Reviewed by Lynn on
Angie Martinelli is heading back to the place she grew up with no job and no boyfriend after her cheating ex who is also her boss forces her to up sticks from her life in California and seek refuge in New England town she once called home. During a reunion with her friend, she has an embarrassing encounter with a guy who pays for her coffees when her card's declined highlighting her dire situation but giving her hope her circumstances are about to change for the better. With the sneaky 'help' of her friend, she lands a temporary job, but all isn't as it seems at the Westford Mall where she now works.
Sometimes, I felt the plot kept going in circles when one crisis led to another...I guess I'm more of a straight to the point reader and so this fact caught my attention more than others? Yet overall, I really enjoyed the narrative along with the protagonists, both of whom are relatable and likeable.
Learning to trust, not assuming things and been upfront are all issues faced by Angie and Nick Bower, however, when giving the benefit of the doubt and not presuming are better ways of dealing with situations. Of course, nothing is clear cut when interference throws everyone off guard, however, love finds its way and a happy ever after achieved.
The time-line is short and Angie and Nick's romance begins quickly but nothing feels forced as you feel these two people are destined to be together despite their pasts and recent hiccups. With the added inclusion of entertaining secondary characters, the overall effect is a heart-warming romance; a perfect book to read with a mug of cocoa or a glass of mulled wine.
This is my first novel by Ms Duncan and I'll definitely seek out for more of her contemporary romance books.
***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher HQ Digital via NetGalley***
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 28 September, 2019: Finished reading
- 28 September, 2019: Reviewed