Blank Canvas

by Mia Sparrow

The heart wants what it wants, even when plans get in the way. Cora Gardener is following The Plan to the letter. She moved across the country. Became a paralegal. Studied for law school entrance exams. Check, check, and check. Everything her boyfriend wants. Almost. Turns out, Gary is cheating, and Cora’s heart doesn’t just want to reject The Plan, it wants to obliterate it. One whirlwind move later, Cora tumbles into East Edge to start on a fresh blank canvas, unencumbered by other’s expectations for the very first time. Unfortunately, even No Plan comes with its share of obstacles. Right when she’s settling in, Cora runs into a man she thought was gone forever. Sparks fly. And Cora’s heart is torn in two. There’s more to Soren Smith than meets the eye. He has an ugly past. So ugly, he can’t risk letting anyone into the chaos teeming under his steady surface, especially Cora. She would end up as collateral damage in his never-ending storm. Soren already let her drift too close when they were younger, and there’s no way he could let his brother’s best friend cross those boundaries again. Even if he falls in love.

204 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2023

Reviews

[Heather Creeden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to see Mia put out another book her previous series was a favorite of mine. Blank Canvas doesn’t disappoint. I think we can all relate to Cora in some way I know I did and have dealt with having to start over and finding out that you wasted years with someone you thought you’d spend your life with to have that all flipped. Cora is way stronger then she thinks which we are all like that, unless your super human . Cora decided she wants to do what makes her happy and she does just that but is thrown off when a guy she once knew is suddenly standing in the park in her new town. Soren went through a lot in his early 20’s including the death of his brother and moved to East Edge to sober up and turn his life around. So the two of them ending up in the same small town maybe fate or will it blow up Cora and Soren’s life. The writing is very clear making this a great read, I would suggest to keep going as with most Mia novels everything comes together perfectly.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting Over . . .

Cora Gardener is about to learn a very difficult lesson. She has “The Plan” all mapped out to follow step by step what her boyfriend wants from her. She moved across the country for him and aimed her career into exactly what he wanted. And then she found him cheating on her. Settling down in East Edge for a new start, she intends to recreate her life the way she wants to see it and not to someone else’s specifications.

Then she sees someone from her past, Soren Smith, and he doesn’t want her to be inadvertently hurt by him. He has had tragedy in his life and coming back here was to get himself on the right path again. But with the both of them trying to find a new way to move forward and find happiness, could making that journey together lead them to a HEA at last?

[Mary Mutisya-Astin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cora gets the shock when she comes home early from work one day but ceases the opportunity to start again. She has always wanted to pursue her art more seriously but her current life did not allow her to colour outside of the lines.

East Edge is the small town she ends up in and life is great. Then she sees a blast from the past that shakes her world up in more ways than one.

Cora and Soren’s story is a heavy one steeped in regret and pain but their love story is worth the wait. Wonderful characters and a quaint little artists haven of a town to set them in.

Loved this and can’t wait to see what happens in Wade’s book next.

I read this book voluntarily for an honest review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Cora's well-made plan is shattered, she is devastated and as a result uproots herself to start anew by moving to East Edge. Determined to put herself first and not be encumbered by others ideals she runs into Soren. Sparks ignite between them, but Soren has a past that he doesn't want to involve Cora with. Will their second encounter bring them both the happiness they deserve. This story drew me in and kept me glued to the pages to see how Soren and Cora's relationship ends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Soren and Cora’s journey. Cora is a paralegal who moves across county for a fresh start, and Soren has a horrible past, and when these two meet the sparks fly. This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, regrets, heartbreak, turmoil, and love, which leads to an entertaining small-town romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annarisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

What I like:

1. Love how Cora take the leap after being cheated by her boyfriend.

What I dislike:

1. I'm just not so keen on the writer writing style.