TCBOB

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

I needed some light reading for bedtime/summertime after reading some really heavy novels lately and I found the perfect thing in Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes. It was the perfect balance of a fun easy read but with enough gravity to keep me engaged with the writing and the story.

Holmes did a great job of writing Evvie and her guilt over the final days of her husband's life without making her seem like a pathetic creature with nowhere to go.  I love that her best friend was one who got her out of the house at least once a week and showered her with love while she got through a tough time.

The introduction of Dean into the story made it seem obvious that it was a forced love connection but I adore that the author made the choice for them to really take their time with their relationship and really base it on mutual respect and healing from their respective pains before they moved the story into more of a love connection.  Well done there!

I would love to see more from this author.  I think she has a great voice in a space that is getting crowded with 'starting over' stories.  This one took the time and care to explore the intricacies and the ins and outs of how people grieve for different losses be they for a career or a loved one.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Random House Ballentine for allowing me to explore this novel in exchange for an honest review.


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40514431-evvie-drake-starts-over?ac=1&from_search=true