The Unexpected Guests

The South Bay Series #2

by Ruth F. Stevens

“Hint by artful hint, Stevens pulled me into the masterfully intertwined stories of her ensemble cast, and I was hooked.” –Marsha Jacobson, award-winning author of The Wrong Calamity

Charlie Kittredge can't seem to break out of the writer's block that is threatening his career as a best-selling novelist and his loving relationship with girlfriend Margaret. Gwendolyn, Margaret's mother, can't seem to help behaving outrageously and offending others in her quest to remain forever young. And good friend Sunny can't seem to stop the downward spiral of boyfriend, job, and money problems that plague her along with memories of an abusive father and a secret crush on Charlie.

When Gwendolyn finds herself marooned in Los Angeles and Sunny is thrown out of her apartment, they become permanent fixtures at Charlie and Margaret's, invading their love nest. Personalities clash until finally, at a disastrous family party, secrets are revealed and tensions reach a breaking point. Estranged from the woman they all hold dear, Charlie and the others set out on separate journeys to find a way to vanquish their personal demons and regain Margaret's trust—if it's not too late.

By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, The Unexpected Guests is a page-turning celebration of mature romance, self-discovery, and the true meaning of family.

Genres: Fiction

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2024

About the author

Ruth F. Stevens likes to create stories that will make you laugh and cry, as she did with her debut novel, Stage Seven. She has a duology of funny-sad contemporary novels from Black Rose Writing: My Year of Casual Acquaintances (Sept. 2024) and The Unexpected Guests (Dec. 2024).

Ruth says: “I find myself motivated to write about the topics that worry me the most. Since I worry about a great many things, there is never a shortage of material. I’m also a big believer in the power of laughter to ease our pain and anxiety. Humor is a component in anything I write, no matter how serious the subject matter.”

A former public relations professional, Ruth has been writing for her entire career—including hundreds of articles for magazines, newspapers, and journals—but creative writing is her passion. She took up this endeavor full-time after quitting her day job in 2017. At last count, she’s written two plays and three novels. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, hiking, winetasting, hip hop, Broadway musicals, movies, leading a book club, and visiting her grandsons in Manhattan.

Ruth is a resident of Torrance, California. She is a former public relations professional (in NY and LA) and proud member of the Dramatists Guild of America, the Women Fiction Writers Association, and a volunteer and acquisitions editor for AlzAuthors.

Reviews

[Karla Huebner]

While the opening chapters of The Unexpected Guests suggest that this will be a story of second-chance romance, we're soon in true women's-fiction territory, with midlife romance as just one of several important themes explored. Ruth F. Stevens deftly takes readers into the minds and hearts of the core members of a "found family"--two of them in a relatively new relationship that is unsettled first by the arrival of Margaret's lively but difficult mother Gwendolyn, and then by the ups and downs of Margaret's best friend Sunny. All four must grapple with complicated loves (not just the romantic kind), as well as job-related pressures and the realities of getting older. Readers will laugh and also commiserate with each protagonist's woes, and celebrate the occasional triumphs as the four struggle to deal with the kind of major and relatable problems that so many of us experience in the years between fifty and eighty.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a blissful year and a half together, novelist Charlie Kittredge looks forward to what the future has in store for him and his editor-girlfriend, Margaret. But a relentless writer’s block shakes his confidence, causing Charlie to hide the truth from Margaret. Worse, Margaret’s abrasive elderly mother is staying with them for the foreseeable future. Sunny, a good friend, is moving into their guesthouse after being forced out of her rental. Plus, Margaret’s ex-husband is a needy mess after the sudden death of his girlfriend.

It seems these guests are outstaying their welcome, further monopolizing Charlie and Margaret’s time together. Personalities clash, and resentments build until the tension reaches a boiling point. A huge argument ensues at a Fourth of July party. Margaret feels deceived, like all the people nearest and dearest to her have purposely kept things from her. Margaret’s trust has been broken. Will her family and friends be able to win it back, or will these relationships be tarnished forever?

Ruth F. Stevens reels in readers with “The Unexpected Guests,” an uproariously funny yet touching contemporary romance novel buttressed by a quirky ensemble cast. As the second installment of the South Bay Series, readers can begin with the prequel or enjoy this novel as a standalone; I quickly got up to speed with the characters. Charlie, Margaret, Sunny, and Gwendolyn—live (sometimes inharmoniously) together while grappling with personal challenges such as aging, jealousy, navigating new relationships, and career instability.

“The Unexpected Guests” is the chef’s kiss of character development. The author effortlessly draws in readers with her motley crew of personalities that challenge, complement (and sometimes enrage) one another. And it is so much fun witnessing the drama unfold! From caught-in-the-act yoga-mat encounters to spa-squatting and awkward dates with a Zumba-loving hoarder, Stevens has served up laugh-out-loud delights. I couldn’t stop giggling at the expertly timed antics!

Beyond the knee-slapping moments, the author explores weightier issues that challenge the characters to embark on journeys of self-discovery, find closure, and unpack past traumas. At the helm, Margaret is the glue that holds everyone together and seems to float through life seamlessly. But underneath that stoic exterior is a woman grappling with insecurity and a fractured relationship with her mother.

Gwendolyn’s penchant for fancy stilettos and meddling in her daughter’s affairs is a distraction from what’s really niggling at her—a declining memory and fear of becoming a burden. Fretting over becoming an irrelevant author, Charlie hides behind lies, and Sunny must come to terms with her past and jump from one toxic relationship to the next. The author has provided readers a compelling examination of the human experience.

If you enjoy character-driven romance novels brimming with humor, “The Unexpected Guests” will reel you in with its eccentric charm. Ruth F. Stevens’ masterful writing explores themes of love (particularly mature, second-chance love), family, and belonging. A well-deserved five stars!

[Robbie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I are both retired English teachers and spend much of our time now reading for our own enjoyment rather than correcting papers. Although our interests are not necessarily the same, we often find ourselves totally “on the same page.” THE UNEXPECTED GUESTS, a new novel by Ruth F. Stevens, has definitely become a favorite! The quirky characters and frustratingly funny tangled relationships were absolutely delightful. The dialogue is very real. The writing is very honest. You may not want to admit it, but you really do know people like this. That’s what makes the story so relatable. We highly recommend this thoroughly enjoyable book.
Robbie and Jay

[Pamela Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether she's warming your heart or tearing it apart, Stevens delivers a compellingly realistic look at how our demons haunt us until we face them . . . and how we can come out the other side into love and joy. A delightful read with a cast of characters you'll thoroughly enjoy.

[Julee Balko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an ARC of the first book in this series, so I knew that I would be delighted by these characters again.

This book does a beautiful job of bringing to life the many issues that come up when people stay in your home. A delicate challenge I’ve personally experienced. There were so many times I smiled at Gwendolyn, Margaret's mother, because of something she said or did. She was such a fabulous character. I’d love to have a drink with her, but maybe not share my home.

I knew I enjoyed Charlie from the first book and looked forward to the budding romance. It wasn’t too hard to convince me to spend time with him again in this book. He remains my favorite character, and even though I’ve never done yoga, I might reconsider if he were in my class.

What I enjoy so much about Ruth’s writing is that her characters always feel like family (for better or worse – ha). The Unexpected Guests is a great read for anyone ready to take a break from the drama of life and get lost in someone else’s drama instead.

[Susan Thumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sequel to My Year of Casual Acquaintances, but it can be read as a stand-alone. The characters are family and friends who can be said to overstay their welcome. A very relatable experience that Stevens handles with pathos and humor. The author does an excellent job of melding the characters into a rich soufflé readers will savor long after the last page.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I received this book in a giveaway. I have not read the first book in the series, so my opinion of The Unexpected Guests is as a standalone novel. The story was fine and I enjoyed the last 75 pages or so more than the rest. I just thought the book suffered from a huge case of tell-not-show; everything was spelled out, and there was nothing particularly elegant or interesting about the writing. For me, this book was largely forgettable.

[Luv_a_good_story · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the first in this series, there were parts of the story that I really didn’t like. It all came together at the end of the book.

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unexpected Guests is a sequel to the well-written My Year of Casual Acquaintances and it is quite worthy of its predecessor. Margaret is now living her best life with author Charlie, who started out as a ‘casual acquaintance’ of hers. But domestic tranquility can be both fleeting and fickle, as Margaret discovers when first, her mother arrives for what becomes an extended visit, followed by her friend Sunny. With grace and humor, the four adults begin to execute a carefully orchestrated mingling of lifestyles and disparate personalities. Complications arise in the form of Margaret’s ex-husband Henry, a regular visitor to the house, and Charlie’s unspoken fears that his next novel won’t see the light of day.

Well-developed, quirky characters you care about, snappy dialogue and a realistic approach to the questions and challenges we face well into our later years make this novel a stand-out.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the conclusion of the story, I was hoping to see a new book coming to see what happens to Sunny and her new found relationship. I will watch for other books by this author as I like the story lines and how the stories are told, you can visualize how the characters must be.

[Lucille Guarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Stevens' novel is like watching actors in a play, fluidly moving across the stage scene after scene with snappy dialog and lively performances . . . that culminates with a final act that is sure to bring a smile.

[Karen]

My third Ruth Stevens read didn’t disappoint. One could easily identify with any (or all )of the characters’ vulnerabilities. An easy read that lures till the end!

[Carol Stefanik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good sequel. The author did a good job of bringing each group of characters to a fulfilling completion. It is a feel good book and a good reminder that we should all share the important parts of our lives with someone.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth F. Stevens has a talent for pulling back the curtain on everyday drama, gradually revealing why normal people behave abnormally.

Just when Margaret and Charlie finally resolve their complicated feelings for each other and decide to share a house, houseguests up-end their personal lives. Stevens builds complex characters who face difficult decisions—and her trademark twists and turns have the reader flipping pages to find out what happens next.

Like real life, the root cause of “why are they like that?” is often a surprise. Stevens delivers an unexpected conclusion…guaranteed to produce both tears and smiles.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent read overall, easy to digest. Just a lot going on. Plenty characters introduced over the course of the book made it feel a bit cluttered. Sunny’s story wasn’t what I was expecting for her and it didn’t feel overly natural. Disappointed at how Margy and her mother acted for months.

If you like family drama this is a read for you.

[barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book more than I did.

It's the second in Stevens' series (and reading the first is highly recommended). However, for me personally, this story just didn't hit home like the first book.

Maybe it was because the first book was following the story of Margaret finding herself after a divorce and striking out on her own after so many years, and I loved reading about that part of the story.

However, in the second book, it switches to multiple perspectives (though, still written in third person). I didn't like it as much, after I'd invested so much time into Margaret. Yes, you still get her and her struggles in this book, but it didn't feel the same.

It was still a good read, and I enjoyed the completion of Charlie and Margaret's story, but I think I could have just stopped after the first book (which I highly recommend!)

**Thank you BookSirens and Ruth F. Stevens for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.**

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Unexpected Guests, by Ruth F. Stevens, dives into the tangled web of midlife relationships, family dynamics, and the journey of self-discovery. At the center of this contemporary fiction is Margaret, a recently divorced woman trying to piece her life back together. She rekindles a complicated connection with Charlie, a successful but emotionally guarded author. The story intricately weaves together the lives of various characters, each with their own struggles and secrets. Margaret’s friend, Sunny, faces her own battles with love and career, while Gwendolyn, Margaret’s mother, harbors a past shrouded in mystery. Set against the vibrant backdrop of South Bay in Los Angeles, the narrative delves into love, second chances, and the inevitable chaos that others bring into our lives. This book appeals to readers who crave character-driven tales infused with humor, heart, and a touch of drama.

Ruth Stevens’ The Unexpected Guests offers a warm, heartfelt reading experience. The story invites readers into the lives of seemingly ordinary characters grappling with life’s oddities. Their experiences resonate deeply, making the narrative feel intimate and personal. Certain characters stand out, their stories laced with tension yet softened by the tenderness in Stevens' prose. This balance evokes empathy as they navigate old wounds and new opportunities. The writing flows effortlessly, accessible yet charming. The prose sparkles with wit and emotion, striking a balance between light-hearted moments and more reflective, poignant scenes. I do feel that the dialogue sometimes feels as if the characters are speaking past each other rather than engaging in genuine conversation. This detracts slightly from the otherwise engaging narrative.

Each character, even the secondary ones like Sunny and Gwendolyn, is thoughtfully crafted. They bring their unique dilemmas to the story, enriching the main narrative in meaningful ways. Stevens excels in portraying relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic. The flaws in these characters make them more endearing, drawing readers deeper into their lives and struggles. The plot leans toward a slice-of-life approach, focusing on emotional depth rather than high-stakes drama. This style may resonate with those who enjoy introspective, character-focused stories. The pacing is steady, and these quieter scenes offer valuable space to reflect on the characters, enhancing understanding and connection.

The Unexpected Guests explores love, second chances, and the beautifully messy nature of human relationships. It's a moving story for readers who appreciate well-drawn characters and narratives that feel both genuine and heartfelt.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unexpected Guests is the follow up novel to My Year of Casual Acquaintances. While the story continues with many of the same characters this novel drops the original book's monthly chapter plot device focused solely on the experience of Margaret. Instead the second novel adopts multiple points of view that follows the second novel's four main characters over various chapters. Margaret remains a central figure in this story as in the first, but the reader is now provided a wider view of the world in which she inhabits.

The first book is centered on Margaret's very small life primarily consisting of work and fitness. The reader recognizes this growth in the first novel and second story makes it clearer both through story construction and in the minimized role of the fitness club and Margaret's daily routine. I appreciate the subtle choices that the author makes and the deliberate decision to expand Margaret's world by fully constructing the people that mean the most to her. It is a lovely way of telling the story.

While a reader could jump into The Unexpected Guests without reading My Year of Casual Acquaintances, the second book is greatly enhanced with the background from first story. Readers that did not like Margaret or the writing style in book one may find their opinions have changed in the second installment. I would encourage anyone who enjoys light-hearted, family-focused stories that capture the messiness of life to read this book. The author's ability to craft a well-written, interesting story which touches on several darker/harder themes is masterful. The novel is deep and thoughtful without being pretentious or overwritten. I look forward to the next novel in this series and any future fiction that this author writes.

I am grateful to BookSirens for providing me with this free advance review copy of this book; I have read and honestly reviewed this book voluntarily.

[Sublime Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating = 4.67

Storyline & Concept = 4.5
Writing & Delivery = 4.5
Editorial = 5

In The Unexpected Guests, Ruth Stevens weaves a delightful tapestry of love, laughter, and life’s inevitable chaos. The novel follows the lives of Charlie, a struggling writer, and his girlfriend, Margaret, as they navigate the turbulent waters of love and creativity. The arrival of Gwendolyn, Margaret’s eccentric mother, and Sunny, a troubled friend, turns their peaceful existence upside down. Gwendolyn’s disruptive behavior and Sunny’s personal struggles create a whirlwind of drama.
In this well-written sequel to My Year of Casual Acquaintances, Ms. Stevens masterfully balances humor with poignant moments of introspection. What sets this novel apart is its exploration of complex relationships and the power of human connection. As the characters grapple with their own insecurities and past traumas, they learn valuable lessons about forgiveness, empathy, and the importance of family. The author’s vivid descriptions and witty dialogue bring the characters to life, making them both relatable and endearing. A must-read for lovers of women’s fiction or anyone who enjoys a good laugh, a good cry, and a good story.
Sublime Line: “A well-written and heartwarming tale to remind us that even in the midst of life’s turmoil, love and hope can prevail.”

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ruth Stevens’ first two books (Stage Seven and My Year of Casual Acquaintances) and was intrigued to read the follow up to the latter.

We were introduced to the array of characters in My Year of Casual Acquaintances and Stevens’ maintains her gift of capturing angst, joy, sorrow and doubt in each of her main protagonists in this follow up book. This makes the narrative believable and compelling. Stevens has not lost her art of the sharp one liner, of the witty come back or, indeed, of the poignant depiction of those moments of doubt and sadness which sometimes can overcome us all.

The story line follows the perspectives of four main characters, with the supporting cast having their say on matters too. The author slips easily into writing from each person’s point of view. I did find myself grimacing at Gwendolyn, sighing with Sunny, cheering for Charlie and marvelling at Margaret (as I believe was the author’s intention) but, equally, I also wanted each person (flaws and all) to find a good resolution to their respective dilemmas.

Yes, the book is a great read but Ruth Stevens also succeeds in touching on some issues which affect us all in some measure: truthfulness, self-doubt, envy, guilt and love which makes both the characters and the story line more impactful.

Now, the question is: will there by a 3rd book in the series….

[Marsha Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just five sentences in, Ruth F. Stevens’ The Unexpected Guests had all my senses alert to the mutually exclusive hopes and anxieties of Margaret, an editor with more talent than she realizes and an eagerness to connect with Charlie; and Charlie, a well-known author, secretly worried about his career and wanting nothing to do with Margaret. Hint by artful hint, Stevens pulled me into the backstory and the here-and-now of these two, and I was hooked.

Soon I found myself deeply engaged with a supporting cast of intertwined characters: Sunny, bankrupted when she left work to care for her ill mother; Gwendolyn, Margaret’s havoc-wreaking mother with a secret fear; Henry, Margaret’s unrepentant ex-husband; and Michael, Margaret’s fractious son. Some of these I rooted for. Others I wanted to boo off the stage. But as Stevens skillfully revealed more about each character, who to cheer and who to boo grew unclear. Many authors would struggle to pull off this complicated choreography, but Stevens excels.

At the novel’s highly satisfying end, not everyone has achieved full redemption—life doesn’t work that way—but all the characters stay in my mind, and I’m looking forward to reading Stevens’ next offering.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie Kittredge can't seem to break out of the writer's block that is threatening his career as a best-selling novelist and his loving relationship with girlfriend Margaret. Gwendolyn, Margaret's mother, can't seem to help behaving outrageously and offending others in her quest to remain forever young. And good friend Sunny can't seem to stop the downward spiral of boyfriend, job, and money problems that plague her along with memories of an abusive father and a secret crush on Charlie.

I have not read the first book in this series and I wish I had before reading this one - just to get a feel, for Margaret and her life pre-Charlie.

I enjoyed the main character, since she is close to my age and I know people grappling with this change of life and the like. I felt some of the side characters were not as interesting and found it harder to care about the plot.

The first half of this dragged for me, as I felt I was being overly explained to. I like to figure things out for myself and this book over described and over-told the story in places.

All in all, it was a sweet, easy story to read and I do want to read the first book as well to see if it is any different in style.

[Diane Nagatomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Unexpected Guests” by Ruth F. Stevens is a perfect follow up to the first book in the South Bay series, “My Year of Casual Acquaintances.” We get to meet the same characters again, but this time they are no longer mere acquaintances, but friends (and more!) who help each other out when things get tough. Margaret and her boyfriend Charlie move in together and Sunny is managing a spa. Everyone’s lives are going so smoothly. But then, Margaret’s rather difficult (but hysterically funny) mother comes out for a week’s visit that somehow turns into two, then three weeks. Then months and months. Not an easy person to get along with, Gwendolyn’s presence puts pressure on everyone around. Sunny experiences difficulties at the spa and Charlie (a best-selling novelist) has writer’s block. Will their relationships survive all this?

I loved Stevens’ first book nearly as much as I loved this one. I felt a little sad when I finished the book because I felt so invested in these characters’ lives, I really wanted to see what they’d be doing next week, next month, and next year. I was very lucky to have received an advanced reader's copy of this book and my opinion is my own.

[Lora Ackermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Stevens draws us into the characters’ lives in an unassuming, yet powerful way. The first few chapters kept me moving at a steady pace; then, suddenly, I find myself ignoring all of my responsibilities just so I can continue reading this book! I literally could not put the book down!

The characters and their lives are so REAL; I feel as though I know them, personally. Each with their own storyline, so expertly and beautifully woven together by Stevens, that you almost don’t even notice her drawing you in until you are halfway through the book and eager to find out what happens next. Some sections even brought me to tears, both in sadness and in joy, depending on the character and where I was along the journey. I also fully appreciate the plot twists Stevens sprinkles in throughout the book as these add to the intrigue tremendously.

The Unexpected Guests, combined with Stevens’ first book in the series, My Year of Casual Acquaintances, makes a great duo for anyone looking for an enriching, entertaining and well-woven set of books to read. I am very much looking forward to book three!

[Michelle Caffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, loss and redemption
Ruth F. Stevens’ The Unexpected Guests draws the reader into the messy, complicated lives of its two main characters, Margaret and Charlie. From the get-go, Stevens lays out their conflicting desires: Margaret, a talented editor, is desperate to connect with the elusive Charlie, while the successful yet insecure author wants no part in her life. Stevens slowly peels back layers of their past and current struggles in their developing relationship. The supporting cast is just as interesting—Margaret’s self-absorbed mother, Gwendolyn; her difficult ex-husband, Henry; and her troubled son, Michael, all add extra depth and drama. Her friend Sunny, whose abusive father still haunts her, makes poor choices while she battles inner demons. The story causes both empathy for the characters and frustration with the messy, real-world problems they encounter. The Unexpected Guests is a raw, honest look at the complex ways people connect, clash, and cope with their pasts.

[Erica Karlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her latest novel, author Ruth F. Stevens demonstrates her mastery of clean and clear prose that draws readers into the lives of its characters from multiple points of view. The narrative is tender, but it is through the nuanced portrayals of the three protagonists where this book truly shines. Perhaps most notable is Stevens’ handling of the elderly matriarch, whose bizarre antics are by turn disquieting, heartwarming, and disarmingly funny. Through deft dialogue and a keen eye for detail, Stevens invites her readers to connect with the emotions, the struggles, and the ever-present wit of each of her characters.

The Unexpected Guests is a novel that navigates the complexities of the human experience with sensitivity and grace, offering us a glimpse into a world that always feels authentic.

[Marisa Dondlinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous, poignant, and heartfelt, The Unexpected Guests feels like showing up to a family reunion to reconnect with those that you are fond of but have lost touch. The supporting cast from My Year Of Casual Acquaintances shine in this sequel, giving each character a nuanced challenge to meet. The conflicts are relatable—love and career balance, mother/daughter dynamics, death, and childhood scars—while the characters, though flawed, remain authentic and likeable. You won’t always agree with their course of action, but, like family, you will find a way to forgive them and hope for the best.

Stevens’ writing is flawless and soothing. Like delving into a rich piece of chocolate cake, you want to savor each sentence. When finished, you’ll be hoping for a trilogy, because you won’t want to let these characters go.

[Carol C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unexpected Guests is a realistic window into a colorful group of people's lives. These characters span in age from great-grandparents to children and every generation in between. Stevens develops creative subplots for each character that intertwine at some point in the story. One is how Charlie writes a picture book for the little boy, Benny, who's obsessed with climate change. Sunny explores illustrations for the book, a step that has a good and not so good impact on various characters' lives. There's a seesaw of emotions throughout the book as The relationships harmonize and clash. Most readers will relate to at least one sticky situation, character, or emotional high or low. The Unexpected Guests is a relatable read you'll enjoy!

[Barbara Luker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth F. Stevens’s new book, The Unexpected Guests, is a fascinating story of family, those who become like family, and the delicate balancing act between tolerance and acceptance of each other’s foibles and idiosyncrasies. This well-crafted story will keep readers turning pages to discover the next drama from a group of people that love each other even when too much time together strains their bonds. Stevens’s well-developed characters are relatable, especially for those sandwiched between caring for older generations and those younger. A wonderful thread in the book is the heart-warming development of a mature love story. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author! ~ Barbara A. Luker, author of I Carry Your Heart and The Right One.