Reviewer's Bookshelf: Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

Book Summary (from Goodreads): Maple Valley became Amelia Bentley's haven after her heart and her dreams of a family were shattered. But her new life as a newspaper editor is shaken when the small-town paper is in danger of closing. Her one hope: A lead on an intriguing story that just might impress the new publisher...if only she knew who he was.

After his biggest campaign success yet, widowed speechwriter Logan Walker now has the chance of a lifetime--a spot on a presidential campaign. But his plans are interrupted when he finds out he's inherited his hometown newspaper. He travels home intent on selling the paper and spending some much-needed time with his young daughter before making the leap into national politics.

But instead of a quick sale and peaceful break from his hectic career, Logan finds himself helping Amelia chase her story. She's scrappy, but wounded. He's dependable, but lost. They may butt heads more than expected, but a series of leads on Maple Valley's quirky unsolved mystery is just the start of the sparks that fly in the office and in their hearts.

My thoughts: As the second book in this series, it's not essential that you read the first one, but it does help to know some of the backstory of the characters, particularly the supporting characters.  Amelia and Logan's story is explored much more in-depth in this novel than the previous one.  I really enjoy the setting that Melissa Tagg has created, along with the people in it.  There is a warmth and support among the Walker family that is central to the small town of Maple Valley, and it seems every character in the story is either part of the family or affected in some way by them.  Amelia is no different.  Before she even meets Logan, she has a connection with his sister and has read his work (and loved it). Both she and Logan seem to have something to prove: Amelia wants to show that she can be successful at something whether it's a relationship, keeping the local newspaper intact, or solving the small town's mystery.  Logan wants to prove that he is a good father and that he can balance that with being a successful speech writer. Each character grows as their faith and personal lives are tested.  There are some mild romantic elements to the story as well.  For me, this wasn't a fast-paced, action packed story, but more like it's setting: a nice stroll through a quaint little town. I love the author's use of descriptive language and lines that just made me smile. Here are a few of my favorite quotes in the story:
"Stars glittered in clusters across the stretch of sky, like sequins on a satiny black dress." (Love the word picture!)
"He wasn't a bad-looking man any day, but tonight...well, he looked good, that's all.  If good meant a hundred kinds of attractive."<3 font="" this="">
"Why did he have to stand so close? Close enough he could probably smell her morning breath and hear her heart trying to punch its way out of her chest." : )
"Man, I don't think God is out to confuse us.  When multiple doors open up, maybe there's not a right and a wrong one.  Maybe sometimes God says, 'Dude, choose.'"

I enjoyed this novel!  If you like contemporary Christian fiction, very clean, you'll enjoy it, too.  Melissa Tagg is also on Instagram and Facebook...you should check her out.  I love seeing her posts and passion for what she does!

**I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in order to give an honest review, which is what I gave.**