REVIEW: Love, Special Delivery by Melinda Curtis

Love, Special Delivery by Melinda Curtis was a touching and very sweet read that describes the many beautiful aspects of family ties, of family being there for each other especially in the tough times. This novel also touches on family traditions being carried on, such as Ben being a third generation firefighter, and Mandy carrying on her grandfathers’ occupation of Postmaster.

Both Ben and Mandy are in surrogate parenting type positions as well: Ben is caring for a sweet, precocious young goddaughter he suspects might be his actual child, and Mandy is raising her teenage sister, after also having cared for the grandparents who raised them both.

Ben and Mandy do not get along at first meeting, as he is sorely tempted to cite the newly reopened Harmony Valley post office for numerous fire safety violations. Ben also is trying to cover up for his father’s health issues so his father can earn full retirement benefits from the fire department. Mandy is desperate to have the post office up and running as she is faced with extremely high medical bills from her sister’s bout with cancer.

At different points in the novel, Ben and Mandy meet up in the late evening when both are seeking solitude, and they seem to understand the others’ struggles.

This was my first encounter with Melinda Curtis’ writing, and I tremendously enjoyed this moving story. Melinda really draws the reader in so he or she feels attached to the characters and identifies with their situations. I recommend this novel to readers of wholesome romance.

Book Info:

Publication: April 1, 2017 | Harlequin Heartwarming |

Third-generation firefighter Captain Ben Libby is sworn to keep Harmony Valley safe. But a recent series of fires points to arson. Not that Ben really suspects Mandy Zapien, who’s back in town to reopen the defunct post office–a potential fire hazard.

Turns out Ben and Mandy–she of the incredible smile–have a lot in common. They’re both trying to rebuild their lives. Mandy’s raising her teenage sister, just as Ben’s devoted to his godchild. Though lately, he’s started to suspect she’s his biological daughter. Amid secrets and family dramas, do Ben and Mandy have what it takes to go the distance together?