By 
Julee Balko, the Author of “Square Hearts” has written an emotional, captivating, heart-felt and poignant story. The genres for this book are: Contemporary Women, Small Town Fiction, Disabilities, Mothers and Daughter, Families, and Fiction, with a dash of Romance. The author visually and vividly describes the quaint small town, and the colorful and dramatic characters. The characters are described as complex, complicated, and flawed. I love that there are rescue kittens, and there is such an emotional importance for that.
The female protagonist in the story is Nicola Cooper, who is recently a widow, living with her neurodivergent daughter. After the car crash that killed Nicola’s husband, the husband’s best friend, Henry and his young son looks after Nicola and her daughter. He rents them a small cottage. Every Tuesday they have a Tacos night.Nicola is feeling lost, and wants to find herself. Her husband always said ,” the heart has many sides. “Daisy, her daughter likes predictability, and can’t deal with changes. When a new couple and their daughter move into their neighborhood, there might be a chance that Daisy will have a friend, and so will Nicola. There are betrayals, secrets and unacceptable behavior. The new neighbor’s husband plays the violin, and starts giving lessons to Daisy.
Nicola’s parents call with a proposition that Nicola and Daisy, move back home and take over the house, so the parents can go into an assisted living arrangement. They also feel that Nicola and Daisy will be closer to them.
There is something about the new neighbors that is upsetting to Daisy, and Henry as well. Nicola finds herself in a position to have to make a decision, about her life circumstances. Will Nicola be able to find acceptance, and allow herself to find love? I appreciate how the author mentions the importance of family, friends, and neighbors that communicate and are honest. The author discusses differences in people and how to make them comfortable and acceptable. I enjoyed this memorable novel and highly recommend this thought-provoking book to others.
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