When Shay Zucconi’s step-grandmother died, she left Shay a tulip farm—under two conditions.
First, Shay has to move home to the small town of Friendship, Rhode Island. Second—and most problematic since her fiancé just called off the wedding—Shay must be married within one year.
Marriage is the last thing in the world Shay wants but she’ll do anything to save the only real home she’s ever known.
Noah Barden loved Shay Zucconi back in high school. Not that he ever told her. He was too shy, too awkward, too painfully uncool to ask out the beautiful, popular girl.
A lifetime later, Noah is a single dad to his niece and has his hands full running the family business. That old crush is the farthest thing from his mind.
Until Shay returns to their hometown and turns his life upside down.
CW/TW: absentee parent(s), brief mention of parent death, brief mention of parent chronic illness, mention of incarceration, mention of temporary foster care placement, reference to teenage teasing/bullying (not detailed, not explicit), brief incidence of fat-shaming, living with a neurodivergent child.
Cassie’s Review
4.5 Stars
This book definitely checked a ton of boxes for me. Grumpy hero, small town romance, with single dad (guardian) vibes. Sunshine Kindergartener teacher heroine, who has a real body, which the hero absolutely worships. The author does a spectacular job of how men can be subjected to body shaming, even through a back handed compliment.
Kate Canterbury does such an amazing job of immersing the reader into small town life. Between the inner workings of the farm/bakery/dairy, to how the town does Homecoming.
Gennie is hands down one of my favorite side characters I’ve read in a long time. Her antics had me laughing, and her backstory just made my heart ache.
