Brenda Novak is a fabulous author and wonderful contemporary romance storyteller. She’s one of those go-to authors from whom I know I’m going to get a wonderful story.
Releasing this month, this is a story that is a little heartbreaking but also heartwarming. Check out my review below.
Talulah’s Back in Town by Brenda Novak
Publisher: MIRA; Original edition (August 22, 2023)
ISBN-13: 978-0778386179
SYNOPSIS:
Talulah Barclay doesn’t like complications. Unfortunately, they seem to love her. Fourteen years after leaving her fiancé at the altar, Talulah returns to her hometown of Coyote Canyon, Montana, to settle her great-aunt’s estate. As she’d feared, her “runaway bride” reputation is waiting right where she left it, and her ex’s best friend, Brant, isn’t about to let her slip by unnoticed.
Brant has always been a loyal friend, but Talulah’s decision to run isn’t the only thing he hasn’t forgotten. He remembers more about Talulah than he cares to admit. Vividly. And it’s increasingly difficult to ignore her now, especially when they find themselves in close quarters. Talulah has no plans to stay in town after she fixes up her aunt’s Victorian farmhouse, even if the unbridled sparks with Brant give her a good reason to linger. Besides, bailing on relationships is kind of her thing. But a lot has changed since Talulah last turned tail—maybe her heart has changed, too?
Talulah’s Back in Town by Brenda Novak Review
This is an interesting story that has so many negatives going against the main characters. But yet the author finds a wonderful balance when it comes to their growing connection.
Pulling in the small-town dynamic is the focus that Novak is using with this story. When everyone knows everyone in a small town, getting forgiven for a wrong that may have been committed, or perceived to be wrong, is darn near impossible.
When Talulah comes back to town, she is opening the floodgates for gossip and just plain meanness to come to her. Novak crafted her to be strong, at least on the outside, but a good friend to others, when she can show herself to the world.
Brant is a wonderful support and strong friend that is willing to stand by her in so many ways. Their growing trust and care for each other is a delicate process that has to slowly develop to protect other balances in town and between them too. I love that he cared about her the way he did. Definitely a dreamy hottie!
Novak developed this story with care and compassion for others while showing that yes, people have issues, but sometimes we don’t always know what is going on inside them. Talulah had issues, but I ended up cheering her on toward the end for a wonderful HEA, leaving you anticipating more!
Talulah’s Back in Town is a complex story with characters that have issues, but despite it all, allows for a growing romance full of tenderness, smexy times, and forgiveness. It is a little heartbreaking but also heartwarming! Novak always crafts stories that make me devour them!
4 STARS!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.