by Judy Ann Davis
Can you ever go home again? Julien Franklin is recently discharged from the Army and headed back to his hometown of Linden, Vermont with a new puppy he's named Mozart. He's planning to stay "for a while" and remodel his adopted parents' home. He's unprepared to see Natalie Pinkett again. She's the one he regretted had got away. Now, years later lots of life has happened to them both, changed them both. Is there any possibility they can rekindle their friendship, or even their star-crossed romance? What surprises are in store with the house remodel? Plans to stay a while be extended, or shortened as his heart will dictate.
The former high school sweethearts begin to get reacquainted over coffee and their forever favorite treat, maple cookies. Natalie is running her bookstore, and renting the rooms above it for extra money. She's returned home herself after becoming a widow. She wants to raise her daughter in her own home town. Julien is looking for a place to stay, and moves into this apartment. The pair will remain in close contact, especially since Natalie's daughter and Mozart become fast friends.
Judy Ann Davis, the author of this charming story sets a vivid scene of a small town and the details that make it unique. It's easy to see why it's a magnet for those characters who grew up there. The author creates intriguing characters and introduces the reader to them, then slowly peels away the layers and reveals more and more about their backgrounds, desires, dreams, and buried secrets. As the plot moves forward, the ripple effects of one person's life on others' lives is beautifully shown and quite thought provoking. It's such an engaging story, and it surfaces an interesting debate about possibilities, and exploring the idea of how idyllic is it if you ever go home again?
Thank you for hosting me, Wendy. This was a fun story to write during the holiday season. And who doesn't like second chance love stories?
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