I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
More Than Friends by Denise Hunter Published by Thomas Nelson Incorporated on April 6, 2026
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Romance / General, Fiction / Romance / Clean & Wholesome, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / Firefighters, Fiction / Romance / General, Fiction / Women
Pages: 320
Format: eBook
Source: NetGalley
Amazon|Barnes&Noble|Goodreads
Who knew that returning home after a broken engagement could be the best decision you ever made Denise Hunter is back with another heartwarming contemporary romance with a sweet friends-to-more story, featuring a saltwater cowboy. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Hallmark movies.
Jenna Greene just ended things with her boyfriend . . . which also ended her career. (That's the risk a girl takes when her boyfriend doubles as her boss.) With no income and no job prospects in sight, Jenna is forced to return to her mother's house on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, to figure out what's next. And the timing couldn't be more perfect. Jenna's widowed mother has just returned from a cruise--with a brand-new boyfriend in tow. But there's something off about the guy. His story doesn't quite add up, and he keeps sneaking off to make suspicious phone calls and borrowing money from her too-trusting mother.
In search of some investigative help, Jenna turns to her childhood BFF, Tyson Parker, who lives and works in town. Still reeling from his wife's infidelity, Tyson is doing his best to heal from the pain of divorce. He's made a name for himself on the island as a volunteer firefighter and one of the much-admired saltwater cowboys who looks after Chincoteague's wild ponies. Oh, and he turned out to be more than a tiny bit attractive--besides being almost-too-good-to-be-true sweet and caring.
Growing up, the uber-competitive Jenna was always accepted as one of the guys. But things have changed between her and Tyson, and he's now looking at her through new eyes. Jenna suddenly feels like a leading lady on a movie set--only with way less composure.
But Jenna also has old wounds that make these new feelings seem fraught with peril. Is she willing to open her heart and see where love might lead Or will she let her hesitant heart hold her back
More Than Friends is a charming, can't-put-it-down romance, full of laugh-out-loud moments, tender emotion, and the kind of small-town warmth Denise Hunter does best. With its beloved friends-to-more arc, swoony yet grounded hero, and gentle thread of healing and hope, this story will have readers rooting for love on every page. If you're longing for a feel-good romance that blends heart, humor, and just enough mystery to keep you reading past your bedtime, More Than Friends is the perfect escape to Chincoteague Island.
While technically I chose this book as part of the Christian Fiction Reading Challenge book for July (yes, I know it’s April, but let’s roll on), I was so fortunate to be able to grab an ARC for it, so I’m hitting it up early for the release. It’s fine, I promise. It’s romance . . . pure and true romance without anything else to really carry it but more romance, so I had reservations because, well, my ancient black heart. There’s a subtle Nicholas Sparks vibe, with a hint of Runaway Bride (or potential fiancé or whatever) for me, and a good serving of ‘Misty of Chincoteague’ by Marguerite Henry (and if you didn’t read this as a child, what’s wrong with you . . . go read it!).
I’m really struggling with this review. I loved this book for all the reasons I normally only would like it. (I literally just scrolled Insta after writing that line because words hard.) Denise Hunter takes all the normal formula of a romance and then twists it around. You know you are getting the happy ending, I mean, isn’t that the point? But you also get a real story about real people trying to figure it all out in life and love. Two life-long friends who chose to take a chance at love despite all the reasons why they shouldn’t (her list was better). They know what they risk losing, they know it won’t work and can’t last, but that chemistry man . . . get’s you every time.
There’s a fun side quest with Jenna’s Mom’s own romance situation and oh, the ponies. That side quest took me back to childhood and added depth to the story for me. I felt the ending wrapped up a little too quickly . . . and too neatly, but honestly, I still loved it. I’d like to have them struggle more to get to their happily ever after, but that’s probably just cranky ole me. Honestly, for all the reasons I shouldn’t love this book, I’m here gushing just a little in my heart. Sometimes the too-perfect boy just needs to get the girl.
About Denise Hunter
Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 club and won awards such as The Holt Medallion Award, The Carol Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories, peopled with layered characters who struggle with real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the experience of falling in love vicariously through her characters and can expect a happily-ever-after sigh as they close the pages of her books.
In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking good coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband have raised three boys and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
Wanna share your thoughts? Leave a comment!