Fifteen years ago, Cari McKenna survived the devastating loss of her husband, Ben. Despite having a wonderful family and friends, as well as a thriving business, there is emptiness in her heart.
Ray Davis has been a good friend and neighbor to Cari since their kids were toddlers. They shared the struggles of single parenthood. Ray has spent years waiting for Cari to be ready for more than simply friendship.
Ellie and Kate McKenna are determined to give their mother a helping hand into the dating pool in the hopes that Cari fill find love. But someone from long ago comes back to town and changes the McKenna and Davis families forever.
Award-winning and best-selling author Lucinda Race is a lifelong fan of cozy mysteries and romance novels
She spins tales of small town romance and cozy mystery—writing the kinds of stories she loves to read. Whether she’s weaving a heartwarming romance or a cozy mystery, her fingers practically fly across the keyboard.
Lucinda lives with her little dog— a shih tzu mix rescue—who is always by her side. When she’s not immersed in writing mystery, suspense, or romance, she’s wandering in her garden or curled up with a book, devouring everything she can get her hands on.
Great book! It is a wonderful, relaxing read. Great for a beach read! Funny, intriguing and thought provoking. I look forward to reading the others in the series sitting on a sunny beach in November!
This Loudon Series touches my heart. I love Cari and her family and enjoy seeing the characters grow and learn and overcome difficult circumstances. Sometimes we are blind to the love that is standing right in front of us. Sometimes we're afraid to put ourselves out there to experience real love. Why don't you read this book to find out if Cari is able to find love again? ;)
Finding love again after a loss is scary because we feel so vulnerable. Lucinda tackles this topic in this book. Loved the character of Cari. She is strong, independent, and I really enjoyed reading her growth. I have read the whole series but this is my 2nd favorite. First is Love in the Looking Glass. :)
This is one of my favorite books in the series. I found myself rooting for the main character Cari, feeling her pain and cheering her on as she fell in love. Highly recommend it!
A wonderful story of Cari who is widowed early and is having a tough time. When she meets another single parent, Cari doesn’t know how to handle this. Loved it from start to finish.
Two people , next door neighbors and friends are alone and lonely. Cari, a widow is still tied to her husband's memories. Ray, divorced from a horrible relationship. This is their story of friendship and learning to trust. I enjoyed this book and will continue reading the series. There is a few notes of sex but nothing too blatant. I was missing more depth in the characters & their stories. In tying up some of the loose threads, it felt too unrealistic and a sense of "let's make this end well".
Can love come your way a second time? Cari and Ray had been friends for many years. Both had lost their partners and were ready to enter the dating world again. Would they succeed? Follow the unexpected twists that turn their lives in an unexpected direction. You will enjoy this beautiful story of courage and hope.
Likeable characters and an ok story. The switch to side character point of view from time to time made it feel less like a romance and more like a tv drama series; I felt like a spectator. Also the pacing was very slow. Between those two things and the soap opera aspects of the plot, this book dragged a bit for me. I couldn’t get invested in the people.
I love this story. It brings out so many of the most important moments in life and brings them in the most beautiful way. It shows that new opportunities are always awaiting us.
Lots of family drama as well as support for a widow and her next door neighbor whose wife abandoned him and his young son. A little of everything amidst challenges.
This was a wonderful story of love building and making the years of friendship into a world of love. It was so full of emotions and a great read. I highly recommend it!
A really good book. It was refreshing to read a book about older people feeling the emotions and desires mainly reserved for young people. And to read a story that is written so skillfully that the reader is skillfully swept along with those characters’ lives.
I appreciate Lucinda Race's romances that focus on the romance and not the intimate details. The story of combining their families, and development of the characters were my favorite parts.
I enjoyed the world building in this book but felt the characters were a little flat and the last half of the book was rushed. If this is book one of a series then take the time to really flesh out the characters and the townspeople.
Lucinda knows how to write a true love story. None of the overly explicit descriptions, but true words. Then, she adds a touch of drama . Looking forward to reading the next books on this family.
This was such an endearing book. The warmth portrayed of the two families that are united together were a pleasure to read about. I think this book will resonate with many that has had similar experiences.
I loved this slow burn, mature romance. Realistic, kind of dreamy and sweetly romantic. Add in those wonderful cookies from the bakery & an ambling rescue pup. Now to wait for the next installment in the series.
A beautiful , romantic , fun story of two friends find love again, one after divorce and the other after death of a spouse. they have been Neighbors and friends for years. Ray didn't realize he was jealous until Carrie started online dating. family and friends who supports and care for each other are the core theme in this wonderful story. Lisa Beacon is a new narrator for me. Her animated telling of this story made it come to life. thank you for a great listen. I was gifted this audio and offered my honest review.
A heartwarming story of a loving and resilient mother finally recognising and understanding the gentle love of a good-natured individual who is there for her family through thick and thin!
The premise of the book was really interesting, but I just didn't connect at all to the writing. I read the first three chapters and then skipped to the end.
i found this thanks to Bookbub ...it said it was free ...i grabbed it ... so fun. i will read more from this series and from Lucinda soon. fun times. great book cover. laters. reading.