Ford Maddox was running from his past when he came back
to Blueberry Cove, Maine, where he'd tasted both heartache and comfort. With
feisty Delia O'Reilly there to cheer him on, he couldn't have picked a better
place to start over—even if he's determined to do it alone in his island tree
house, working to save endangered seabirds...and himself. But when he finds
Delia fighting to hold on to her local diner, and all that's best about their
little seaside town, Ford has to lend a hand. Suddenly two fiercely independent
people are building something sweeter than they ever imagined...together.
DIY is so much better with two...
After reading
Half Moon Harbor, the story of Ford's sister
Grace, I couldn't wait to delve into Ford's book. Ford made his first visit to
Blueberry Cove many years earlier when he accompanied the body of his friend
and battle-buddy home after Tommy was killed. He and Tommy's sister, Delia,
shared a night of passion fueled by their mutual grief. Then Ford returned to
duty.
When Ford left the military, he was looking for someplace
where he could be alone and at peace. He was drawn back to Blueberry Cove and
specifically to Sandpiper Island. He earned his doctorate and became a bird
biologist, working with endangered seabirds. Haunted by the memories of his
past, Ford keeps his emotions locked down, refusing to care for anyone to
protect his heart. Ford spends most of his time on the island, where he lives
in an awesome treehouse complex and devotes his time to the birds. Then Grace
calls to tell him that Delia's diner is in trouble and asks him to help her. Try
as he might to ignore the request, telling himself that it's none of his
business, Ford's protective instincts kick in, and he heads for the Cove.
Delia has lived in Blueberry Cove all her life. She spent
hours at the diner with her grandmother while growing up and worked there as
she grew older. Over the years, Delia has lost everyone she ever loved and has
walled her heart away in fear of losing someone else she loves. The diner and
her customers are the closest things she has to family. Now a local millionaire
wants the land her diner occupies for his yacht club, and she is in danger of
losing everything. She doesn't know what she'll do without the diner, but she
doesn't know what she can or should do about it.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Ford and
Delia develop. They've been friends of a sort for thirteen years, ever since
Ford's return. They never speak of that night and ignore the attraction that still
exists between them, though Delia can't claim she never thinks about it. In
fact, it pops into her mind at inconvenient times. When Ford shows up
unexpectedly, offering to help, her pride kicks in, and she sends him away. She
brought the problem on herself and will deal with it, whatever she decides to
do. Ford has trouble accepting that and goes looking for help on how to help
her. I loved his visit to Eula and her shop. Her advice to Ford is spot-on, as
are her eye-opening comments about his attitude. I laughed out loud at her remarks
about him and her tree.
I loved the interactions between Ford and Delia, as he
fought to help her, and she fought to keep him at a distance. I loved how Ford eventually
accepted her refusal of help but still managed to be there when she needed him.
He comforted and cared for her when she needed it and stood behind her when that
was all she would allow. My favorite part is when Delia goes with Ford to
rescue a baby puffin. Not only did I love their teamwork and seeing their walls
begin to dissolve, but I also learned a few things about the Atlantic Puffin. Dropping
their walls also gave the sparks between them the opportunity to ignite and
their hearts to open. I liked how those few hours away from her troubles helped
Delia identify her needs.
Their stay on the island ended abruptly with distressing
news from the diner. Delia has been at a disadvantage because millionaire
Brooks Winstock has more money and an in with the town council. Though the
initial problem with the lease is Delia's fault, Winstock shows no care for
town traditions. I still don't like him and his daughter and son-in-law, who
are all entitled creeps. When the mayor and council pull an incredibly sneaky
move, one of Delia's employees rallies the troops. I liked the ending scene, as
Delia does some rallying of her own to force accountability. Fortunately, Grace
comes up with the perfect solution to Delia's problem.
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