4.5 stars for this warm, fun and emotional summer read. ( )

This was a thoroughly delightful and heartwarming read with characters that I absolutely loved, especially adorable seven-year-old Molly.

My heart totally went out to Flora who, with no sense of family and belonging, tries so hard to fit in. She is involved with Jack who recently lost his wife Becca and is now raising teenage Izzy and seven-year-old Molly on his own. The characters are wonderfully and believably developed showing both their flaws and their strengths.

Flora wants to love and be loved but will she be able to let go of her past and her reluctance to open up in order to reach true intimacy with Jack and his family? Can Izzy get past her anger and pain and begin to accept Flora into their family? And Jack has his own secrets that will threaten their relationship when revealed. This story isn’t just about the romantic relationship between Flora and Jack. It is about, more importantly, family dynamics and the importance of each member in that family. I rejoiced as Flora took those first small steps in trusting and exposing her vulnerabilities.

The story doesn’t really find its footing until Flora joins Jack and his daughters on their annual summer vacation in England with Becca’s friend Clare at a place known as the Lake District. Away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, the story finds its strength in the genuineness of the evolving relationships. Warning: You may need tissues.

This is the first book that I have read by Sarah Morgan. I loved her writing style so now need to get some of her older books. ( )