the setup…
Samantha Diaz walks into Dr. Xavier Rush’s veterinary clinic with a stray kitten in her bosom. She needs her checked out and he’s the best. First impressions are great on both sides but when he diagnoses the kitten with a serious condition that’s expensive and risky to remedy, her opinion of him plummets when he recommends euthanasia. Things eventually turnaround and Xavier’s apology includes the most memorable (and long!) first date. However, Samantha must leave Minneapolis and return to her family home in Glendale, California to help provide care to her mother. Not believing a long distance romance could work, she asks Xavier to forget about her. As if.
the heart of the story…
That first date was epic and both Samantha and Xavier felt deep in their souls that the other was The One. He tried to forget her and stay away but it wouldn’t stick. I adored their connection and my heart ached as the obstacles of long distance relationships surfaced in so many mean ways. The other side of this story was the cruelty of dementia and the toll it takes on the families trying desperately to provide home care. It was authentically portrayed, heartbreakingly so.
the narration…
Oh my goodness were these two wonderful! I’m used to exceptional performances by Christine Lakin but Matt Lanter is new to me and immediately moved to favorite status. Do yourself a favor and listen to them tell this story in dual narration.
the bottom line…
This is outstanding on every level! Combining a truly beautiful romance with the trials of long distance dating and home care for a loved one suffering from a cruel mental disease takes extraordinary skill to pull it off. I felt…everything. I’m grateful for this story as it is close to home, giving me hope and light.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 1, 2025
- Narrators: Christine Lakin & Matt Lanter
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 59 minutes
- Publisher: Hachette Audio
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Blue Mood Café 
Wonderful review, Jo. I’m so glad you loved this!
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Thank you, Nicki💜
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Such a lovely review, Jo!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 It’s a lovely story.
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I’m listening to this one now and really enjoying it (was there any doubt?). Great review Jonetta.
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Thank you, Jodie💜 I didn’t know it was a dual narration style until I started. Don’t you just love Matt?
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I haven’t read much of her but maybe when I’m in the mood.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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She is one of my new favorites!
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Fab review! I’m definitely looking forward to get a copy even more now. ❤
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Thanks, Yvo💜 I yelled when I saw it was available for review.
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I can imagine! Jimenez is such a fantastic author.
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So excited to see that you loved this! I have it on my Kindle, but I’m waiting for my library hold for the audiobook to come in. Her books are always amazing — so glad you loved it!
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Thank you, Lisa💜 It’s worth the wait!
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I love your review, Jo. I am on a long list for the audiobook at my library. Having just lost my BIL after 3 years in a nursing home with severe dementia, I like books that portray people with that disease in a respectful manner. I am looking forward to listening to this one.
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Thank you, Carla💜It’s an insidious disease and is so realistically portrayed here.
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