Just the Way You Are (A Pleasant Gap Romance)

Just the Way You Are by Pepper D. Basham is the first book in the Pleasant Gap series. Eisley Barrett is a single mom who prefers to keep romance in the centuries-old mystery she is trying to uncover. When she travels to England to unearth a secret, she encounters Wes Harrison, an actor with a sordid past of his own. His past is one Wes is ashamed to admit. Becoming suspicious and cynical, he avoids all romantic entanglements. However, when he meets Eisley, he finds her authenticity and kindness warming his bitter heart. Eisley is also just as reluctant for romance but she finds herself drawn to Wes. When his past threatens to ruin their second chance at love, Wes and Eisley may need a little Appalachian magic and letters from the past may be able to salvage their romance.Just the Way You Are is my first book by Ms. Basham. Billed as a second chance romance with humor, love, and mystery, it was a mix of romantic comedy and adventure. I felt like this story missed the mark. I was more intrigued by the mystery than Wes and Eisley’s romance. I wish the mystery was more fleshed out and a bigger part of the story than just a vehicle for Wes and Eisley to meet. The culture clash between a Brit and an American was fun. I loved Eisley’s wonder as she saw the sights of London. I enjoyed the faith aspect, especially Wes’ commitment to his newfound faith. Overall, I enjoyed Just the Way You Are and I look forward to giving Ms. Basham’s books a chance. If you like fun, clean second chance romance, you may enjoy Just the Way You Are.Just the Way You Are is available in eBook and audiobook

I enjoyed this book because the characters were so entertaining. They had depth and their back stories came across as believable. I thought the plot was good even if it was a little far fetched. I loved that both main characters were trying to get their lives moving forward again after painful loss. I wish some of the threads that were talked about were developed a little more.But Eisley and Wes got their HEA, so I was happy.

This story is lovely, but hard to believe. An American from Virginia meets a movie star from England! But it turns out their story makes a beautiful love story. My favorite part was the way Eisley's father gave Wes such a hard time. And Wes matched him competition for competition. This is filled with humor, amazing kisses, and family love. I really enjoyed it.

Just the Way You Are (2017) by Pepper Basham is the first book in her Pleasant Gap Romance series. This book comes in all forms including eBook, and is 308 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very busy six-year old at home, this book took me two days to read. I purchased this novel from Amazon on October 21, 2018 to review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this book 5 STARS. Just the Way You Are is a Contemporary Christian Romance.So you know how you binge-watch TV series? Yeah, I just binge-read the Pleasant Gap Romance series by Pepper Basham. LOL!I recently read and LOVED When You Look at Me, book #2 in the Pleasant Gap Romance series. WYLAM is so amazing that I put my entire review schedule on hold so I could devour book #1 in this series, Just the Way You Are, because I could not bear to part with the characters from Pleasant Gap. I am officially Pepper Basham’s #1 fan because JTWYA and WYLAM are fabulous stories. The Pleasant Gap Romance series is without a doubt binge-worthy and should be read by all immediately. Now, I need a 3rd book on Sophie!!! Is that something I could look forward to Pepper?! Maybe?! Hopefully?!I love the premise to Just the Way You Are — a regular girl meets a handsome, popular, out-of-her-league boy. I wholeheartedly enjoy this premise because the girl really is the one who is out-of-his-league, but the guy doesn’t realize it at first. I love watching as the hero of these stories figures out just how wonderful the girl really is. And, being totally honest, I really enjoy the satisfaction I feel when the real girl turns out to be “the one” for the guy who can get any girl he wants. There is something so special about being that one unique person. This premise is so romantic and sweet to me, and Pepper Basham does this premise good! This may be one of the most romantic and sweet Contemporary Christian novels I’ve ever read.The best part of this book, for me, is the theme of forgiveness that is weaved throughout the entire narrative. What I really appreciate is the discussion about how hard it is to forgive ourselves and let go of the negative ticker-tape feed in our heads. I generally do not struggle with forgiving others, but forgiving myself is really hard. I will sit and stew over my mistakes and blunders. I will engage in debilitating self doubt, worry, and self-recrimination. I wonder things like, “How could God EVER forgive me?” or “How can I ever measure up again?” I logically know all of this is not good for me, but sometimes it is really hard for my heart to get on board. My most favorite moment came when Eisley speaks some real truth to Wes who is still struggling to forgive himself for mistakes and choices he made two years prior. Eisley confidently proclaims, “God loves you just the way you are. It’s amazing and humbling, and oh so wonderful for those of us who fall flat on our faces most days … and He forgives completely.” What a SMART woman! Eisley totally understands Psalm 103:12 — “As far as east is from the west, so far does [God] remove our transgressions from us.” What a great reminder for me today. I need to believe this truth like Eisley does!There is so much more I could discuss about this book, but I’m so in gush-mode that I know I would spoil something accidentally. Suffice to say, the plot is wonderful — highly engaging and thoroughly entertaining. Some of Eisley’s words and actions had me laughing so hard I cried a little. The characters are excellent. Eisley is strong, intelligent, unique, and so good. Wes is swoonalicious, loyal, and determined to be the man God and Eilsey need him to be. And the Jenkins family is AWESOME. They’re big, loud, tough, and so loving. And, the romance in this book is perfect. It never goes too far, but definitely leaves the reader satisfied. Overall, I adore Just the Way You Are. I cannot recommend this book enough. Get this book and When You Look at Me today — I know you will love every minute spent in Pleasant Gap!

I received a copy of this book.Sweet story and characters.Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

This was such a sweet, fun read. I love Eisley and Wes. The sweet twists and turns of their love woven in with the historical romance made it all the better. Great job Mrs. basham! (And yes the closet was the funniest/sweetest/hottest scenes ever!)

This is what happens when small-town girl goes to England to meet cousins! There are fun times and genealogy, castles, secrets from 500 years ago uncovered. She meets a wonderful guy who also has lots of secrets from his past…and he is trying to change his future because of his faith. Then when he visits her small town…wow! Delightful romance!

an enjoyable book

When you combine an American called Eisley and a Brit named Wes expect loads of sparks! This is an amazing novel and I loved every page. Eisley is a divorced single mum who comes over to England to do some research for her Uncle Joe. Her first incident happens when she's barely off the plane and manages to fall into, and knock over, an older man. Things don't look up when his son, Wes, comes along just after it happens. Turns out they're the ones coming to pick her up. Not a great first impression! This was an endearing romance with enough heat between the two of them for you to fully believe in their attraction and feelings for each other. I loved the theme of grace which was threaded through the story. Our new life begins when we come to faith in God but we can be shaped by our previous experiences and thoughts.This is a novel which shows how grace and love can change even the hardest of hearts. I loved it and am eager for more stories about the family. Be prepared to fall in love with Eisley, Wes and their families. Another thing to love is the interactions between parents, children and siblings. A true family affair which is unputdownable.

really enjoyed reading