mature rating, but it contributes to the plot and character development rather than detracting from it, which I really loved.

Come As You Are by Jess K. Hardy is a beautifully written and developed book about overcoming obstacles, finding one's way again, moving on from the past, and learning to live in the present, as well as learning that things and people are not all the same and that it is okay to learn, give, and receive love again. Recommended for readers looking for a beautiful, amusing, and touching contemporary romance with two older main characters, a cute dog, sibling-like banter amongst friends, and more. This is the first novel in Jess K. Hardy's Bluebird Basin series; however, both may be read as standalones. I've already bought a digital copy of both volumes in the series, Come As You Are and Lips Like Sugar. I look forward to reading Lips Like Sugar and additional Jess K. Hardy works in the future.

Discussion Questions

To further delve into the themes and characters of Come As You Are , here are some discussion questions to ponder:

• How does the setting of Bluebird Basin contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story?

• In what ways do the characters' past struggles influence their present actions and relationships?

• How does the theme of forgiveness manifest throughout the book, and what lessons can be drawn from it?

• Which character resonated with you the most, and why?

• Did the plot twists and revelations surprise you, or did you anticipate them as the story unfolded?

Feel free to reflect on these questions as you immerse yourself in the world of Come As You Are and share your thoughts with fellow readers.

Come As You Are is a poignant tale of love, redemption, and second chances that will tug at your heartstrings and stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Hardy's debut novel in the Bluebird Basin series sets the stage for an enchanting journey filled with twists, turns, and the beauty of embracing one's true self.

So, grab a cozy blanket, brew a cup of tea, and lose yourself in the enchanting world of Bluebird Basin with Come As You Are. Happy reading!