the setup…
It’s 1997 and in the space of thirty days, Michelle Cadell’s life has turned upside down. She’s always had an orderly and well planned life in Seattle and now the thirty-year old advertising manager is divorced, owner of her ex’s border collie-with-attitude Rocket and managing her recently deceased mother’s bed & breakfast (Bird & Breakfast) in Copper Run, Vermont. Michelle has taken an extended leave from her job until December when her younger sister Sara will take over. Michelle is like a fish out of water in this quaint town but next door neighbor Cliff Burke, the handsome single father of two daughters and the town’s baker, is ready and willing to lend a hand…and his heart.
the heart of the story…
Copper Run has a Gilmore Girls sort of vibe but Michelle isn’t anything like Lorelei. She’s got some major walls erected and isn’t comfortable being chummy with people and small talk is a foreign language. Cliff and his daughters are a godsend as they embrace her and the grumpy Rocket. There are lots of hilarious moments but equally tough ones as she and Cliff grow closer with her end date looming in the background.
the narration…
Alex Raby & Sean Patrick Hopkins were ideal voices for Michelle and Cliff. Both were great storytellers. Blair Young was hilarious as Rocket and Emily Eiden was adorable as six-year old Brittany.
the bottom line…
This has a holiday feel as it covers Halloween through Christmas. I loved the slow burn romance between Michelle and Cliff, even though I lost patience with her at times. Everything about the setting, the town and its endearing characters worked for me though the story was a bit longer than needed. However, the lovely ending and bonus epilogues were a sweet remedy.
Book Info
- Release Date: September 2, 2025
- Narrators: Blair Young, Emily Eiden, Alex Raby & Sean Patrick Hopkins
- Audio Length: 13 hours, 47 minutes
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Blue Mood Café 
I love the sound of this one and will try and find it at my library. Great review Jonetta.
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Thank you, Jodie💜 I think you’ll enjoy this story.
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