Publisher's Weekly Review
Populated with empathetic characters but light on plot, Curtis's breezy debut offers a heartbreaker a second chance with his high school sweetheart. Leyna Milan has a taxing but fulfilling job revitalizing her late grandfather's restaurant, but her life is turned upside down when her ex, Jay Wynter, swoops back into small-town Sapphire Springs, N.Y., after 18 years away to take over his family's winery. Now Leyna and Jay are forced to work together as they gear up for the town's summer festival. Though savvy businesswoman Leyna and dashing but undemanding Jay are characters readers will want to root for, Curtis never provides enough conflict to give readers the chance. The will-they-won't-they question is answered before the halfway point, and minor challenges--including a jealous love interest and a media fiasco--get resolved equally quickly. Though not a page-turner, Curtis's sweet, summery romance will please readers looking for something light. Agent: Stacey Graham, Red Sofa Literary. (Nov.)
Library Journal Review
DEBUT In Niagara, NY, wine country, Leyna Milan has inherited her grandfather's Italian restaurant and plans to open a second location at the winery owned by Stefan, her grandfather's best friend. However, she is unsure how she can fulfill her grandfather's wish without any funds. To make matters worse, Jay Wynter, Stefan's grandson, has just returned to his family's winery from France to take over the family business when Stefan retires. Leyna thought she and Jay would be together when he walked away from their relationship 18 years ago. Now she has to work with him on this new business deal. Little does she know that Jay's leaving was the hardest thing he ever had to do. As he sets out to win back her heart, an unforeseen tragedy might have him leaving all over again. VERDICT Curtis's small-town debut focuses on the emotion of her characters without much in the way of lovemaking scenes, so fans of Susan Wiggs will find this heartwarming romance to their liking. It also serves as a nice setup for the next book in the series to tell the story of Leyna's best friend Emily Holland and longtime crush Tim.--Kara Kohn, Plainfield P.L, IL