This was a perfect case of the right book at just the right time. I was looking for a lighthearted read to escape into, and this provided exactly that and more!

An independently published debut from author S.C. Gray, this book was everything I needed and I couldn't put it down! I thought it was perfect. I was so excited every chance I got to settle back into the pages of this one! A 2022 favorite, for sure.

I do think that I connected with this book even more because I already followed the author's shop on Bookstagram (Porter Co. Book Shoppe - my favorite book sleeves!). That, and reading a signed copy, really added to the experience for me. And can I just say that I enjoyed the author's note at the beginning just as much as the book?? All the hearts and feels.

From the first page to the last, I was in love with every bit of it: the story, Salter's Ridge, the bookshop, Piper, Bishop and Campbell's romance, the very relatable bookish moments, the fun rules at the beginning of each chapter. It was the perfect escape, with plenty of fun laugh-out-loud moments, but I also thought it held meaningful thoughts about life, relationships, and the post-military experience for service members.

I usually don't reread books, but I may have to revisit this one again someday. I actually hugged the book after finishing the last page because I just loved the way it made me feel while reading it. It always left me feeling happy :) I also didn't realize it was set around the holidays and had a fun Christmas vibe at times, too.

S.C. Gray is easily a favorite writer for me now, and I'm looking forward to reading her next book, In for the Long Haul later this year :)