Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 2/14/2018 + 2617 more book reviews

Very good book about two people who are trying to put their lives back together. Sadie is in the midst of a difficult divorce from her controlling and abusive husband. Her job as a waitress isn't enough to make ends meet and desperation has her accepting a job working for Dawson. Dawson has spent a year in prison as he stood trial for the murder of his parents. He's been acquitted, but the people of Silver Springs still believe that he is guilty. He is trying to get the farm and house fixed up so that he can bring his disabled sister back home. Sadie is the only one who has agreed to work for him.

I loved the development of the relationship between Sadie and Dawson. Sadie is understandably nervous about her job. The justice system says that Dawson is innocent, but it's difficult not to be influenced by the constant negativity of the people around her. I loved that Dawson is patient and understanding of her fears. It doesn't take long for Sadie's heart to convince her that Dawson is innocent. They quickly move from employer/employee to friends, and then more. I ached for Sadie, whose soon-to-be-ex doesn't want to let her go and does everything he can to sabotage her efforts at independence. I loved the way that Dawson stood behind her and gave her the support she needed to fight back. I also hurt for Dawson, who had never truly had a chance to mourn the loss of his parents. He buries his pain in his determination to bring the farm back to life and bring his sister home. I loved Sadie's faith in him and how she stands up for him against his detractors. I especially loved the scene with Sadie and the social worker who came to investigate for Dawson's sister's release. Neither Sadie nor Dawson had started out wanting or expecting any kind of relationship. Sadie is reluctant to trust her judgment after what she has been through with Sly and now believes that love is just a fairytale. Dawson is just too busy with fixing the farm to have time, plus he believes that his trashed reputation will prevent any woman from wanting him. I loved watching them grow closer as they spent time together. It was especially sweet to see Dawson with Sadie's son, Jayden. It was clear that Dawson would be a terrific father. I liked that they didn't fight their growing attraction too hard. Giving in opened their hearts to the possibility of a future for them. I liked the epilogue and how it brought Dawson and the town back together.

The book had two suspense storylines - Dawson's search for his parents' true murderer, and the problems that Sadie was having with Sly. I liked Dawson's determination to prove his innocence and his persistence in pursuing each lead that he got. It really seemed like finding a needle in a haystack until one particular connection was discovered. The problems with Sly were much more intense. He is an abusive, controlling man, who enjoys the power trip of being a police officer. From the beginning, he uses intimidation to prevent Sadie from getting the jobs that would enable her to earn more money. When that doesn't work on Dawson, he steps up his attempts to drive Sadie back to him. His actions escalate, becoming more and more dangerous to both Sadie and Dawson. It was frustrating to see the way that he had the support of his fellow officers, who not only refused to see what he was doing but also participated in some of the intimidation. I loved the support that Dawson gave Sadie and seeing the steps she went through to solve the problem. The final confrontation was intense with a surprise twist to its resolution.

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