Isn't It Romantic?

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Hate Mail by Donna Marchetti
Published by One More Chapter on March 14, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

Naomi and Luca have been pen-pals since fifth-grade. Well, more like bitter rivals caught in an epic battle of insults and verbal jousting…

But what starts as a hilarious chain of hate filled letters, slowly develops into a friendship spanning coasts and years. That is until one day, years later, when the letters suddenly stop.

It’s been two years since Naomi last heard from Luca. Two years since the letter that changed everything.

But when a new envelope turns up out of the blue at her desk at the local news station, Naomi is determined not to let Luca have the final word.

What started out as "penemies" turned into one of the longest lasting relationships for both Naomi and Luca. After almost twenty years, communication stopped until Naomi received a letter from Luca with no return address. Well, game on! As she was determined to find her long lost pen pal.

As as a kid, I signed up to get penpals (maybe via PBS?). I had penpals from all over the world. (Note: There was no internet when I was kid) It was exciting waiting for their replies, and I loved learning all about them. Naomi and Luca were NOT that kind of penpals. They sent these letters written with poison pens, hate mail, which sometimes were laced with truths that were difficult for them to share.

I loved reading their letters, and even more, I liked the way Marchetti structured the story. Aside from the letters, there were flashbacks BUT they were only from Luca's point of view. It was a great choice for this tale since Naomi was searching for him, and in the interim, I was able to get into his head.

This was definitely a rom-com packed with tons of humor, and there was also a cute kid, kittens, and a puppy that made me very happy. But there was plenty of emotion woven in with those laughs. I felt for young Luca who was dealt a difficult hand, and I hoped that he and Naomi could find their way back to each other.

Overall, this book was exactly what I need. Fun and sweet with some depth and a fantastic epilogue that delighted me.

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The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore
Published by HarperCollins on March 13, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

Fall in love with the brand new spring romance set in Dream Harbor, from the bestselling author of The Pumpkin Spice Café.

As a renowned chef, single-dad Archer never planned on moving to a small town, let alone running a pancake restaurant. But Dream Harbor needs a new chef, and Archer needs a community to help raise his daughter, Olive.

Iris has never managed to hold down a job for more than a few months. So when Mayor Kelly suggests Archer is looking for a nanny, and Iris might be available, she shudders at the thought. But in need of money she reluctantly agrees.

As Archer and Iris get used to their new roles, is it possible that they might have more in common than they first thought, or is Olive just determined to play match-maker…

Tropes:
• single dad
• forced proximity
• slow burn
• found family
• one bed

This is my favorite of the series!

I loved watching this fantastic family take shape. Archer was an all-business chef who was shocked to learn he was a father. He came to Dream Harbor to show he could care for his daughter, but only planned on it being a temporary home. 

Archer had the biggest transformation, if you ask me. I could see his heart growing every day that he spent with his daughter, Olive, and his evolution from grump to mush was a great one.

Iris underwent some changes too. She liked to keep things temporary, but it seemed she saw something different for herself with Archer and Olive. Though she proclaimed she was unqualified to be a nanny, Iris did an amazing job helping Olive adjust to life without her mother. My heart ached for what that little girl had to deal with at such a young age, but I was happy she was surrounded by so much love.

Speaking of Olive, she owned my heart. She was a fabulous kid, who sometimes gave Iris and Archer a run for her money with her escape escapades. But mostly, she was charming, fun, and added a lot of sweetness to this story.

As always, the town and its residents were well featured. It was hilarious seeing them give Archer such a hard time about the changes he was making at the diner. They really knocked him down a peg, forcing him to experiment with pancakes as he searched for a recipe that would replicate the residents' favorites.

Overall: This installment had me laughing, smiling, and swooning. I shed some tears at the end too as the kid tugged on my heartstrings. Another successful visit to Dream Harbor!

Favorite pancake topping?
Let us know in the comments!