First grade teacher Sofie, preparing for her first day, meets cartographer Cal as he brings Phoebe to school. There’s an instant attraction, but Sofie knows better than to put her brand-new teaching job in jeopardy by dating a student’s father. What’s a girl who’s wishing for a bit of romance to do?

By turns funny, a bit sarcastic, and definitely cute, this novella packs an overabundance of clever charm into a few pages. The characters are well-drawn and believable, as is the situation in which they find themselves. [And there’s even a moral here: always communicate with each other and never make assumptions.]

As the story unfolds, Sofie makes a heartbreaking decision and it looks as if there will not be a happily ever for her. But there’s a surprise for Sofie [and for the reader] in this endearing novella that is part comedy, part romance, and entirely unputdownable.

Highly recommended. ( )