Isn't It Romantic?

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The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn
Published by Kensington on March 26, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

From the acclaimed author of Georgie, All Along and Love Lettering, a pitch-perfect, radiantly transporting love story about an unexpected road trip, true crime obsessions, and hard won vulnerability…

Hairstylist Jess Greene has spent the last decade raising her younger half-sister, Tegan—and keeping a shocking secret. Ever since their reckless mother ran off with a boyfriend she’d known only a few months, Jess has been aware that he’s the same accomplished con man who was the subject of a wildly popular podcast, The Last Con of Lynton Baltimore.

Now thirty-one, Jess didn’t bargain on Tegan eventually piecing together the connection for herself. But Tegan plans to do exactly what Jess has always feared—leave their safe, stable home to search for their mother—and she’ll be accompanied by the prying podcast host and her watchful, handsome producer, Adam Hawkins. Unwilling to let the sister she’s spent so much of her life protecting go it alone, Jess reluctantly joins them.

Together, the four make their way across the country, unraveling the mystery of where the couple disappeared to and why. But soon Jess is discovering other things too. Like a renewed sense of vulnerability and curiosity, and a willingness to expand beyond the walls she’s so carefully built. And in Adam, she finds an unexpected connection she didn’t even know was missing, if only she can let go and let him in . . .

When Jess set out in search of her mother, she never expected to find love, healing, and herself.

Clayborn has a way of crafting deep and meaningful stories that make my heart ache and soar. The Other Side of Disappearing was a beautiful and thoughtful tale that explored a myriad of things including the ways we disappear.

There was the obvious way one disappears in the way Jess' mother's whereabouts were unknown, but her mother also had a way of disappearing into people. When she fell in "love", she often adopted all the traits and likes of that man. She held no interests of her own, though Jess recalls seeing the true parts of her mother in between men. Then there was the way Jess disappeared. It was more out of a sense of self preservation. She disappeared into her work eschewing any attachments and focusing on raising her sister.

This road trip and search for her mother was not an easy one, but it was one that Jess needed. It gave her the space to reflect on her relationship with her mother and all the ways her behaviors affected Jess' life. Jess not only learned a lot about her mother, but she learned a lot about herself. My heart broke for Jess, many times as she traveled from place to place, but it also slowing filled with hope for her.

I really liked seeing Jess and her sister Tegan's relationship evolve while they were on the road, but it was the connection between Jess and Adam that took center stage for me. There are so many notable things to share about Adam, but the most important thing is what a sweet and tender man he was. I loved that Clayborn brought us to his family's farm. It was very meaningful to meet the people who had a hand in creating this rainbow-cinnamon-roll of a man. But the farm was not only for my benefit, it was a place where we saw a whole different side of Jess. Definitely one of the happiest places they visited in this story.

I was a little worried when I picked up this book. It's a bit different from Clayborn's other work. I should have never doubted that she would be able to pull this off with flying colors while also maintaining the feel of all her novels. Her talent to craft characters who call to me and capture my heart is why I will always read her books, and she has created some wonderful ones here.

Overall, this was a fun and emotional road trip that led to a place of joy and peace for all parties involved.

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Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards
Published by Berkley on February 27, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

This modern reimagining of Persuasion is full of witty banter, romantic angst, and compelling characters as it captures the heart of the classic Jane Austen novel.

When Anne Elliott broke up with Ben Wentworth, it seemed like the right thing to do . . . but now, eight years later, she’s not so sure.

In her scenic hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Anne is comfortable focusing on her successful filling her late mother’s shoes as town councilor and executive director of her theater company. She certainly keeps busy as the all-around wrangler of eccentric locals, self-centered family members, elaborate festivals, and the occasional attacking goose. But the more she tries to convince herself that her life is fine as is, the more it all feels like a show—and not nearly as good as the ones put on by her theater company. She’s the always responsible Anne, always taken for granted and cleaning up after other people, and the memories of happier times with Ben Wentworth still haunt her.

So when the nearby Kellynch Winery is bought by Ben’s aunt and uncle, Anne’s world is set ablaze as her old flame crashes back into her life—and it’s clear he hasn’t forgiven her for breaking his heart. A joint project between the winery and Anne’s theater forces both Ben and Anne to confront their complicated history, and as they spend more time together, Anne can’t help but wonder if there might be hope for their future after all.

Though I have not read the original, I greatly enjoyed Once Persuaded, Twice Shy.

It is a well known fact that I adore second chance romances. I must admit, I was angry that Anne caved to pressure from her family even if she was worried that the relationship would be put in the same position as her mother by picking a man who seemed directionless. Well the joke was on her because Ben spent their years apart becoming quite the success, and upon seeing him again, Anne found she still longed for Ben.

Their reunion was difficult at times as there were hurt feelings involved as well as some guilt on Anne's part, but I love that Ben's return to Niagara-on-the-Lake forced Anne to make some important changes in her life. She had been serving everyone but herself, and it was time for her to reprioritize. 

The story was elevated by a great cast of characters, many of which added a lot of humor to this tale. It was fun to see that many people were rooting for Anne and Ben to make a love connection. The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake was also a wonderful backdrop for this story with all its charm and beauty.

Overall, I had a wonderful time cheering on Anne as she attempted to rekindle her romance with Ben, andI was proud to see her putting herself first.

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