In a Nutshell Reviews

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Welcome Home, Caroline Kline by Courtney Preiss
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons on April 16, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

A young woman's reluctant return to her Jersey Shore hometown gives her the second chance she didn’t know she needed.

In New York City, newly single Caroline Kline is stumbling her way through the recent implosion of her life. After a surprise breakup leaves her with no job, no apartment, and no backup plan, she’s unsure what to do next. That is, until her father, Leo, injures himself in a bad fall and asks her to move home to the Jersey Shore suburb she was always desperate to escape. But Leo doesn’t want his daughter to be his caretaker; he needs her to replace him as third baseman in his local men’s softball league. This isn’t just any season, he claims. This is the year they have a real shot at the World Series, the pride and joy of Glen Brook, New Jersey.

Caroline agrees to move home, concerned that Leo is hiding a more serious health condition than he’s willing to admit. As the first female player in a league full of old-school men, she’s up against more than a few challenges. And when a night gone wrong lands her in the path of her hometown crush—and first love—Caroline struggles to reconcile the life she thought she’d have with the life she might actually want.

Caroline couldn't wait to escape her New Jersey hometown. But while she was jobless, homeless, and loveless, Caroline was summoned home to help her father as he healed from a fall. Little did she know that the place she had been running from would be a place of healing and clarity for her.

Look, you are going to judge Caroline. I judged Caroline. I just couldn't help it. Every time she made some forward progress, she seemed to slip back into her self destructive ways. But have patience with her. Some people need more time to realize what they really want or need, and well in this story, Caroline is "some people".

Though this story focused on Caroline's personal struggles, it was rather funny. I found the book to be packed with lots of humor. I laughed often as I hoped Caroline would make better decisions. Lo and behold, some of her poor decisions actually led to better things.

Take her DUI, that led to a reunion with her first and unrequited love, Crispin. I liked his character and thought he was someone who could be a positive part of Caroline's life. I was very invested in those two and had high hopes for their future. 

I also enjoyed the softball stuff. Caroline got special permission to take her father's place in the men's league. She had to deal with some very toxic men but let her talent as a ball player do all the talking. I really liked the progress she made out on the field, and there were lots of fun moments captured, too.

Can I talk about the setting? It's rare that I read a book set in NJ, and this story actually took place in an area I am familiar with. I remember seeing my first Stone Pony show back in 1991 (I believe) and tooling around adorable Ocean Grove with my daughter before the Jonas Brothers show back in 2007. Ah, a nice walk down memory lane and a fun setting for Caroline's (mis)adventures.

Overall, I appreciated Caroline's struggles, and though her journey was far from a straight line, I was so proud of her when she finally reached that point of realization that allowed her to commit to positive changes in her life.

*ARC PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER

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The Bookbinder's Guide to Love by Katherine Garbera
Published by Afterglow Books by Harlequin on January 23, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

A witchy, witty, wickedly sexy tale about love, books, friendship and the unexpected connections that bind us together…

Bookbinding (verb): the art of creating something magical out of fabric, leather and paper.

As a lonely foster kid, Serafina Conte sought refuge in handmaking journals—and writing her wishes within their pages. Now, in the quirky new age store she shares with her two best friends, Sera’s intentions have paid off. Her journals are in the spotlight—and rumored to manifest great things. Whether it’s witchy skills, real magic or not, Sera’s finally ready to be the leading lady of her life story…

Until her plot hits a twist.

After the death of her mentor, Ford Sitwell, all the loneliness and insecurity of her past returns. The only balm is the box of antique books he left to her. But Ford’s suspicious brooding grandson, Wes, is ready to think the worst of her—and get his grandfather’s books back! The first part doesn’t bother her. The second? Forget it. Sera won’t give Wes the books so easily. But it’s clear he’s seeking something more, an emotional connection no book can replace. So she offers a deal—work in her store for six weeks, and in return, she’ll help him get closure by sharing memories of his late grandfather.

Yes, Wes seems grumpy, but actually he’s hot …and maybe kind? Deep down? And when desire and vulnerability work their charms, Sera begins to wonder if the best stories aren’t the ones you intend, but the ones that take you where you least expected…

A book about books will always endear itself to me, but a romance featuring two slightly wounded characters is even better.

Wes and Serafina were brought together with the passing of Wes' grandfather, Ford. Ford and Sera had struck up an unlikely friendship over their shared love of books. Ford became a very important person in Sera's life, filling the role of the grandparent she never knew. Her heart was broken when she learned of his death, and what did she get? A nasty letter barring her from the funeral and demanding return of the books Ford left to her.

Needless to say, the relationship between Wes and Sera didn't start off on the best foot, but they did form a connection as Sera shared her memories of Ford with Wes. I think the fact that they both struggled with abandonment issues also gave them a common thread which tied them together.

It was that baggage that also kept their relationship from going forward. Both Wes and Sera had to make peace with their past before they would be able to give their hearts to each other. I truly appreciated their inner struggles and how difficult this was for them while also being happy that they were finally taking the time to tackle this part of themselves.

Sera had such a wonderful family with the Wicked Sisters. These women had a rock solid friendship and endless support for each other. Their shared business was a magical place where they could find comfort and be themselves.

I had a great time reading this book, though there were two things that niggled at me. One is a me thing in that I thought there were a few too many sex scenes. The other was that I felt it wrapped up quite quickly at the end. I am able to move past both, especially the ending because there is another book on the horizon where I feel I will get what I am looking for, and I am looking forward to returning to the world of the Wicked Sisters.

Have you ever been to the Jersey shore?
Let us know in the comments!