A review by teachermomrach
Denim & Diamonds by Penelope Ward

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

February has been sent to a wellness center by her Board of Directors with no contact with the outside world. She has to complete the 30 day program or she risks losing the company she created from the ground up. She disagrees with the need, but has little choice but to go along with the Board’s decision. 

Brock grew up in this small Maine town and has deep roots. He looks like a lumberjack and has a heart of gold. His daily acts of kindness had me melting for him right away! He isn’t looking for a relationship, or even a fling, though when February ends up in his bar and finds herself too drunk to go home, he makes sure she is safe and gives up his room for her. 

They are complete opposites: big city, small town; designer labels, well worn favorites; fancy cocktails, local drafts. But they click and February finds herself looking for ways to escape the walls of the wellness center in order to spend more time with Brock. They navigate their differences while keeping a distance, afterall, February will be returning home at the end of her 30 day stay. But the longer things go on between them, the harder it becomes to imagine leaving Maine and returning to her normal schedule. 

There was a twist that threw me for a loop partway that added to the tension between these two. I couldn’t think of how they were going to sort things out, and it certainly added another element they hadn’t considered. But I also love how it made them take a step and think about what was important to each of them. 

This book reminded me of everything I love about these authors together. I loved the banter between these two characters, and hearing the quick wit through the voices of Andi Arndt and Teddy Hamilton were perfect! I can’t imagine anyone else voicing these characters. The narrators made these two come to life and had me laughing out loud on several occasions. 

I received an alc for review purposes.