Have you ever read a book where you loved the beginning, seriously questioned your story selection ability midway, and cannot wait to read the next in the series by the conclusion? “And Something Blue” was one of those books for me. The story ended up being a sweet surprise. I quickly fell in love with the characters of the small town of Aspen Ridge. The romance happened a little too quickly for me and was, at times, hastily written or awkward, but I was rooting for the couple in the end and was satisfied with the conclusion. 3.8 out of 5 stars.
Story likes
and quotes: CAUTION-Possible Spoilers! (My
thoughts are italicized.)
·
The
bookstore is called Bookmarks!
·
“Bookmarks,
the store across the street, was having a 20% off sale on their paperbacks.
She’d have to swing by . . . Or maybe she should read the fifteen books she
already had sitting on her nightstand. It was a tough call.” (p. 13). The struggle is real!
·
The
main character receives a bouquet of white lilies and peach roses. These
flowers sound unique and lovely.
·
I
may have snickered when I read these quotes:
·
When
the main character found the love interest’s online profile, while still in denial
that she was attracted to him:
“his picture was moderately handsome, but she certainly wasn’t going to
bookmark the site or memorize the URL or anything like that.” (p. 57).
·
She
hummed again as she walked, wondering what people would think if she suddenly
started singing. She could always claim she was a flash mob of one. (p. 64). I
would join. Make that a flash mob of two!
·
“His
eyes looked sincere, but she’d been taken in by sincere eyes before, and that
had led to ordering three double chocolate donuts at D’Angelo’s. Among other
various chocolate items obtained from other vendors in town,” (p. 68). Chocolate,
the best treatment for heartache.
·
“She
couldn’t come up with a reply to that—there didn’t seem to be one in the entire
English language—so she handed him the other half of her donut instead.” (p.
69). That works. Food, the universal language.
·
It
“was just a little bit awkward—strolling down a sidewalk wasn’t something she’d
ever envisioned doing with Logan. Killing him and hiding his body under a newly
poured sidewalk would be more like it. They’d never find him there.” (p. 76). Wait,
what?! Where did that come from? Just because he was a little rude and
arrogant? And this sentence was followed closely with the main character
telling his sister, “I’m not the kind to hold grudges or anything.” (p.
76). Really? For some reason I do not believe you.
·
After
the main character and the nice guy mutually agree to go their separate ways
while they eat dessert at the local diner, “All breakups should be this easy.” (p. 122).
·
“I’ll
admit, I bought most of it. Here, I’ll give you the tour. The fried chicken is
from the diner—Sloane says hi, by the way. The donuts are from the bakery—oh,
Quinn says hi—and Millie sent the brownies. I told her we already had donuts,
but she insisted. And she said hi. The potato salad is from the deli at the
grocery store. I don’t think I talked about you there, so I have no messages to
deliver. And I made the green salad.” (p. 123). The representation of almost
the entire small community on this significant first date added to the story’s charm.
The main character’s honesty is also appreciated.
·
“I
am a little saddened that you didn’t talk about me at the grocery store. Are
you mad at me?” (p. 123). LOL, Logan (the love interest).
·
“Logan
chuckled and picked up the paper plates, handing one to her before beginning to
fill one for himself. This felt a lot better than a stuffy office party. The
sun was warm and made everything look like it had a yellow glow, the mosquitos
were cooperating for once, and there were no time constraints or social
obligations to fulfill. Laurie sighed, feeling content.” (p. 124). This is a
perfect description of a peaceful summer twilight. This quote was a close
second favorite of mine.
·
“If
a guy can’t help out a damsel in distress without getting punished for it . . .
A damsel, I might add, who was defending herself beautifully and just needed a
getaway horse . . .” (p. 125). This quote is my favorite. Logan for the win!
·
“Oh,
that’s right—they were supposed to be eating food. She picked up a piece of
chicken and took a bite, enjoying it more than she ever had enjoyed chicken in
her life.” (p. 126). Laurie is the main character’s name, BTW. She can be
quite funny and relatable when she is not plotting murder…
·
“Brownie
or donut?” she asked. “Yes.” (p. 127). Same. There is no other right answer.
·
“Surprise
kisses beat expected kisses hands down.” (p. 129). I forgot about this gem.
This quote may tie for my favorite.
·
“Why
was her heart jumping up and down with pompoms at the thought?” Cute
imagery!
·
“Is there some law that we can only do what’s
possible?” He stroked her jaw, his touch sending ripples down her spine. “I
love you, Laurie. Sure, this is fast, but I’m not going to be any more sure of
my feelings in a month or a year or a decade. You are the woman I want at my
side, helping me fight my battles and celebrating when we win. What do you
say?” (p. 142). Ok, I accept the quick romantic connection. Who can argue
with that?
·
“It
was just the two of them, two total opposites who realized they belonged on the
same coin, and Laurie felt her heart reach out and wrap around his to tie a
knot she would never be able to loosen.” (p. 142). Sigh, I love happy
endings! I could not have asked for a better one. I look forward to reading the
next book in this series!
Next in the Series:
