Molly Mayberry left Shadow Creek nine years ago, inexplicably breaking up with the love of her life, Ben Matthews, by telling him an awful lie. Now she’s returned as the hospital’s new pediatrician, both reluctant and anxious to face him, knowing he probably still resents her betrayal. Ben is a captain in the Shadow Creek Fire Department, looking to be promoted to chief soon by the man currently in that role who’s ready to retire. However, he’s looking for someone more settled and less inclined to take high risks. When Ben’s brother unexpectedly announces that Molly and he (Ben) have not only reconciled but are engaged, both decide to continue the ruse until Ben gets the promotion and his mother’s health improves.
This is a sweet story that served up some extremely serious themes. Molly’s secret is shocking and there were far more devastating impacts than at first perceived. I was drawn into a story with many more layers than I’d anticipated, which made this a page turner. The title suggests a certain frivolity that’s just not here (thankfully). I’d trusted the author to deliver as she’s done with the other books in this series and she came through. Ben and Molly are complex characters beneath the surface and their issues don’t have easy resolutions. Their families play pivotal roles, which added many more layers. I liked that it evoked a wide range of emotions to keep me engaged.
I very much enjoyed the story, though there were a couple of dangling plot issues involving secondary characters that weren’t more fully explored. It ends with a cliffhanger involving one of them so I’m hoping I don’t have a long wait for the next book.
Book Info
- Release Date: September 10, 2018
- Series: Shadow Creek, Montana #5
- Page Numbers: 174
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(I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review)
Blue Mood Café 
So lovely when a series keeps n getting better. So glad you enjoyed this book, Jonetta!
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Thank you, Marialyce!
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Terrific review, Jonetta! It’s the best to have a reliable series and author, and a sweet story is always a nice change.
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Thanks, Jennifer! I have to have these palate cleansers after my serial killer installments😊. James is such a good writer. Just wish she’d had a different cover as it isn’t even close to the story.
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YAY! I found your blog, Jonetta *happy dancing*. Love the design and header picture. Reminds me of a painting from Claude Monet. Will follow your blog for sure from now on. And thank you for the review. Sounds like a wonderful book for a cozy afternoon read.
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Yay back to you! I’m glad you found it, too. Thank you for your kind words. You got what I was trying to convey with an impressionist style artwork. Hope you’ve been well.
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Great review, Jonetta! Glad to see you enjoyed this one!
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Thank you, Brenda!
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This sounds like a surprisingly wonderful, deep book! Love your review, Jonetta!!
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Thanks, Mackenzie! It definitely is a deeper story than the cover would imply.
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Wow, what a review! I love the fake fiance troupe but this sounds much more complex. I am worried about the cliffhanger aspect plus it’s book 5. Well I just checked and they have the first 3 at one of my libraries. But I noticed you asked if there would be another on Goodreads – I mean if this ends in a cliffhanger how can there not be more? Anne – Books of My Heart
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Anne, that question was for another series with a book having a similar title (very confusing).
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Yes, that cover would make it seem like a fluffy romance, I am glad to see there is some seriousness to this book. I have never read anything by this author, but I will see if my library carries her books. Wonderful review Jonetta.
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Thank you, Carla! I’ve especially enjoyed this and her Red River series. Both deal with very serious themes.
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Good to know, from looking at them I would have thought they were fluffy romance type. I am definitely going to look now.
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