Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
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.
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.
