Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
From Mather (Hunting November) comes a delicious second-chance romance that, despite its title, delivers more heartfelt feels than it does laughs. The quaint coastal town of Haverberry Cove, Mass., was once the setting of all of Maddi DeLuca's dreams, including taking over her father's bakery and growing old with her childhood best friend turned on-and-off teenage fling, Wilder Buenaventura. Then, at 17, she got pregnant with Wilder's friend's baby and fled to California. Now, 10 years later, Maddi's home with her son, Spencer, for the reading of her father's will. She's unprepared for the bombardment of emotions that the small town brings--grief, resentment, embarrassment, and guilt--or the pain of seeing Wilder again. For Wilder, Maddi is the one that got away, and he feels horrible that he wasn't there for her when she needed him most. When this reunited duo learns that they've co-inherited the bakery--with the stipulation that, to keep it, they must both work there full-time for a year--they may finally have the chance to face their past and work out their lingering issues. The result is a heartfelt tale about learning to forgive both oneself and others. Readers will not want to miss Maddi and Wilder's second chance at love. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Nov.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
YA author Mather (Hunting November) makes her adult debut with this delightful tale of second-chance romance. Madeline DeLuca returns to her hometown of Haverberry, MA, after suffering a humiliating defeat and breakdown on a nationally televised baking show. Going home to deal with her father's will, and his bakery that she loves so much, also means returning to her mother's constant disappointment and Jake, the absent father of her son Spence. And then there is Wilder Buenaventura--the boy, the man, Maddi's best friend, her everything--right up until he wasn't. Much to Maddi's mother's delight and Wilder's mother's dismay, Maddi and Wilder are required by her father's will to co-own the bakery, working side by side every morning, dredging up old slights and new fantasies along the way. As Maddi and Wilder are caught between the mistakes of the past and the possibilities of the future, the bakery might just provide the second chance they need. VERDICT Romance fans will delight in the story, the addition of sweet bakery treats, and the showdown between the judgmental town, the snooty Buenaventuras, and the pull of the love that got away.--Judy Garner
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