Provenance

 Title: Provenance

Author: Carla Laureano

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christian Fiction

Source: Net Galley

My Review:

I love the cover of this book and thought the top of the cover had cobwebs on it (it doesn't look closer). I love the picture of the town, it's beautiful with its vivid colors.

I had to look up what Provenance means because I was not sure. It means origin or source and I cannot think of a more fitting title for this book. The cover is perfect for the story as well, and in case you are not sure, it is not cobwebs, but hopefully, you will read this story and figure out the significance of what it is!

The characters and plot were well thought out and executed. The story flowed smoothly with several unexpected scenes and revelations. From the small-town charm (I love small towns!), the slow development of the relationship between Kendall and Gabe, the witty banter, true friendships, and the theme of provenance, you do not want to miss this story. It will give you all kinds of feels and even goosebumps at times.

I was not ready for the book to end where it did, but, the author was kind enough to provide a link to the epilogue, which I recommend taking the time to read as well. My only wish is that the epilogue had been included in the actual story. Provenance is not part of a series, but the town and characters do lend themselves to future stories, should the author be led in that direction.

Thank you to Net Galley and Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

★★★★/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

From two-time RITA Award-winning author Carla Laureano comes a story of romance, transformation, and the beauty of belonging.

 Los Angeles interior designer and former foster kid Kendall Green is in high demand, both for her impeccable eye and for her uncanny ability to uncover the provenance of any piece. But for all her success, skyroTycketing costs have put her California home and her business in jeopardy. Then an unexpected inheritance provides a timely solution: a grandmother she never knew has left her a group of historic properties in a tiny Colorado town on the edge of ruin.

To young, untried mayor Gabriel Brandt, Jasper Lake is more than another small town--it's the place that saved his life. Now, seeing the town slowly wither and die, he's desperate to restore it to its former glory. Unfortunately, his vision is at odds with a local developer who wants to see the town razed and rebuilt as a summer resort. He's sure that he can enlist the granddaughter of one of its most prominent former citizens to his cause--until he meets Kendall and realizes that not only does she know nothing of her own history, she has no interest in reviving a place that once abandoned her.

In order to save his beloved town, Gabe must first help Kendall unravel the truth of her own provenance--and Kendall must learn that in order to embrace the future, sometimes you have to start with the past.