Barbara L. (Barbllm) reviewed Small-Town Dad (Small-Town, Bk 2) (Larger Print) on + 241 more book reviews
Anne Howard is the widowed community college advisor that greets soldier Neal Hazard when he returns to school after leaving at age 19 to raise his daughter, Autumn. Neal and Anne were an item once, and Neal hopes their romance can be rekindled. Anne isnt so sure.
The great gods of plot devices throw a major curve Annes way when her best friend is killed in an auto accident along with her husband, and they leave their toddler son in Annes capable hands. Anne wants a nanny to raise the toddler in Boston, but Neal offers his help in the art of parenting, and Anne accepts.
However, the great gods of plot devices throw obstacles to Anne and Neals romance several times, notably the fact that Anne is now faced with raising a child from preschool age. Neal has raised his daughter (shes 20) and he doesnt know if he wants to start all over again. I loved that aspect of the book; it really led to some character development for both Anne and Neal.
There are also lessons about careers, goals, and whether or not college is necessary for success. Neal, by all accounts, is a success: he has his own business. His lack of a degree, however, makes Anne judge him as less worthy than someone with an MBA.
The characters really make this book. Neal and Anne are flawed but very appealing people. Autumn, Neals daughter, is sweet and Neals family also lends support. Highly recommended.
The great gods of plot devices throw a major curve Annes way when her best friend is killed in an auto accident along with her husband, and they leave their toddler son in Annes capable hands. Anne wants a nanny to raise the toddler in Boston, but Neal offers his help in the art of parenting, and Anne accepts.
However, the great gods of plot devices throw obstacles to Anne and Neals romance several times, notably the fact that Anne is now faced with raising a child from preschool age. Neal has raised his daughter (shes 20) and he doesnt know if he wants to start all over again. I loved that aspect of the book; it really led to some character development for both Anne and Neal.
There are also lessons about careers, goals, and whether or not college is necessary for success. Neal, by all accounts, is a success: he has his own business. His lack of a degree, however, makes Anne judge him as less worthy than someone with an MBA.
The characters really make this book. Neal and Anne are flawed but very appealing people. Autumn, Neals daughter, is sweet and Neals family also lends support. Highly recommended.
