Ah, a Debbie Macomber book. It somehow always makes me feel like it's time to cozy up in my most comfy PJs and curl up in the recliner under a nice warm blanket to settle in for what I just know will be a sweet read. While an opposites attract type, it rather morphs into a read emphasizing not just family but the dynamics of family that shape us. Both Maisy and Chase have faced dark days in their past so while it's fair to say they're opposites, you'll also discover that they have common ground.
That's good as, quite frankly, their not exactly meet cute doesn't showcase Chase well. He's brusque and short tempered. Even worse, poor guy. He's going to have to fly commercial rather than in a private jet. Well, at least he gets a seat in first class, expecting never to see the woman who called him on his behavior. It's obvious from the beginning that Chase is used to getting what he wants, when he wants it. Maisy is apprehensive his misplaced anger may endanger her friend's job but maintains her calm. She's been taught from an early age that anger is often a cover for deeper feelings, hence she gives Chase the benefit of the doubt. She's absolutely delighted to be upgraded to first class where, you guessed it, she discovers her seatmate is none other than the rude guy from the airport. Chase is also less than excited to find the troubling woman there and pretty much tries to short circuit her tendency to engage in friendly chatter early on. Much to his surprise, after discovering the flight delay lead to his rental car not being held, Maisy offers him a ride. He's doubly shocked when she refused payment, simply telling him to pass it on. Let's just say, for someone used to money being able to get almost everything, that's a foreign policy to him.
I'm not going to detail the plot but that's pretty much where the story takes off. Chase is practically engaged but to his annoyance finds Maisy intriguing. As you'll discover, family dynamics have impacted both. The story moves along smoothly, albeit with the expected bumps along the way. I mean, Chase is practically engaged to the "perfect wife" for success. Maisy is just busy trying to help her family after giving up her dream of being a nurse. The chapters essentially alternate between them, giving us a good idea of their thoughts and past, which adds to the understanding as the story goes along.
Bottom line, this was exactly the feel good story I was hoping for. In a sense, it was a reassurance that life can be full of joy if we only learn to get out of our own way. I mean, there is a difference between being proud and too proud, which you'll come to understand as you read. I found myself liking the main characters. Heck, even Chase's almost "perfect wife" turned out to be someone I think I'd have liked, not to mention Patrick, the baseball nut from Maisy's family was a fun character, too. I also noted that Macomber's early mention of a homeless vet outside the area of Chase's offices wasn't just there for word count. Nope. Not telling what I mean by that. You'll just have to read the book. Thanks #Ballantine for the early peek at this heartwarming, feel good romance. The epilogue was an extra nice touch.
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