November 8, 2021
A struggling shop owner falls for the boy next door, but it’s her relationship with her family that puts the heart in this adorable friends-to-lovers romance from bestseller Jump (In Other Words, Love). Gabby Monroe is the glue holding her family together, despite her own life being in shambles. Business is down at her Harbor Cove, Mass., vintage store, her love life is nonexistent, and though she and her sisters, Emma and Margaret, were once inseparable, the women have drifted apart as adults. After the sisters uncover letters that reveal their grandmother has a secret life as an advice columnist, Gabby devises a plan to bond with her sisters and cheer up her grandmother by “creating a few happy endings for the people who write to her.” Meanwhile, Jake Maddox, Gabby’s childhood best friend, confesses his feelings for her, forcing Gabby to confront her conflicting emotions and growing attraction to him. But she’ll need to put a painful romantic past behind her to give love a chance. Gabby and Jake’s will-they-won’t-they is light and sweet, but becomes repetitive as it goes on. The Monroe sisters’ dynamic gives the story its Hallmark feel, and readers will hope to see more of Emma and Margaret in future books. This is sure to please. Agent: Pamela Hardy, the Knight Agency.
December 1, 2021
Gabriella Monroe made a promise after her mother's death to protect her sisters and grandmother, but she seems to be breaking that promise at every turn lately. On top of that, her shop is failing. So dating anyone, especially her extremely handsome best friend, would just complicate her life. Jake Maddox knows what he wants but understands there's a risk to taking chances. He took a major risk to leave the family firm to pursue his photography career and he is still dealing with that fallout. He knows finally expressing his love for Gabby after years of being best friends would be an even bigger risk. But when he offers to help Gabby in her quest to secretly help the people she loves, he starts to wonder if they don't need a little push of their own. VERDICT This new series from Jump ("Mercy, Indiana" series) is perfect for readers looking for stories that feature both familial and romantic love in a small town.--Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati Blue Ash
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