REVIEW: One Fine Day by Cindy Kirk

One Fine Day by Cindy Kirk: Abby and Jonah used to be childhood best friends. Jonah was always Abby’s biggest supporter and defended her when needed, until she agreed to be a surrogate for him and his wife. Abby had big dreams of owning her own coffee shop and the money would be a nice boost, in addition to helping her best friend fulfill his greatest wish. Walking away from Abby and turning his back on his child was Jonah’s biggest regret and one he hopes to atone for now.

Having and raising Eva Grace wasn’t in Abby’s plans, but she doesn’t regret that choice for a second. The adorable, charming, and vivacious little girl is the light of her life. Life might have given Abby some unexpected curveballs, but at least she’s now the proud owner of a cute hotel in Hazel Green where the residents often choose to dress in different eras.

The last thing Abby expected was for Jonah to show up as the newest resident and with a desire to get to know Abby and Eva Grace. Jonah is a really good guy, but was caught in an impossible situation. He wants to move forward and be the dad and friend he should have been over these last five years.

“You still hold that decision against me.” His voice was heavy with resignation.
She didn’t feel an ounce of sympathy.
“Damn right I still hold that against you. And I will until I die.”

Abby isn’t exactly quick to forgive and forget as Jonah badly let them down. Jonah is a constant presence and shows just how much he wants and needs to be a part of Abby’s and Eva Grace’s lives. It doesn’t help that Abby still feels that pull to Jonah that they never had a chance to act on when they were younger. They are forced to navigate their tricky past, but with a new perspective and keeping Eva Grace’s best interests in mind.

“Do you like school carnivals?” Eva Grace asked.
Jonah smiled. “I haven’t been to one in a long time, but yeah, I used to love them.”
Eva Grace turned pleading eyes in her mother’s direction.
After an instant’s hesitation, Abby turned to Jonah. “Abby’s school is holding a carnival on Sunday. Would you like to go with us?”

One Fine Day is an emotional read that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Cindy Kirk brings the contemporary small town feel of her Good Hope series, but with much more of an emotional punch. Ms. Kirk created an intriguing cast of characters who I would like to get to know better in future books for this series. Fans of Nicole Jacquelyn and Catherine Anderson will enjoy One Fine Day.
 

Book Info:

Publication: February 20th 2018 | Kindle Press | Hazel Green #1

Abigail Fine learned early in life it’s hard to get ahead when you start with nothing. She hoped serving as a surrogate would allow her to not only help a friend, but jump-start living her own dreams.

Jonah Rollins always considered himself a loyal friend and an honorable man. Until he made a decision that destroyed a long-standing friendship and eventually, his marriage.

When life threw her a curveball, Abby did the only thing she knew how: the right thing. Her life might look a whole lot different than she imagined, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now, five years later, the past has come calling. Life’s presented Abby with an even bigger challenge: one that will test her capacity to forgive . . . or force her to close her heart forever. But Abby and Jonah just might discover that there are no bounds to how wide her heart can open or how deep his love can run.