Reviewer: Robyn Roberts
Title: Love in a Small Town
Author: Betty Jo Schuler
Publisher: Hard Shell Word Factory
ISBN: Ebook 0-7599-3735-4
Trade Paper: 0-7599-3736-2
Release Date: October 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Contemporary Romance
Year/Setting: Present
Overall rating: 4.75
Sexual content rating: Subtle
Language (Profanity) rating: Mild (a few mild words used)
Betty Jo's Website:
bettyjowrites.com
A breath of fresh air in the romance industry!! How long has it been since I’ve had the chance to read a solid, old-fashioned, boy meets girl kind of a romance?
Sam Champion is returning to Browning, Illinois to clean out his grandparent’s home and sell it off. His mother hung onto the place, even when Grandpa & Grandma died and left it to Sam when she died. She always said, "Everyone goes back, at least once." Having lived there only during his senior year of high school, he’s not thrilled to return.
Lily Madison is sick and tired of waiting for "Sam" to return to town and pick up his key. She has things to do and a business to run. But when he finally shows up, she has to admit that even though he’s late, he sure is a good-looking late guy. Too bad she accidentally drops a bottle of lotion on his head for his welcome.
Sam thinks Lily is a redheaded airhead. After all, who sells lotions, potions, candle and worry stones at a place called "Inner Radiance" anyway?? Then she drops lotion on him and tells him he’s stressed. Imagine the shock to find out the redheaded ditz is his next-door neighbor. To top it all off, she’s trying to get him to stay in Browning.
From here, the story just takes off. Wait until you (and Sam) discover that air-headed Lily isn’t so air-headed after all. She’s also the mayor and she’s got plans to grow Browning and keep it alive instead of letting her small town fade into oblivion. She likes having Sam as a neighbor and wishes he would just consider staying.
Well, when a little fire forces Lily to move out of her home during repairs, Sam graciously allows her to stay at his house. The sexual tension is thick and sparks are constantly flying. However, in the vein of old-fashioned romances, they don’t sleep together. It’s so unheard of in our day and age, but oh---the romance and the fun of it all.
This book slowly peels the layers off of both Sam and Lily until we get a crystal clear view of their hopes, dreams and desires. Can they ever put aside their differences and will they ever give into the longing they have for each other?? You’ll have to get your own copy and find out.
Love in a Small Town is an excellent, lighthearted read. Ms. Schuler writes solid characters that feel like best friends. Her story is well crafted and a pleasant diversion. I hope you enjoy it, too.
Robyn
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