Picking Up the Pieces continues Jordan's stories of veterans finding peace and love after their military career is over. Lance was a military cop who watched his unit die on a mission. He tried to return to a normal life by working as a cop in Richmond, but it wasn't for him. He moves to Baytown and becomes a bit of a recluse who stays at home making art from sea glass.
Jade is a 2nd grade teacher who collects sea glass to share with her students. She loves her job and her friends in Baytown. She has a chance encounter with Lance that does NOT go well. He is surly and rude to her immediately. However, she isn't willing to let him push her around and is determine to be kind and welcoming. They slowing start to get to know each other and Lance begins to realize his life, as he has been living it, isn't making him happy. He and Jade discover how much they have in common and its a sweet, normal relationship. You have the added mystery of a murder in town and Jade's tangental relationship to the murder. This kept me guessing and was mysterious enough to make the plot feel like it didn't drag along. You also have the dynamic of small town life that adds to the plot. The interesting people of the town make for a well rounded cast of characters!
My biggest issue with Picking Up the Pieces is similar to issues I have had with Jordan's books in the past-the dialogue can be corny at times. This could just be me being judgmental and jaded though. However, sometimes the dialogue has me rolling my eyes at the cheesiness.
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: ex-military, small town
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series
- Cliffhanger: no
- HEA: yes with epilogue
Claiming Alexis by Susan Stoker, Red Stone Security series by Katie Reus, Mae Day by Anne Conley...then you will probably like Picking Up the Pieces!
See full review on The Book Disciple