Eight Perfect Hours

 

Pardon me while I make a public service announcement to the writing community:

“Attention all authors:  I regret to inform you that the ENTIRE supply of fate and fortuitous circumstances has been used by Lia Louis in her latest book. It may take some time until new ideas are in supply, so we suggest you read her book and enjoy all the ones she beat you to while you wait. We appreciate your patience.” 

Sorry - I couldn’t get that silly thought out of my head after finishing this adorable little gem of a book.  Honestly, I’ve never seen so many convenient circumstances at work to move a plot towards its conclusion, but that’s really the point of this book: is life just a series of happenstance circumstances or does fate lead us to our destiny?

Thirty-two-year-old Noelle Butterby’s life is basically on pause.  Her dreams - past and present - have been put on the backburner as she dutifully cares for her mother, whose stroke six years prior has left her anxious about returning to a life outside her home. To make matters worse, Noelle is still reeling from her split with Ed, her boyfriend of twelve years, who’s returned to town after a two-year physician stint in America. When she’s stranded on the M4 motorway by a sudden blizzard, a tall, handsome and kind American stranger knocks on her window … Sam.

That’s the first of many aforementioned fortuitous circumstances that come into play for Sam and Noelle, which will strike some as sweet and lovely, albeit far-fetched, and probably others as eye-rollingly preposterous, depending on how willing you are to set aside believability and just enjoy the ride.  For this reader - I was buckled up and there for it! A little break from reality can be a good thing, right?

This is charming, funny and well-written, with wonderful, vibrant characters and a story that will win your heart and might even make it flutter!  The chemistry between Noelle and Sam is ‘turn-the-fan-on-high’ palpable, but completely closed-door, so no raging fires, but those glowing embers are still hot enough!  Apart from romance, it’s also just a wonderful story about two people growing into who they’re meant to be - leaving some aspects of the past behind, while also discovering how much other aspects have determined their future.

It’s a solid 4.5 for me, and since it’s an ARC, I’m forgiving the surprising number of editing errors.  My main complaint is that it was initially difficult to buy into Noelle’s insta-attraction, but after the story got into its groove, I loved it.  It’s the perfect cozy romance for the holidays or any time of year!

★★★★ ½  (rounded to 4)