Between the Lines by Brandy Pelletier -> Starting March 11th, 2024

[Aly]

Luke Shipley, hard-working single father, has kept a secret for most of his life. When he realizes that secret could affect his daughter, he risks the small-town gossip to fix his problem. Seeking help will change his life for the better…in more ways than one.

Tessa Burton wants nothing more than to create a life for herself away from her upper-crust parents and their heavy expectations. She hopes the slower pace of small-town life will quiet the anxiety that plagues her. Then Luke enters her orbit with a problem she was tailor-made to solve…

As Luke and Tessa work together, their friendship blossoms into something more. But when challenges and insecurities threaten their future, they’ll have to read between the lines to get to the heart of what they really want.

Set in a charming, small southern town, Between the Lines is a heartwarming romance that explores friendship, community, and the power of love.

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Chapters 1 - 7

(view spoiler)[ So far, I’m liking the book, but it feels like some things are skipped over so I’m hoping they’ll be shown more later. For example, Hannah isn’t shown much, but maybe she’ll appear more soon, and hopefully there’ll be lots of scenes with Luke, Hannah and Tessa.

A lot of time has passed without showing much which I understand but I’m hoping that won’t continue for the rest of the book.

I’m curious to see more about Tessa’s… OCD? Anxiety? It’s not specified but I’m looking forward to seeing how it affects her life and if that’s going to change.
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[Ela (Mouse333)]

Chapters 8 - 14

(view spoiler)[ It’s fine, but not much is still being shown.

Luke and Tessa’s relationship has developed but you don’t really see that. Hannah is shown sometimes, but not enough. Also, there aren’t many side characters.

I feel like Tessa’s parents will be the obvious conflict.
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[Ela (Mouse333)]

Chapters 15 - 21

(view spoiler)[ I’m kind of done with this book.

Luke and Tessa are in a relationship and most of the development and interactions with other characters are in the background.

I don’t see what else can happen apart from a conflict and the make up. I still think it’s going to be about Tessa’s parents and I really hope she doesn’t let them order her around.
(hide spoiler)]

[Ela (Mouse333)]

Chapter 22 - Epilogue

(view spoiler)[ The conflict was predictable and I didn’t like it.

Overall, this book was telling instead of showing which is something I really don’t like.
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[Elaine]

This one isn’t working for me…I like Luke okay but cannot connect with Tessa. Also, reading about the process of the lessons is like being at work for me which is not relaxing in any way. DNF.