Carpentry and Cocktails by Nora EverlyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
You might remember Willa from Crime and Periodicals, but if you haven't read that yet, fear not as this is a standalone and it isn't necessary to have read any of the other Green Valley Library books to read this one. I recommend them because I'm a fan, but they are all true standalones and you don't have to read any of them to read the rest of the books in the series. Willa moved aka ran away at 17 to get away from her overbearing mother, married her then boyfriend who turn out to be real jerk, but now she's back, divorced, and trying to get her life back on track. She's staying with Everett, one of the Monroe brothers who we also meet in Crime and Periodicals. Everett works as a carpenter and is fixing up his grandfather's old house. Willa rents the basement apartment. Everyday, Everett makes her coffee and brings her donuts after her late nights as a waitress. They constantly flirt, but Willa isn't sure she's ready for another relationship.
This was a really sweet romance. Everett is kind, kind of nerdy, and willing to give Willa the space she needs to figure out what she wants without solving all of her problems for her. He is willing to step in and be the fierce protector and fixer if she needs it, but he is also willing to step back and let her do it on her own. Willa, just wants someone to love her for who she is, but first she has to love herself and it takes her a while to figure that out. Her character develops so much in this book. I really like the way she had to come to terms with the crappy hand she had been dealt in life, but that she had a support system the whole way even if she didn't realize it. I also love the way the ex-husband was dealt with. I won't spoil that for you, but I really appreciate the way that all of the sensitive subjects in this book were dealt with. Nora Everly does a really good job addressing several sensitive subjects with care. This is another great addition to the Smartypants lineup and another great offering by Everly.
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