The Difference a Day Makes

Perfect, Indiana #2

by Barbara Longley

Ryan Malloy has lost it all. After his fiancée dies in a tragic accident, he enlists in the army, only to lose his best friend in a roadside bombing. Wracked with guilt and grief, Ryan finds life unbearable—until a job offer from his former commander gives him a glimmer of hope. And in the tiny town of Perfect, Indiana, the man who thought he had nothing left to live for meets the only woman who can tempt him into risking his battered heart one last time...

Paige Langford has it all: wealth, beauty, and ambition. Yet when her boyfriend’s betrayal leads to the loss of her job and her reputation, she retreats to her brother’s rural Indiana home to regroup. There she meets Ryan Malloy, a gruff, hard-drinking loner whose surly temper can’t hide the haunted misery in his eyes. He is everything Paige never wanted, yet he may be exactly what she needs—if only they can overcome their personal demons to forge a love strong enough to save them both.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Military Romance

321 pages, Paperback

First published April 23, 2013

About the author

Barbara Longley graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education/Human Relations, and holds a Master’s in Ed./SLD from the University of Minnesota. When the integration district where she taught dissolved in 2015, she transitioned into writing full time. Ms. Longley is listed on RWA’s Honor Roll of Bestselling Authors, and her books have garnered many awards, including a Maggie, the Holt Medallion, a National Readers’ Choice, two Heart of Excellence awards, a Bookseller’s Best award, and Diamond Award for reaching more than a million readers (2015). Ms. Longley creates memorable heroes and heroines who grow into their strength and go on to save the day.

Reviews

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Difference a Day Makes" makes all the right difference in the lives of the residents of Perfect, Indiana. Author Barbara Longley introduced us to her "Love from the Heartland" series with Book One, "Far From Perfect", in which we met Noah Langford and Ceejay Lovejoy. Noah is a combat veteran who lost a leg during a military mission. Ceejay is the woman who had a child by Noah's step-brother who had abandoned her and stolen her money. After working their way through many difficult emotional issues, Noah and Ceejay married and he adopted the daughter she had borne his step-brother. In "The Difference a Day Makes", Noah's younger step-sister, Paige, is fired from her big-city job in a most embarrassing manner, and she seeks refuge with Noah and his family. She doesn't expect to run into Ryan Malloy, who served with Noah and was injured on the same combat mission. When she arrives at Noah's home late at night, she heads for the guest house, not knowing it's being occupied by Ryan. Their first meeting is quite a jolt to them both, with Ryan coming to the door naked and armed. He had been deep into one of his nightmares when she unlocked the door. In fact, Ryan was there by the hand of Fate--Noah had called him one night to offer him a job at his new furniture business. Ryan had just written a suicide note, and was about to pull the trigger when Noah's call literally saved his life. Ryan and Paige are immediately attracted to each other, but they hide it behind verbal jabs and sharp remarks. Eventually, they fall into a heady relationship with the promise of love and happiness just around the edges. Ryan suffers from PTSD, just like Noah, and he also tends to drown his pain in alcohol. Paige suffers from self-esteem issues as the "poor little rich girl" who longs to be wanted and accepted for the intelligent and capable person she really is inside. Ryan blames himself for the death years ago of his fiancé in a riding accident, and he also carries guilt for the combat mission that went awry, injuring himself and Noah, and taking the lives of their buddies. As Paige works alongside her brother and Ryan, she begins to feel happy and appreciated, but she still clings to her lifelong goal of making it in the corporate world. Can Paige and Ryan work on resolving their own personal issues and make compromises that could lead to happiness neither of them ever imagined? I loved "Far from Perfect", and I read "The Difference a Day Makes" with equal enjoyment. I look forward to reading the third book in the series, "A Change of Heart". If you love funny, touching, contemporary romance which doesn't shy away from very real personal issues, then you will love this series from author Barbara Longley. Recommended.

Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine

[Amanda Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It is a lovely, heartwarming read. It also gives you an insight to what some of our soldiers go through.

Brilliant

[Angela McCallister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was even better than the first book in the series! Everything was perfectly developed (heh, Perfect *g*) from the characters to pacing to conflict. I loved how Paige was so direct with Ryan. The story didn't rely on angsty miscommunication to build the conflict. Barbara described Ryan's pain so effectively, I felt the torture he put himself through, and the way he worked through it was brilliantly handled. I loved the H/h together. They were well-matched. The scene near the end (you'll know exactly which scene when you get there) gave me chills but made me happy.

If you've ever dealt with trauma, PTSD, crippling guilt, or feelings of isolation, you'll find Ryan's issues accurate and probably inspiring in the way he fought his way back and in the way the other characters came through for him. Now I'm dying to read about Ted's HEA!!!

[Michael Starsheen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book in a good series

I gave this book five stars because it was sweet and funny, poignant and enjoyable. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good, light read.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Musings

This is a great addition to this series. I loved the characters from the hero and heroine to the delightful secondary. I am so glad I found this series. I can't wait to read the next one in this series.Happy ☺reading 📚!

[Kat Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tired of the same old, same old romances? Looking for something emotional and edgy, but not violent and full of villains? Look no further than Barbara Longley's The Difference a Day Makes. Ms. Longley is adept at making a reader care deeply about characters who are, in fact, worthy of caring about. Ryan Malloy has been piling blame on himself since the tragic day that took his fiance from his life forever. He's full of relentless guilt and mental pain, but has a chance at pulling himself out of his suicidal slump when his former Army commander offers him a job. Paige Langford knows what it's like for Ryan because her brother suffered from PTSD, too. And Paige is suffering from her own brand of guilt and blame after her first brutal foray into the corporate world. These two butt horns the moment they meet, each pushing the other to confront the demons that haunt them and each holding a helping hand out to the other in a desperate hope to live a life worth living. Even though this was the second book set in Perfect, Indiana I didn't feel as if I'd missed anything by not reading the first book. However, after getting a taste for Ms. Longley's ability to tug at my heartstrings, I'm definitely going to want to let her take me back to Perfect again and again.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in this series Far from Perfect so jumped at the chance to read book 2 in the series. Barbara Longley writes believable characters and you do find yourself rooting for them to find happiness. As in the first book this is about people with issues from their pasts who need to find a way past these to find love. In this book we meet Ryan a war veteran who has turned to drink to block out his memories and Paige who has been betrayed by her boyfriend and is desperate for her father's approval. Neither of them are looking for love but then they meet through Paige's brother Noah (from book 1 in the series) and have to start rethinking their lives. This is an enjoyable read with some interesting and likeable characters, I am looking forward to the next book.

[Belkis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one for this new series. Like the fact that each story centers around army veterans and their traumas and giving them hope and their own HEA. Really enjoyed Paige and Ryan's story. I liked that book two continued on with the whole Langford family story moving forward and expanding their circle with the addition of Ryan as well as continuing with CJ, Noah, babies, parents, aunt Jenny, Ted, etc. I can't wait until the author writes Ted's story. I really do like him a lot. Looking forward to book three for this one.

[Downward dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is wonderfully written book about Ryan's emotional journey after some tragic accidents in his life. Great writing and characters. well worth reading.

[Mskathy1031 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. Great storyline.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable novel

Characters were interesting. I like that this story continues what happened in the first book of the series. Humor was used appropriately. The storyline also addressed veterans and PTSD, which adds to the character development.

[Cherise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara Longley has cemented herself on my favorite author’s list. I loved Far From Perfect and had that feeling validated with this second story.

Ryan Malloy is an Army vet suffering from PTSD and a whole lot of guilt. He is at the end of his rope when he receives a phone call from his former Lieutenant offering him a job at his fledgling heirloom furniture business. This call literally saves his life and Ryan packs up and drives his beat-up pickup truck to Perfect, Indiana.

Paige Langford has centered her entire life on her career and the goal of one day taking over the family plumbing business. Her dad’s opposition of her leading the company has forced her to take a job at another company to prove herself. But when she is fired, Paige heads to her big brother’s house in Perfect, Indiana to lick her wounds and figure out plan B.

Ryan and Paige’s relationship is snarky, flirty, sexy and sweet. They aren’t always on the same page, but neither one denies their obvious or mutual attraction. Everyone around them, including this reader, could feel their heat. This story has some dark places and I was a blubbering mess from time to time. But the warmth of Perfect and its people, the love of the characters helped to mop up a few of those tears. Watching these two struggle through their issues and find themselves and each other was a pleasure.

I love this series, I really do. The characters make me smile and the stories make me happy. If you like Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series – these books have that same down-to-earth, comfort food feel… but with spicier sex life. Perfect! I am really looking forward to the release of the third book in October 2013: A Change of Heart!

Cherise Everhard, March 2013
This book was provided by a reviewed for the Amazon Vine Program

[Morgan Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Difference a Day Makes by Barbara Longley is the second book in the Perfect, Indiana series published by Montlake Romance. Book two follows Longley’s heartwarming tale Far From Perfect, which was universally well received. Perfect, Indiana is where you go when everything falls apart to regroup; at least that is what Paige and Ryan do.

Ryan is a traumatized veteran battling with survivor guilt after surviving a suicide bombing attack. Life as he knows is gone and there seems nothing to live for until his former commander Noah Langford calls and ask for help with his furniture store. Not exactly, what he planned for his life, but better than a fifth and a bullet to the head. He decides to take the hand up, even if it lands him into a cozy town called Perfect, Indiana.

Where do you go with everything goes south? Paige figures home is the best place to lick her wounds. Only a month ago everything was grand, or so she thought. That was before her boyfriend dumped her and managed to destroy her credibility at work It would be enough for most guys to break up, but oh no, he had to make sure she was jobless too. All she really wants is to disappear from the face of the earth. Perfect, Indiana suits the bill.

Paige and Ryan both embittered individuals with similar jaded outlooks have to work side by side in Noah Langford’s furniture store. While sparks fly between the two, they keep their distance realizing they both are walking wounded. A cautious friendship unfolds between the two as they share their pain and rebuild their confidence.

The Difference a Day Makes illustrates how much one day can change everything. This heartwarming tale illustrates that people can rebuild even when they have reached rock bottom. Most romance fans will enjoy this book. As a Hoosier, I applaud Ms. Longley’s use of Perfect, Indiana as a setting.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Difference a Day Makes” by Barbara Longley begins with Paige Langford losing her marketing job because of her boyfriend’s betrayal. Along with the loss of her job and income, she is coping with the duplicity of a so-called lover. She decides to visit her brother and sister-in-law, Noah and Cee-Jay in Perfect, Indiana, near Evansville. Her brother is a returning veteran who has conquered PTSD and has started a business with his brother-in-law creating and building furniture.

In the meantime, Noah has contacted Ryan Malloy, who served in his outfit and is struggling with PSTD himself. In fact on the very night that Noah called, Ryan was drinking and playing Russian roulette as a way to end his haunting remembrances of the war. Ryan accepts Noah’s offer and heads to Perfect, Indiana.

Paige and Ryan do not hit it off at first meeting. She is wary of trusting and loving again and he doesn’t think he is fit company for anyone. He has built a wall around himself that he wishes would insulate him from his memories and nightmares.

I really enjoyed this book, not only because it takes place near my hometown, but because it is well written and easy to read. Evansville, Indiana was at one time a furniture manufacturing city and there is an area near there where Perfect could actually be located. I very much enjoyed the interaction among the various characters of the story and the story line of the novel.

I received a free advance reader’s print copy of this book for my honest review from the publisher, Montlake Romance. The opinions expressed here are my own.

You can read this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-4X.

[Erin O'Riordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paranormal romances will probably always be my favorite, but when I need a break from vampires and witches, I like a nice contemporary romance. I really enjoyed Far from Perfect, the first book in the "Love From the Heartland" series because it was simply a sweet romance (with some heat) between two very, very stubborn people. I enjoyed the hero of that novel, Noah, the wounded veteran. This second novel follows Noah's sister, Paige, who's bummed out after losing her first job. She shows up in Perfect, Indiana, at the same time as one of Noah's "rehabilitation projects," the emotionally fragile veteran Ryan Malloy. It's hard to say which is the more stubborn couple: Noah and Ceejay from the first book or Paige and Ryan. Paige has a dream she wants to follow - taking over the family business - and it takes her a long, long time to figure out how Ryan could fit into her life plan. (But this is a romance novel, so you know they'll find a way. It's no fun if we don't get our happily-ever-after.) I hate to say it (because my to-read list is already so long), but I think Barbara Longley has added herself to my "auto-buy this author's latest" list. She writes sexy, believable heroes and relatable heroines, and I enjoy the Midwest U.S.A. setting.

[BBMoreB ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paige and Ryan come together, two people who were not expecting to find love. Ryan never thought he could have a permanent attachment to a woman, after the death of his wife. He has lots of demons including a heavy dose of PTSD; due to barely surviving the roadside bombing that killed his best friend. Paige's career driven attitude makes her seem shallow and uninterested in a social life; especially not after her latest lead to getting fired. She is motivated, charming, and brilliant but naïve – this was a little annoying. I like a heroine who does not take any crap from anyone. However, the author redeemed Paige by making her caring and understanding, especially about the hero's "issues."

Includes a Sneak Peek of A Change of Heart (Perfect, Indiana, #3) ~ Ted Lovejoy & Cory Marcel; Coming October 2013.

Disclosure: This paperback book was provided to me free of charge through Amazon Vine for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my review at Booklist: www.booklistonline.com

On the night his drinking and playing Russian roulette would have turned deadly, army war veteran Ryan Malloy gets a phone call from his former lieutenant asking if he’d like to come work for his American-heritage furniture company in Perfect, Indiana. Because he knows he’s in a dangerous spiral, Ryan accepts. Meanwhile, his lieutenant’s sister, Paige Langford, is fired from her first job when her boyfriend at the firm sabotages her. Licking her wounds, she flees to Perfect and her brother. When Paige and Ryan meet, sparks fly, but both resist because their self-esteem is at rock bottom. As they get to know each other and work at the furniture company together, however, their attraction and their sense of self-worth build. Longley successfully attacks issues associated with returning veterans as well as those commonly associated with finding oneself as an adult and recognizing true love. Neither Ryan nor Paige can truly be there for the other until both dispel their demons and become whole.
— Pat Henshaw

[Rjsmommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent follow-up novel to "Far From Perfect!" I loved Ryan and Paige, and loved that former characters Ceejay and Noah were still prominently featured in it as well as Ted and even Aunt Jenny. Ryan was a terrific character; he was lost and had so much pain from his past that you just wanted to wrap your arms around him. His nightly ritual in the beginning of the book was heartbreaking. To think he had been doing this for nearly three years and still survived somehow was sad yet encouraging. It showed his pain yet also his need to survive. I loved Paige's attitude; she was exactly what Ryan needed. Following the development of their relationship as well as the insights into Ryan's PTSD made for an awesome story. Can't wait for the next installment which will hopefully continue to give a focus couple (Ted and Cory--a female wounded warrior this time) while still keeping us in touch with Noah& Ceejay and Ryan & Paige.

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Perfect, Indiana stories. I am glad I was able to get a copy of this to read. I enjoyed it, and enjoyed reading Paige and Ryan's story. I am glad to see a storyline that has a little insight in a soldier's life after he gets out of service. I love that Noah hires veterans to work in his business, and that he knows where to direct them for help they need. He understands that it isn't easy for veterans to work for other employers who aren't familiar with what a soldier has endured. Ryan feels like he has lost it all; Paige thinks that she has lost it all. When they come into contact with each other, each of them find what they need in order to sort out their hurts and heal their hearts.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This town is aptly named, there is something about it that seems to give those that come there what they need.

Ryan couldn't have been more messed up and Noah's call came to him at the right time. It was nice to see Ryan come back to life in Perfect, the job and Paige seemed to be just what he needed. The first time that Ryan and Paige met was so great and made for a memorable moment.

It seemed like things worked for the couple because Paige was in Perfect to heal as well. While her issues weren't as severe as Ryan's it allowed them to share secrets they were keeping from everyone else.

I loved how this one ended, loved seeing the business expand and how everyone was happy with things.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5- The Difference a Day Makes was a nice contemporary romance featuring a wounded warrior hero and his road back from the very edge of almost losing it all. The writing is good, the story well developed, the steam level on the low side for what I normally read (I'd feel comfortable loaning this to my mom) but overall I enjoyed it. This is the second book in this series I've read and both books are comparable in terms of quality and heat. While I'd read this another book in this series again if it went on sale, it probably won't be at the top of my TBR list.

[Mary-Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice extension of the first one. I like the spin with dealing with veterans (although it's really hard to picture these tough military/cowboy types as touchy feely as she portrays them).
I also wonder about the wisdom of how she portrays veterans as just "needing the love of a good woman" to get them through PTSD. She doesn't really say that, but it's sort of a fluffy approach to something fairly serious.
However, it is after all a romance novel - so it's just a fun read.

[Sandra C Schulte · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME BOOK, AWESOME SERIES

After reading Barbara Longley's first book in the Perfect, Indiana series, Far From Perfect, I immediately had to read this one. Both are AWESOME, and I'll start the 3rd book in the series this evening. I love the characters. I love the business and that they only hire veterans. The books are fast-paced and heartwarming. I laugh, and I cry for happy. I'll be checking out her other books.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Difference A Day Makes by Barbara Longley

A story about Paige's life and her meeting Ryan who has been haunted by war.
Both had lost loves and were struggling . A great read. I highly recommend this book!.

[kathyhansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love and family

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys family and romance.the characters are real people ,they work play and respect each other as family should and the bonds between them amazing.

[Debra A. McGonigle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The difference a day makes

Loved the story and the characters. I read the first book of the series and immediately ordered book two. After writing this review I'm going on line to order book three.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was better than the first book...but then I might be prejudiced because I was introduced to the small town of Perfect, IN and the cast of characters in her first book of the series. Both Ryan and Paige were very strong characters. The healing power of love transformed them both.

[Cynthia Clouser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great romance

This was a beautiful story about two broken people coming together. I'm a sucker for a happy ending, and this one didn't disappoint. I'll be buying the next one. I hope it's about Ted.

[Jen P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Ryan. This would have been a 5🌟 review if I could have liked Paige more. The whole having to prove herself to her dad just seemed so immature and stupid. It kept throwing me whenever I started to like her character. Can’t wait to read the next in the series though.

[Cathy Genna - 2013 RWA Bookseller of the Year · Rating 4 out of 5]

You will enjoy these characters. I love Perfect , Indiana.