This is the first book in the Twilight Texas series - and I read it after numbers 3, 4, and 2.  Didn't like it quite as much as the others, I think because the heroine did not seem to be committed enough to her supposed true love.  If I were Jesse, I'm not sure I would have given Flynn so many chances.

Flynn McGregor is the oldest of the four children of recovering alcoholic Floyd and her late mother Lynn (Flynn is an amalgamation of her parents' names).  Since her mother's death, Flynn has cared for her family and worked in their business, a local restaurant.  She hasn't had any time for herself, which may be part of the reason she's turned down the marriage proposal of the local sheriff, Beau Trainer, four times.  But when her crush from high school, Jesse Calloway, is released from prison early and comes home to Twilight, it's pretty clear why Flynn has hesitated.  Jesse was framed by Beau, and he's out for retribution.  Jesse is your typical bad boy with a heart of gold, and I can understand some of Flynn's hesitance to trust him, but I think if someone is your soul-mate, you'd stand up for him a little more.

This story is set in the summer (completing the seasons - the other books in the first four in the series are set in fall, Christmastime, and spring respectively).  It doesn't seem quite as linked to my town of Granbury, Texas, on which Twilight is based.  I lived just a few blocks from the square, and it's hard for me to think about the building that used to be a movie theater there burning down, as I have wonderful memories of the restaurant that used to be in its loft.  The Brazos River itself plays a bigger part in this book - Flynn's family lives on it, their restaurant is at the marina, she and Jesse used to meet at a secret spot, and an old bridge over the river plays a big part in the story.

Some of the backstory is provided for (future sheriff) Hondo Crouch and Patsy Calloway Cross, one of the older ladies in the book who is a member of every club in town.  There's also a hint about the next book, as the club ladies refer to the scandal about Trixie Lyn[n] Parks, aka Emerson Parks, which is the basis for novel #2 in the series, The True Love Quilting Club.  In the latter, Emerson becomes Emma.  There are some truly funny incidents and conversations in this book, and despite the weak heroine, it was a fun read.

© Amanda Pape - 2014

[This paperback was borrowed from and returned to my local public library.] ( )

I didn't like or believe that the main character would have such distrust toward someone she "loves". I would have kicked her to the curb. I did enjoy the "bad" cop. He was a bit of fun. ( )