Food for Love by C. Fonseca

 

Foodies delight with a slow burn romance to go along with it. Jessica has been through a harrowing accident and comes across in the opening scenes as a damaged, bitter and distrustful person. As we learn more about her past,her reluctance to trust anyone much less put her trust in anyone becomes painfully clear. Well done on her character development.

Lillian is the woman many of us would like to be. She juggles her career, friends and family with an upbeat if exhausted attitude. Through her character we get to experience life in this beautiful corner of the world and a heart big enough to melt even the most jaded of professional cyclists.

The supporting characters are well drawn and help the reader understand Jess and Lili. Usha plays a minor role, yet her connection to Jess’s mom is the key to bringing out the humanity in Jess. Yes there is a kid but little Ru is a sweetheart and the perfect medicine to pull Jess out of the funk she had been in since her accident and maybe even the majority of her adult life.

I enjoyed spending time tasting the local delicacies and enjoying the scenery of this area of the world. Add in a sweet romance and you have a nice escapist read.

ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.

A Wish Upon a Star by Jeannie Levig

 

Leslie has moved across the country hoping the change will help her move on from a bad relationship in her past. When the scruffy dog she picks up on the side of the road befriends the daughter of the woman next door Leslie realizes her desire to keep some distance from her new neighbours might be more challenging than she thought. It’s not long before she has that “Oh no, not again” feeling as she is drawn into a circle of friendship with Erica and Siena. It doesn’t help that she finds herself unavoidably attracted to Erica and charmed by Siena.

Erica is the neighbour next door with a special needs child. She has dealt with all the challenges, small victories and careful planning which come with raising an autistic child like Siena. Her life is ordered and orderly and like many moms with special needs kids, she puts her daughters needs above her own. She is attracted to her hot new neighbour and this attraction grows as she watches Leslie interact with Siena.

This lovely romance features a couple of mature women who begin as friends with undeniable attraction towards one another. Each has faced challenges in their lives and each are wary of changing their personal status quo. Enter two of the most endearing secondary characters, namely Siena and Gus the dog and watch the walls Erica and Leslie have thrown up around their hearts begin to crumble.Their daily interactions make this small romance a deep and moving experience. In the end I found myself thinking this is what love is all about, overcoming challenges and weathering the storms life throws at you and making a home filled with love.

A memorable and sweet read.

ARC received with thanks from BSB via NetGalley for review.