Married ‘til Monday by Denise Hunter

Married 'til Monday by Denise Hunter

I love a good reunion romance. And I couldn’t wait to read this last of the Chapel Springs series from Denise Hunter.

Let’s begin with the summary:

With a big anniversary party in the works for his ex-wife’s parents, Ryan has just one weekend to play Abby’s husband . . . and win back the woman of his dreams.

Ryan McKinley has tried to move on from his ex-wife, Abby. He’s sulked, he’s gotten angry, and ultimately he bought her dream house. Big mistake. Living alone in the massive two-story has only made him miss her more. When her parents call him out of the blue about their anniversary party in Summer Harbor, Maine, Ryan believes God has dropped a golden opportunity straight in his lap.

Abby McKinley never exactly told her parents about the divorce. A strained relationship with her dad has culminated in a distant relationship with her parents, but she’s finally succumbed to her mom’s pressure to make the drive for their 35th-anniversary party.

Then Ryan shows up on her doorstep, looking as handsome as ever. When he insists he’s going to Summer Harbor, with or without her, Abby knows she can’t say no. Her parents still think they’re married and now Ryan knows it too. It’s just a one-week road trip with the man who broke her heart. 
What could possibly go wrong?

And now, my review:

As I read the earlier books in this series, I found myself drawn to Ryan. He reminded me of someone I use to know, and like in the story, he was a brother figure. I wanted to see his story turn out happily ever after. I wanted to read about his situation going from hard and painful to better. See his rejection issues turned around.

Our heroine came from an abusive home, and because her father expects her to fail, she must prove him wrong. That’s what toxic shame will do to you—motivate you to prove people wrong, which sometimes results in taking risks. But the only risk for our heroine is a possible return to a relationship with her ex-husband.

Ryan is willing to take the risk. In some ways this book reminded me of my favorite Denise Hunter title, Surrender Bay, in the symbolism to God’s willingness to risk His heart in loving us.

The heroine is determined to be rejected. Yes, you read that right. She doesn’t make their week together easy on Ryan. But though he seemed on a fool’s mission, I sympathized with both him and with Abby. I wanted the best for them. 

I loved watching these two together. And the humor here and there was fun! But at times this was a tough story to read. I’ve found lately with Denise’s writing, she’s going deeper into the pain humans face in relationships and this story proved that true. But, like in life, that pain was tempered with possibilities, with hope, with romance in these characters' lives.

A little secret: mention of Abby’s family comes up in Denise’s next series, Summer Harbor, which is set in Maine.

Up soon here on Net's Book Notes, a review for Falling Like Snowflakes, book one in the Summer Harbor Series, which just released.

The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter

The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter

I love revisiting Chapel Springs where the characters and setting are familiar. Isn't that a great cover? This book released this month, but though the cover and release date seem to indicate we have a Christmas read, you could read this one any time of year.

Let’s begin with the summary:

Living side-by-side, a fledgling chef and a big-hearted contractor find a delicious attraction.

Trouble is, their chemistry could spoil their dreams.

Spirited PJ McKinley has the touch when it comes to food. Her dream of opening her own restaurant is just one building short of reality. So when a Chapel Springs resident offers her beloved ancestral home to the applicant with the best plan for the house, PJ believes it’s a contest she was meant to win.

Contractor Cole Evans is confident, professional, and swoon-worthy—but this former foster kid knows his life could have turned out very differently. When Cole discovers the contest, he believes his home for foster kids in transition has found its saving grace. All he has to do is convince the owner that an out-of-towner with a not-for-profit enterprise is good for the community.

But when the eccentric philanthropist sees PJ and Cole’s proposals, she makes an unexpected decision: the pair will share the house for a year to show what their ideas are made of. Now, with Cole and the foster kids upstairs and PJ and the restaurant below, day-to-day life has turned into out-and-out competition—with some seriously flirtatious hallway encounters on the side. Turns out in this competition, it’s not just the house on the line, it’s their hearts.

And now, my review:

This story begins with a bang as our heroine conks the hero on the head thinking he’s breaking into her home.

The hero wants to help others. He’s trying to atone for his past, believing a lie he isn’t dependable or trustworthy. But readers will see the truth—he’s dependable, caring, likable. And lonely. Denise is great at writing believable male POV.

The heroine has something to prove to her family. They don’t give her credit for being a capable adult. Sure, she’s had some tough breaks, perhaps made some questionable decisions. But she graduated culinary school and is trying to live her dream. Sounds rather capable to me. And relatable for readers, I think. I liked how distinctive the heroine’s voice was. She over-speaks in the beginning, but tapers back before it can get annoying.

These two are in competition for a location to house their dreams. They each have a year to prove to the building’s owner that their individual projects are worthwhile. Trouble is, they’re falling for each other. And doubting themselves. Denise’s layering of both character and plot drew me deeper into the story.

I enjoyed watching the romance develop. These two have to share the same house—in a wholesome upstairs-downstairs sort of way. Fans of Denise know that you will not be disappointed as her characters’ love grows. She writes great tension and kissing scenes. We’re talking CBA here, so her books are wholesome, of course. But those kissing scenes might surprise you. And these two characters had a few of those scenes.

A great read!