ABOUT THE BOOK
After a career-threatening injury, professional baseball star Cody Lucas retreats to a quiet mountain town to recover—and escape the spotlight.
The last thing he expects to find is Tillie Hooper.
The hardworking diner owner has long since given up on happily-ever-afters, but there’s something about the charming stranger who keeps showing up with a smile and an excuse to stay a little longer.
As sparks fly, both keep their secrets close. Tillie doesn’t know Cody is one of the biggest names in baseball, and Cody has no idea she’s a single mom with a son who means everything to her.
But in a town where everyone knows everyone, secrets can’t stay hidden forever—and when the truth comes out, they’ll have to decide if what they have is worth the risk.
MY REVIEW
Tillie and Cody’s story is a fun, realistic read by one of my favorite authors.
Tillie is a widowed single mom who is dealing with life’s challenges such as grieving the loss of her mother, running a business, and raising a young son on her own. She is a great mom and a dedicated businesswoman who works herself to exhaustion, so letting a man into her life was not an option. She accepted her simple, quiet life until a kind stranger showed her what she was missing, including excitement, passion, and even a little fun. It was wonderful to see her spoiled and accepted as the beautifully resilient, compassionate woman she was.
Cody is an injured baseball superstar trying to keep his whereabouts on the down low while he heals in a small town, and he finds himself falling hard for Tillie and her son, River. He’s completely relatable and doesn’t take himself too seriously. You can feel his struggle with the reality of his injury and the possibility that he may never play baseball again. But the best part is watching him fall for Tillie. The way he becomes devoted to her and River, and eager to be part of their lives, is both sweet and realistic.
The relationship between the main characters is hot and captivating, especially since they are falling hard while keeping important secrets. When the secrets are revealed, it is well done and doesn’t distract from the story. However, I felt the ending could have explained better how their lives could work with her running her business while he’s in a long baseball season. It’s a small piece of the puzzle, but I think it could’ve added a nice element to their story.
The small-town vibe and the side characters, from Tillie’s hilarious best friend Emmy to Cody’s biggest fan, River, bring so much warmth and humor to the mix.
If you’re looking for a sweet, charming story that warms the heart, grab a copy.
Thank you to Ms. Barber for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rebecca lives in Australia’s capital surrounded by bushland and kangaroos. When she’s not writing about small town romance or sexy athletes she’s watching football with her husband, snuggling up with their dog or indulging in some very yummy chocolates.
Follow Rebecca on her website, Facebook, and Instagram.
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