🔧🧰 🚨 🚓 The Sheriff's Second Chance (Heroines of Hollydale #1) (2020) 🚓 🚨 🧰 🔧 - Book Review



MY REVIEW


Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming Larger Print; Original edition (January 7, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335889566
ISBN-13: 978-1335889560


Broken things can’t be fixed…

Or can they?

Officer and single dad Mike Harrison doesn’t believe in second chances. Ever. That is, until he learns that his former best friend—gorgeous green-eyed car mechanic Georgie Bennett—is back in town. Unfortunately, she’s also a suspect in a recent break-in! But it’ll take an old classic car to show Mike and Georgie that almost anything can be restored with a little patience…and a whole lot of love
.”

Thank you in advance to the author, Tanya Agler, and JustRead Publicity Tours for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required. All words and thoughts are my own.

This is Agler’s debut album, and she is a welcome addition to the Harlequin Heartwarming line that was published in January.

Some broken things cannot be fixed – namely hearts.

It’s clear that Mike and Georgie still have feelings for each other. But, neither one can get over their broken hearts. Mike caused Georgie’s on the night of their senior prom by standing her up – Mike’s was caused by his wife leaving him with their infant daughter.

And, Georgie still hasn’t forgotten that night. Her mother hasn’t forgotten it either.

Even Mike doesn’t believe in second chances. Yet, he wants a second chance to make things right with Georgie.  He still loves her.

What makes matters worse? Georgie is considered a suspect in the burglary of the garage. Right off Agler starts with not only the “failed” romance of these two, but a bit of suspense in the burglaries.

The suspense, which is a “low-key” mystery more than anything, and not a dark one – is solved at the end of chapter 17. Or is it? Turns out that Georgie is still a suspect in the one unsolved mystery – the garage she works at.

The story’s focus remains more on solving the burglaries and the restoration of Mike’s Thunderbird, left to him by his grandfather. And, the romance has its ups and downs throughout.

I was both in love, and deeply frustrated with Mike and Georgie. Still, I understand where they were coming from with their experiences. And, it was heart-breaking to see this happen. Mike’s daughter was endearing and sweet. I love how she adjusted to Georgie and wanted her to “fix her daddy”.

Georgie is a strong, but not overwhelming character. I enjoyed the idea of her being a “pit crew” member. As a NASCAR fan, it was definitely a sweet take. Her father’s accident was a bit close to one that happened in 2001 at Daytona. And, after the Daytona accident Ryan Newman had on Monday (2/19/2020 – rain delayed); it might be a bit upsetting for some.

There are so many emotions with this – frustration, heartwarming (which is obvious given the serious), with elements of humor. Agler’s writing keeps the story at an even pace without rushing the novel. But, it was difficult to stop at the chapters because it was that engaging.

Agler surprises reader with the reveal of the criminal who did break into the garage and the motive is really endearing. It is still heart-breaking in one sense.

As usual – these have the typical “happy every after” ending.

For those looking for a non-Christian, but clean romance – this book (and the Heartwarming collection) is definitely one to pick up. And, Agler is an author to look forward to reading.

From the looks of her website, it looks like this won’t be our first and only visit to Hollydale, NC. As this is the first book in what appears to be a series, this is definitely a standalone read.



RATING:

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐– Goodreads

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐– Bookbub

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐– Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html




ABOUT THE AUTHOR




Tanya Agler remembers the first set of Harlequin books her grandmother gifted her, and she’s been in love with romance novels ever since. An award-winning author, Tanya makes her home in Georgia with her wonderful husband, their four children, and a lovable basset, who really rules the roost. When she’s not writing, Tanya loves classic movies, and a good cup of tea. Visit her at www.tanyaagler.com or email her at tanyaagler@gmail.com


You can find her on the following social media channels:





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