Book Smart Kate

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

By Annabel Monaghan

You know that feeling when you are reading a book, and you know it will be one you re-read over and over again? I love those rare occasions when that happens, as it did with this book.

Nora is a mother of two who writes formulaic scripts for The Romance Channel. After her divorce, she channels all of her feelings into her next script, which makes it “not romance channel material.” But, much to her surprise, it is purchased to become a major motion picture starring notorious bachelor Leo Vance, one of the world’s most famous (and attractive) actors. After a few short filming days at her house, the crew and actors pack up and leave, but Leo asks to stay for a week. He’ll pay her for the trouble. After a tentative few days, she begins educating him on the ways of the non-famous (like a hilarious grocery shopping scene), and he starts helping her with the school play. As their connection grows, Nora wonders if their two very different lives could ever find a way forward together. Oh, and then there’s that whole movie she wrote.

On the surface, this is a fantastic light beach read, but underneath, it has an unexpected depth – do you reach for what might be possible or stay with what you know? I enjoyed that these were mature characters with real problems that felt relatable despite the backdrop of Hollywood. The three things I loved most (besides Nora and Leo): 

• Watching Leo fall in love with Nora’s children, Bernadette and Arthur.
• Bernadette and Arthur are complete characters, not children as an afterthought in the plot.
• Each character learns and grows in a way that makes them better for themselves and those around them.

This is a mostly closed-door romance with so much heart. If you liked When in Rome by Sarah Adams, I am confident you will love this book.