When Lily’s husband dies, she moves to the edge of a tiny village, settling into a solitary life, her only real company her brother and his family. A quiet life becomes her safe space, with no risk of getting hurt.
When her brother offers her spare room to his oldest friend, Jack, Lily’s reluctant – but knowing how much she owes her family, can’t say no.
A lodger takes some getting used to but to her surprise, Lily begins to enjoy Jack’s company. Slowly but surely, Jack encourages Lily to step outside her comfort zone.
But taking risks means facing the consequences, and telling people how she really feels, means Lily might have to face losing them. But as the saying goes - you only live once - and being brave could mean Lily gets a second chance at love…
Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/35j7r0T
Review
This is a bittersweet angsty romance about emerging from the shadow of grief. Poor Lily has been happy enough pottering her widowhood away, but her brother offers her spare room to an old friend (cheeky!). Lily once had a thing for Jack but she's gotten very used to the safety of solitude.
I'd better set out a warning for the traumatic loss of a spouse and some suicidal ideation - despite the cheerful cover there's some heavy stuff in here. Lily starts the story as a successful recluse, having withdrawn to grieve. Her brother and sister-in-law have a bad habit of ignoring her boundaries and shoving her outside her comfort zone. Their love and care is touching but isn't the only way to support someone who is grieving - and Jack joins in almost as soon as he moves in. Fortunately, with their encouragement and support, Lily starts to face the world again.
I enjoyed the slowly growing friendship between Lily and Jack as they got to know one another again. Lily is witty and always ready to skewer Jack with a one-liner; Jack is ready to give as good as he gets and is more than able to stand his ground. I absolutely adored how his skills matched what Lily needed - and the restoration of her garden in line with the rebuilding of her life. Clive is, of course, adorable, as can only be expected of a golden retriever.
Best enjoyed in view of a garden - well tended or otherwise! If you're looking for a romance with a bit more emotional weight, come give this one a try.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own
Author Bio
Maxine Morrey is a bestselling romantic comedy author with twelve books to her name including #NoFilter and Things Are Looking Up. She lives in Dorset.
Social Media Links
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MaxineMorreyAuthor
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/Scribbler_Maxi/
Newsletter Sign Up https://bit.ly/MaxineMorreyNews
Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maxine-morrey
No comments:
Post a Comment