Dearborn (Woodland Creek) (Woodland Creek)

by Jenni Moen

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Willow our heroine is an empathy. She owns and runs a diner in Woodland Creek. I adored Willow from the start, and we quickly learn that despite her ability she is often lonely and craves normalcy.

Quinn Dearborn is a lifetime resident of Woodland Creek, who despite a chance at a promising football college career ended up joining the service. He has returned now a broken fragment of the confident young man he was. Quinn is struggling with PTSD and after months of promises, he finally joins his old high school friends for breakfast at the diner. His emotional state has a physical effect on Willow and she in turn calms him just with her presence.

Moen did a wonderful job of introducing us to the characters. I adored Willow’s friends and the banter between them. A grumpy old man who dines at the diner and hates small talk offered clues to helping Willow and Quinn. Quinn was sexy and adorkable all at the same time. The two of then experienced some bumps, but none of the drama was drawn out making their relationship feel genuine.

The tale that unfolds offered a wonderful, slow-building romance wrapped in a mystery surrounding Quinn. Woodland Creek is a fascinating town, as are the supernatural families who reside there. Once I slipped into the story, I never wanted to leave. The climactic reveal and final scenes had me twisted in a knot, holding my breath and crossing my fingers. It was brilliant and while foreshadowing gave us subtle clues the how and why came together effortlessly. The ending left me with a smile and wanting more stories set in this world.

Dearborn offered a delightful tale in a world I would love to visit repeatedly.

Copy provided by author. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer