Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
This was a heartwarming story of family, friends, love, and second chances, all in a small town where, for good or bad, everyone knows everyone else's business. Both Charlotte and Max are relative newcomers to Apple Valley, each one looking for a new start. Max was a big city cop before burnout and an injury sent him looking for a slower lifestyle. Slow doesn't mean alone, however, and Max has quite the reputation as a ladies' man with no interest in anything permanent. Charlotte came to Apple Valley after the death of her husband revealed that he already had a wife and children. Devastated, she loses herself in what she does best - baking sweets and planning to open her own bakery. Men are off her shopping list entirely.
Charlotte and Max have been friendly acquaintances for years. He asked her out when she first moved to town but didn't lose any sleep over her refusal. However, he still attempts to flirt with her whenever he sees her, as he does in the opening scenes at Cade and Tessa's wedding. It's evident that there are some sparks between them, but Charlotte fights them all the way. Charlotte soon finds herself sucked into Max's life when he needs her help. Max is stunned when his ex-girlfriend shows up with a three-year-old girl she claims is his. In a heartbreaking scene, Morgan dumps the little girl with Max to go to Vegas for a job. I felt for Max, who was overwhelmed, but whose kind heart wanted what was best for little Zuzu, and throws himself on Charlotte's mercy.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Charlotte and Max. Both of them cling tightly to their "no relationships" rules, but the more time they spend together, the harder it is to remember why. With Zuzu's arrival in his life, Max finds that his old lifestyle doesn't hold the same appeal, and having opened his heart to her it isn't such a big step to let Charlotte in, too. He also knows that convincing Charlotte to trust him isn't going to be easy. I loved his patience and cheerful refusal to be discouraged. I ached for him when his romantic snow picnic didn't go the way he hoped because of Charlotte's fears. I liked his conversation with the preacher that might have had more impact if it hadn't been interrupted by an emergency with Zuzu. At the same time, Charlotte took a hard look at herself, her dreams, and her future, and realized that she wanted more. I loved her big moment at the end and seeing her finally let go of the past.
There were two mysteries that ran through the book. One was a problem with someone breaking and entering Charlotte's house. I enjoyed the way it brought out the protectiveness in Max, who went a little above and beyond the call of duty in watching out for her. It happened several times, escalating with each incursion. I began to suspect the who, but the reason was a bit of a surprise. The final confrontation was funny and heartbreaking. The other mystery was the question of whether Max is Zuzu's father. He fights against the idea at the beginning, but it isn't long before he starts getting into the swing of it. I loved his commitment by the end, but I would have liked a more definite answer.
I liked the secondary characters also. Zim and Gertrude still carry on their feud against each other, but also have their good points. I enjoyed seeing Zim help Charlotte take care of Zuzu that first day, though there was also some self-interest that came into play. One of my favorites in this book was Ida, the town mayor. She stepped into the gap when Max needed help with Zuzu. I also liked her rational and no-nonsense way of dealing with some of her more unruly constituents. I loved her part in the final confrontation with the thief.
Charlotte and Max have been friendly acquaintances for years. He asked her out when she first moved to town but didn't lose any sleep over her refusal. However, he still attempts to flirt with her whenever he sees her, as he does in the opening scenes at Cade and Tessa's wedding. It's evident that there are some sparks between them, but Charlotte fights them all the way. Charlotte soon finds herself sucked into Max's life when he needs her help. Max is stunned when his ex-girlfriend shows up with a three-year-old girl she claims is his. In a heartbreaking scene, Morgan dumps the little girl with Max to go to Vegas for a job. I felt for Max, who was overwhelmed, but whose kind heart wanted what was best for little Zuzu, and throws himself on Charlotte's mercy.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Charlotte and Max. Both of them cling tightly to their "no relationships" rules, but the more time they spend together, the harder it is to remember why. With Zuzu's arrival in his life, Max finds that his old lifestyle doesn't hold the same appeal, and having opened his heart to her it isn't such a big step to let Charlotte in, too. He also knows that convincing Charlotte to trust him isn't going to be easy. I loved his patience and cheerful refusal to be discouraged. I ached for him when his romantic snow picnic didn't go the way he hoped because of Charlotte's fears. I liked his conversation with the preacher that might have had more impact if it hadn't been interrupted by an emergency with Zuzu. At the same time, Charlotte took a hard look at herself, her dreams, and her future, and realized that she wanted more. I loved her big moment at the end and seeing her finally let go of the past.
There were two mysteries that ran through the book. One was a problem with someone breaking and entering Charlotte's house. I enjoyed the way it brought out the protectiveness in Max, who went a little above and beyond the call of duty in watching out for her. It happened several times, escalating with each incursion. I began to suspect the who, but the reason was a bit of a surprise. The final confrontation was funny and heartbreaking. The other mystery was the question of whether Max is Zuzu's father. He fights against the idea at the beginning, but it isn't long before he starts getting into the swing of it. I loved his commitment by the end, but I would have liked a more definite answer.
I liked the secondary characters also. Zim and Gertrude still carry on their feud against each other, but also have their good points. I enjoyed seeing Zim help Charlotte take care of Zuzu that first day, though there was also some self-interest that came into play. One of my favorites in this book was Ida, the town mayor. She stepped into the gap when Max needed help with Zuzu. I also liked her rational and no-nonsense way of dealing with some of her more unruly constituents. I loved her part in the final confrontation with the thief.
