Jennifer Bardsley

This was really a sweet small town romance. Noelle is a young widow and mother and Peter is her coworker who has feelings for her. A big part of the story also involves a Facebook group Skagiton moms and their posts. There is a large group of characters to keep track of. The blurb says this is a lighthearted romance, but it definitely deals with many heavy subjects. Both Noelle and Peter have had difficulties in their past that they have succesfully overcome. They are so sweet, almost too sweet and bland for my taste. I would have appreciated some rough edges. Nevertheless I had a good time reading this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for a copy of this book.… (mais)

If you haven’t laid hands on the book yet, here’s your clue to stop reading. This review has spoilers.

Have you heard about one of those books that have you hooked from the first sentence? Yes, this was the book for me. The initial plot wasn’t generic, but it was intriguing until it wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong, the book is great, once you follow the plot. But initially, uh-oh, no. When Andrea’s emotional turmoil and the tragedy that struck her family are talked about, I enjoyed it. It connected to me so well, I almost cried in the first chapter. Enters Cade, hot, handsome, useful, married. I mean, I’m totally against cheating but it would’ve made a great plot. But then it goes downhill and boom, present Cade the villain.

Okay, I might be a tad bit dramatic but that was the only reason I took off a star. The plot is beautiful as is, but I couldn’t connect to the rest of the story as much as I did with the first chapter. I adore Dustin and Andrea, and no, I do not wish Cade would be the hero or anything, but the emotional depth of the book was lost somewhere along the way. Undoubtedly, Dustin and Andrea make a great couple and they are #couplegoals. But the writing style did not make me feel as much as the first chapter did.

I love the book, really. Especially how adorable Jane and Kendal are, but I feel most pity for Leanne. She acted foolish, yes, and she had enablers all around, yes again, she was spoilt, omg yes, but she had her struggles too. She wanted Cade even if he’d hurt her because she didn’t want her children to live without their father. Yes, she hid her family matters from her siblings, but then it was her, who had to live with a good-for-nothing husband and struggle for her kids.

Andrea, however, I feel happy for her in almost all ways except the siblings' part. The epilogue or at least some chapter should’ve suggested that she’s as close to Karlsson siblings as Dustin is to them. I know they are family and would stick with her if need be, but a deeper bond with them (apparent to us, not that she couldn’t have had it without being written in direct words) would’ve probably gotten that star back. Anyhow, the book is amazing and I can’t wait for people to fall in love with it the way I did.… (mais)