Bouquet,

A lovely slow journey of a relationship which involves Liza and her two boys coming to terms with their life as a unit of three potentially growing. The book takes in all the family - and it is huge - and how they support and egg on our couple. We look at dating as a widow with two youngish children and how Liza makes it all work, along with juggling, an old car which keeps getting a flat tire, a busy job and seeing her family and friends. Slow and cute.

Widow Liza Bradford is raising 2 boys alone after becoming a widow. Her big, loving family helps as much as they can – which is a lot! – but Liza wonders if she’ll ever have the comfort of a loving man by her side again.

Enter Andrew ( Drew) Cameron. He’s a friend of the family and has been smitten with Liza since the first time they met, but, understanding she might be gun-shy about starting a new relationship due to her loss, he doesn’t make his feelings known, instead opting to let her take the lead in anything that develops.

These two friends become closer through family interactions and then when Liza’s son is stricken with a health issue, Drew proves he’s a capable and willing ally to help her through the difficult times.

The conflict in their story is minimal and mostly comes from Drew’s slightly controlling actions – buying her a car, for one – But once he realizes Liza is more than capable of controlling her own life he backs down and their love story unfolds.

This is a lovely romance about second chances and learning to let love in again after loss. Brava. 5 well-deserved stars from me.

This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review electronically…it is a cozy read with sweet characters…the protagonist is a young widow with two sons and a huge extended family…at times, it os difficult keeping the characters straight…this is a quick fun book that is a can’t put down to see what the young mother does next…she is fiercely I dependent as she discovers a new love…enjoy this book…I look forward to more from this author…

The story
Liza is a widow and single mom to boys John and George. It’s been five years since her husband Steve passed away. Attractive and single, Drew is her brother in law’s best friend. They have met at events but never really spoken. Liza hasn’t dated at all but she takes a chance and asks Drew out. Will the sparks fly?

My thoughts
I have read two other books in this series and enjoyed them so much. They are easy, fast paced reads filled up supportive family, friends and happy ever afters. This instalment is no exception. Liza and Drew’s story sees this older and wiser couple navigate dating with kids, not an easy thought. Liza’s sons feature strongly but are thankfully supportive and drama free.