Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Good older woman/younger man story. The story opens on Harper's forty-fifth birthday. Her friends have canceled on her, so she's celebrating on her own and feeling rather sorry for herself. Her husband divorced her for a younger woman, which has done a number on her self-esteem. In mid-wallow, Sam arrives to put in his bid to do the renovations on her bakery. He has a piece of cake with her and sings Happy Birthday before going on his way.
I liked the development of the relationship between Harper and Sam. There were sparks between them from the start. But Harper can't believe that a man as young and handsome as Sam is interested in an "old lady" like her and laughs off his advances. Sam is tenacious and doesn't give up. It's sweet to see how he flirts with her and pays attention to her. He's not sure why he's so drawn to her, but he won't let a little thing like age stop him. When she finally agrees to a date, she plans for it to be a one-and-done, but she enjoys his company.
When another victim of the Scarecrow Killer is found behind Harper's bakery, Sam's protective instincts are aroused. After she also receives threats, Sam is there to act as her bodyguard. I enjoyed the depth of their connection and seeing them get to know each other as Sam pictures a life together. When the sparks lead to more, it looks like Sam might get his wish. But outside interference plays on Harper's insecurities, and she pulls away from Sam. I wanted to shake her for listening to the naysayers instead of her heart. I ached for Sam, who was devastated by her withdrawal. It takes a near-death experience for Harper to wake up and realize that life is too short not to seize love when she finds it.
The suspense was good. We get a brief look at the Scarecrow Killer and his plans and motivation after his latest victim was found behind the bakery. Continuing efforts to find and stop him have been unsuccessful, and we see the sheriff's frustration. Meanwhile, someone doesn't like that Harper is seeing a younger man. First, she has a disturbing doll and a note on her door; later, someone attacks her at her home. Harper's fear is tangible, as are Sam's guilty feelings for being the reason for the attacks. There is a feeling of impending trouble as the reader waits to see what happens next. The ending is intense as the attacker makes his move. I was glued to the pages until it was all over. The resolution was a little anticlimactic but still satisfying. Hopefully, the next book will resolve the issue of the Scarecrow Killer.
#netgalley
I liked the development of the relationship between Harper and Sam. There were sparks between them from the start. But Harper can't believe that a man as young and handsome as Sam is interested in an "old lady" like her and laughs off his advances. Sam is tenacious and doesn't give up. It's sweet to see how he flirts with her and pays attention to her. He's not sure why he's so drawn to her, but he won't let a little thing like age stop him. When she finally agrees to a date, she plans for it to be a one-and-done, but she enjoys his company.
When another victim of the Scarecrow Killer is found behind Harper's bakery, Sam's protective instincts are aroused. After she also receives threats, Sam is there to act as her bodyguard. I enjoyed the depth of their connection and seeing them get to know each other as Sam pictures a life together. When the sparks lead to more, it looks like Sam might get his wish. But outside interference plays on Harper's insecurities, and she pulls away from Sam. I wanted to shake her for listening to the naysayers instead of her heart. I ached for Sam, who was devastated by her withdrawal. It takes a near-death experience for Harper to wake up and realize that life is too short not to seize love when she finds it.
The suspense was good. We get a brief look at the Scarecrow Killer and his plans and motivation after his latest victim was found behind the bakery. Continuing efforts to find and stop him have been unsuccessful, and we see the sheriff's frustration. Meanwhile, someone doesn't like that Harper is seeing a younger man. First, she has a disturbing doll and a note on her door; later, someone attacks her at her home. Harper's fear is tangible, as are Sam's guilty feelings for being the reason for the attacks. There is a feeling of impending trouble as the reader waits to see what happens next. The ending is intense as the attacker makes his move. I was glued to the pages until it was all over. The resolution was a little anticlimactic but still satisfying. Hopefully, the next book will resolve the issue of the Scarecrow Killer.
#netgalley
