She’s been told he’s the enemy, but she needs something from him. Leilani Alexander’s plan had always been to return to New Hope Falls once she’d finally finished college to help her mom with her florist shop. Unfortunately, tragedy dictated a different path. So Lani is back in New Hope without her degree, trying to keep a struggling business afloat and doing everything she can to figure out how to keep her late mother’s dream alive. Even if that means turning to the competition—the business her father blames for the downfall of their own.
Now if only they don’t find out who she really is.
He thought things were going great…until they weren’t.
All Michael Reed ever wanted was a life where he and his sister would be safe. Together, they’d worked to build a business that provided them with the stability he craved and the safety they needed. But when his sister drops a bomb on him, it all begins to fall apart. Michael doesn’t know how to hold everything together on his own because there are parts of the business he absolutely can’t take care of himself.
The addition of a new employee in the store offers a glimmer of hope, but Michael is slow to trust anyone with his secrets, especially since the one person he’s always trusted suddenly wants to abandon him.
Keeping secrets never turns out well.
When she’d applied for a job at the Reeds’ florist shop, all Lani hoped for was a paycheck and a way to make back some of the money they’d taken when they’d stolen business away from her mom. She didn’t figure on becoming embroiled in the siblings’ drama, but she soon finds herself smack dab in the middle of it.
She wants to help…if only it didn’t feel like a betrayal on so many levels.
When feelings get involved, however, Lani knows it’s time to come clean. If only it wasn’t too late. Trust is a fragile thing that takes a beating when secrets are revealed. Is love enough to shore it up? Or will this just be one more thing that goes wrong in both their lives?
Michael and Lani's story is not thrilling or exciting. It is about simple.love and goodness in the face of adversity. It is about coming together, with all our imperfections, to find peace and love. This is a wonderful, gentle story. It is not a page turnner that will keep you up all night. It is a peaceful place to go to unwind before you go to sleep. This story reminds us that when we include him God Prevails and makes beauty from ugliness. I loved this tender, gentle story.
I din not realize this was number five in a series, but it is such a great standalone that it really doesn't matter, except I know there are five more well-written books in my future! Heartaches come in many forms, but the emotional abuse by a parent seems very difficult to overcome. Both of the leads in this story were abused by parents, and both have scars which affect their choices. Flower shops are another common bond, but a little girl named Vivianne holds their hearts. Will the past continue to rear its ugly head, or will Michael and Lani be able to overcome it and find a bright future together? ... " the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." Thanks for an excellent goodread!
Lani and Michael's love story is a natural progression of hope and peace. They compliment each other and help each other even though it was never their intention. Lani is such an unexpected rock Michael needs solid ground and Michael shows that his need for Lani gives her a peace she's been missing. Their love organically grows and it is beautiful to watch. Kimberly has such a amazing way of telling each story with such precision that I am invested from page one. Looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series!
I think this has been one of my favorites in the series. I did not see this going the way it did at all. It was definitely a good surprise. The characters were very dedicated to the ones they loved. It’s always inspiring to read one the authors books. I leave feeling hopeful. The characters and family dynamics were very complex. The author managed to handle with care. Normally the answer is to try to “fix” others shortcomings/challenges rather than accept them. I definitely recommend and looking forward to the next in the series.
This is a beautiful book and I really enjoyed reading it. The characters are well written and the arcs are beautifully written. Though this book didn't have the normal characters from the series I really liked the characters that were shown in this book. It felt like a nice change amidst the same characters that are in the books.
I had 3 questions for the author though while finishing the book.
1. What really happened to the store finances 2. Did the robbery case close? 3. It really would've been full circle if we got an insight into Taylor's behaviour throughout the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The story was heartwarming and interesting. Many concepts introduced showing the issues the characters had in their life. Would have liked the story to have given reason for the sister to just distance and disregard the one person who sacrificed for her. But I guess that's another story. The story did an excellent job at showing how caring and helping others makes a difference.
I've read about 30 of Kimberly's books, and I'm constantly amazed how she can write something new each and every time. Gosh, I loved Leilani. Such a beautiful soul. I'd always thought Michael was a hardworking, likeable guy in previous books, but this novel added layers of depth that almost broke my heart at times. Wow.
So excited for the next book... can I even wait a month until it's released? I'm not sure that's possible! 😜🤣
Michael and Kanji oh you are in for a treat Michael is special, he cares for his sister and his friends. He doesn't understand why his sister is pulling away. He soon finds out. See Michael can't read and he lets that harbor feeling inadequate. Kanji is hired to help at his sister's business and she doesn't tell him who she is, it's part of the story. Anyway Michaels sister leaves him a gift and oh just read the book
This book starts out with 3 broken people whose lives interconnect. Two of them manage to redeem their brokenness, and one doesn't. It's not my favorite book of the series so far (some parts of the plot seemed far-fetched to me), but I came to care about what happened to the characters. Some parts of it are slow-moving.
The way the author weaves redemption through her stories is beautiful. Our earthly fathers may not all be what we would like, but we have a Heavenly Father who has good plans for us. I love the plans for Lani and Michael. Now to wait for the next book in the series!
I love the stories set in New Hope Falls. The town seems to welcome all but they don't always realise this. Michael owns the shop where Lani needs to work. Are they both able to overcome and accept each other's secrets. If they are to, it will require forgiveness and understanding - have they got enough?
I've yet to read a book of hers that I don't love. I just wish she'd release them as physical books so I could share them.
This one was a little different in that the hero wasn't the typical romantic read alpha male. I loved that. Both protagonists were a marginalized, and this is subject Kimberlyo
I really enjoyed reading this book about Lani and Michael! But, I didn't like the way her father treated her! I was so glad to hear that Michael was able to adopt Vivianne Rose although it was very hard to believe the way that Taylor was able just to walk away like that!
Really an exceptional book, a great contrast between a good parent and a bitter parent. Great encouragement for young people to set just boundaries, have friends with strong faith and overcome obstacles in life without giving up.
Another great story from Kimberly. A lovely story of two people finding themselves worthy of love in spite of life's challenges. It would have been nice to find out more about Taylor and what drive to take the actions she did. Not essential to the story just curious.
This is a great story about. Michael and Lani. They each have problems from their past that are similar in certain ways. Having faith in God is a tremendous help for them. This is a very interesting,inspiring and refreshing story. Good job Kimberly.
A very inspiring story about two individuals who had a rough childhood ending up falling in love. Lots of twists and turns but they fought together to stay together! Good book!!
As I read her books I can feel GOD speaking to me sometimes. My walk with GOD isn’t as close as it should be which is my fault. So hopefully I can do better.
Lani and Michael's story is a natural progression in that they complemented each other and helped each other out when needed. This story has family dynamics, siblings tension, and a couple of surprises. Great story.
Absolutely loved the theme of this book and getting to know the characters. A timely reminder for me to tell the truth no matter what and trust that the plans god has for me are better than mine