Someone to Love by Donna Alward

The latest offering in the Darling, Vermont series is an emotionally poignant, can’t-put-it-down, opposites-attract tearjerker. A true treasure from page one to the beautiful, touching ending. Alward’s witty dialogue drives this powerful tale, but it’s her little boy costars and her paradoxical, damaged hero and heroine that make hearts sing and rule every page of this sweet and steamy love story.- – RT Bookreviews Top Pick! on Someone to Love

SOME WISHES DO COME TRUE

Ethan Gallagher is a firefighter in Darling, Vermont, who followed tradition and pledged his love on the Kissing Bridge to ensure lifelong happiness. A few years later, he’s a widower with two rambunctious boys who no longer believes in magic. But even he has to admit that free-spirited Willow Dunaway fills him with wonder…and an attraction he cannot deny.

Willow’s come back to Darling a different girl than the one who left after high school. Overcoming her past and owning her own business has made her into a strong, independent woman. Single dad Ethan appeals to her in a way she didn’t expect, even though settling down is the last thing on her mind. But after fire destroys the local food bank, the town rallies, and a fling between Ethan and Willow leads to unintended consequences. Can they find a way out of their heartbreak to make a home in each other’s hearts?

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I haven’t been huge on romance novels for a while, fearing that they all tend to be the same story just recycled. That is, with a few exceptions, and Donna Alward’s books are a definitely an exception. This book made tough-hearted me cry at various points from the beginning to the end.

When I picked this book up, it didn’t take long at all for me to become absorbed in the story. Every once in a while, I find a main character that I wish was real so I could become friends with them, and that character in this case, was Willow. How cool is she? Into Yoga and Natural foods, friendly, caring and the kind of person you want to see succeed. Not only that, but she was just the right level of messed up to make a story like this work. I love imperfect characters. Plus, I want to visit the Purple Pig.

Ethan was also very well-written. I liked that he came off as a bit of a grumpy git in the beginning and then softened as time went on. If you are struggling to believe in true love, this might be the book that changes your mind. Darling is a lovey little town with a lot to offer the reader. After spending some time with these novels, you will probably wish you lived there, too. I know I did.

These books are amazing. Written with just enough steam to keep you interested, but not so much that they are offensive in any way. The love story is sweet but realistic and the descriptions of the town are wonderful. This was a great book. Recommended to all romance fans.

This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.