Book Smart Kate

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Spice: closed door

by Ellie Palmer

Many thanks to @netgalley, @putnambooks and Ellie for the gifted advanced copy. I’m so glad the reviews by @biblilater.alligator and @litwith.lauren influenced me to request this beautiful book. Seriously, you should be following them!

Alison Mullally is a lot of things – BRCA 1 carrier, double-mastectomy post-op patient, train enthusiast, frozen thin mint addict, seeker of a life with more meaning, single. That last one is why, when she shows up at her ex-boyfriend Sam’s funeral, she is surprised to learn that he never told his parents they broke up and reluctantly takes on the role of grieving girlfriend during the funeral, which spirals into her agreeing to help Sam’s best friend pack up his condo for the grieving parents. Over four weekends, grumpy Adam and midwestern people-pleasing Alison come together to pack up and clean Sam’s messy place. Throughout the month, tensions begin to soften, and a tenuous friendship forms, with constant banter and tiny kindnesses covering a simmering attraction, fear, and guilt. But will Sam’s death always cast a shadow over them?

Palmer’s adeptness in navigating complex emotions is evident as she delves into the aftermath of life-altering health decisions, the struggle between societal expectations and personal desires, and the profound impact of death on those left behind. A deep sense of empathy and understanding marks her portrayal of Alison, Adam, their friends, and families. Even in the face of weighty issues, the book is infused with sweetness, humor, and midwestern charm. I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced this poignant journey through her words.

This book, a rare gem of closed-door (or, more accurately, cracked-door) romances, captivated me with its deeply romantic narrative. The absence of explicit scenes did not detract from the intensity of the love story, a testament to the author’s skill in crafting a compelling romance that will leave you yearning for more.