REBECCA'S REVIEW
"If it isn't Martha Aldridge all grown up."
It had taken children's librarian Martha Aldridge an enormous amount of courage to walk through the the doors of King Publishing, but after all, it was for the children. Her children. Well, not her children exactly, but Little Creek, Tennessee's children, who benefited greatly from the creative programming provided by their small town library. Unfortunately, at this point only a generous donation could save what was so dear to her heart. Thus the reason for Martha's visit to the one person within reach who had the means to gift a substantial amount of money, a man who had single-handedly crushed her dreams once upon a time. Except it wasn't the patriarch of the company who sat across the desk, it was his son.
Julien King doesn't quite know what to do with Martha's bold request, until he considers how her knowledge of children's literature might help him to revitalize their children's imprint, Squire. If she would agree to a short term contract, surely they could find a manuscript that would prove his prowess as a competent leader of his family's publishing house. It would mean spending quite a bit of time with Martha, but somehow that idea sounded rather appealing at the moment. First flights, and all.
This book has an infectious charm about it, pulsating with appealing characters and humorous scenarios, the story is also filled with genuine, honest and often hard conversations about everything from a little girl in pigtails to dashed dreams and high expectations. It's about books! And the girl next door! And eventually, I couldn't love you more!
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher. The opinions above are entirely my own.4.5 stars
PAULA'S REVIEW:
Sassy and cute, this rom-com had me laughing a lot. I loved the literary references and the plus-sized heroine who had a head on her shoulders. I enjoyed the interaction between Julien and Martha. I did not find that the age difference detracted from the story. The friends from the library were loyal and supportive. Martha was a sweet character who cared so much about what the library could offer to children. She seemed like the perfect librarian for children.
I like the way the characters were quirky but lived out their faith, relying on God to help them in the everyday, with problems large and small. It was very interesting to learn a bit about the publishing industry and conferences where queries were made.
This book rounds out the series quite nicely with lots of heart and comedy.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Bethany House via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine 5 stars and a solid faith thread
BackCover Blurb:
Can a jeopardized children's library program spark a partnership that saves their careers but costs them their hearts?
When children's librarian Martha Aldridge learns about budget cuts that will not only put her out of a job but also shut down the library's children's programs, she's determined to raise the funds needed to save both. The good news is, she knows just who to ask for a large donation on the library's behalf. The bad news? She swore she'd never step foot in his office again.
Julien King has been groomed to one day run his family's publishing empire, and now he must prove he's ready to take the helm by turning around the company's languishing children's imprint. That wouldn't be a problem, except he doesn't know the first thing about children's literature. So when Martha waltzes into his office, he sees an opportunity and makes her an offer she can't refuse. He'll give her the money she needs for the library in exchange for her help in acquiring a bestselling manuscript that will resurrect the dying imprint. The longer they're forced to work together, however, the more they come to realize their jobs may not be the only thing on the line.
