Series: Apple Valley (Book 2)
In Apple Valley, Washington, true friends are never far,
neighbors can help heal the loneliest hearts--and longed-for dreams can
unexpectedly become real . . .
Charlotte Garrison's second chance is falling into place
just like she's carefully planned. A few more sales of her heavenly sweets and
she'll be able to turn the empty shop on Main Street into her own bakery--a
plan much more sensible than ever again risking her heart. But when a
rambunctious three-year-old girl lands on town deputy Max Stanford's doorstep,
Charlotte finds helping the good-looking deputy care for her is sparking the
most impossible dreams . . .
Max has never been much for settling down. But while he finds
out if little Zuzu is really his daughter, Charlotte's warmth and caring makes
him want to prove he's worthy of her trust. And as they struggle to come to
terms with their pasts, Max will do whatever it takes to show Charlotte home is
where dreams come true--and he and Zuzu are all the love and home she'll ever
need.
This was a heartwarming story of family, friends, love,
and second chances, all in a small town where, for good or bad, everyone knows
everyone else's business. Both Charlotte and Max are relative newcomers to Apple
Valley, each one looking for a new start. Max was a big city cop before burnout
and an injury sent him looking for a slower lifestyle. Slow doesn't mean alone,
however, and Max has quite the reputation as a ladies' man with no interest in
anything permanent. Charlotte came to Apple Valley after the death of her
husband revealed that he already had a wife and children. Devastated, she loses
herself in what she does best - baking sweets and planning to open her own
bakery. Men are off her shopping list entirely.
Charlotte and Max have been friendly acquaintances for
years. He asked her out when she first moved to town but didn't lose any sleep
over her refusal. However, he still attempts to flirt with her whenever he sees
her, as he does in the opening scenes at Cade and Tessa's wedding. It's evident
that there are some sparks between them, but Charlotte fights them all the way.
Charlotte soon finds herself sucked into Max's life when he needs her help. Max
is stunned when his ex-girlfriend shows up with a three-year-old girl she
claims is his. In a heartbreaking scene, Morgan dumps the little girl with Max
to go to Vegas for a job. I felt for Max, who was overwhelmed, but whose kind
heart wanted what was best for little Zuzu, and throws himself on Charlotte's
mercy.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between
Charlotte and Max. Both of them cling tightly to their "no
relationships" rules, but the more time they spend together, the harder it
is to remember why. With Zuzu's arrival in his life, Max finds that his old
lifestyle doesn't hold the same appeal, and having opened his heart to her it
isn't such a big step to let Charlotte in, too. He also knows that convincing
Charlotte to trust him isn't going to be easy. I loved his patience and cheerful
refusal to be discouraged. I ached for him when his romantic snow picnic didn't
go the way he hoped because of Charlotte's fears. I liked his conversation with
the preacher that might have had more impact if it hadn't been interrupted by
an emergency with Zuzu. At the same time, Charlotte took a hard look at herself,
her dreams, and her future, and realized that she wanted more. I loved her big
moment at the end and seeing her finally let go of the past.
There were two mysteries that ran through the book. One
was a problem with someone breaking and entering Charlotte's house. I enjoyed
the way it brought out the protectiveness in Max, who went a little above and
beyond the call of duty in watching out for her. It happened several times, escalating
with each incursion. I began to suspect the who, but the reason was a bit of a
surprise. The final confrontation was funny and heartbreaking. The other
mystery was the question of whether Max is Zuzu's father. He fights against the
idea at the beginning, but it isn't long before he starts getting into the
swing of it. I loved his commitment by the end, but I would have liked a more
definite answer.
I liked the secondary characters also. Zim and Gertrude
still carry on their feud against each other, but also have their good points.
I enjoyed seeing Zim help Charlotte take care of Zuzu that first day, though
there was also some self-interest that came into play. One of my favorites in
this book was Ida, the town mayor. She stepped into the gap when Max needed
help with Zuzu. I also liked her rational and no-nonsense way of dealing with
some of her more unruly constituents. I loved her part in the final
confrontation with the thief.
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