Heather Moore always weaves an intriguing story that once you start reading you have to keep reading until the end. I loved this gentle, second chance romance with a twist. Told from two different time periods, this story takes the reader back to 1981 and 1919-1923, when times were a whole lot simpler.

Anita Gifford’s a single mom & artist who just found out her daughter Carly was suspended from high school and won’t be allowed back until she performs community service. Despite her exhaustion, she wants to find a way to reconnect with her daughter, so she accompanies Carly to the local assisted living center for her community service. There they meet Sam Davis, a delightful 83 year old who has an instant rapport with Carly. The unlikely friendships formed are a balm to them all. When Sam’s grandson Wyatt visits, they discover a mystery in Sam’s past that they all easily get caught up in concerning a lost love. As they search for Susan, unexpected answers and healing come to everyone involved.

I loved this story! I loved the idea of found family and second chances. I loved the connection between Carly & Sam. Carly’s struggling with friends in school and Sam knows just how to help her and boost her self esteem. In turn, Carly helps relieve some of Sam’s loneliness.

I enjoyed how the mystery of what happened with Susan in the 1920’s and 1981 was teased out throughout the story. The twist at the end was so good and just when you think things might go one way, there’s a surprising yet satisfying conclusion. I also enjoyed the budding romance between Anita and Wyatt and how their relationship grew as they worked together to help Sam. Carly’s definitely a matchmaker and I enjoyed how she’d find ways to invite Wyatt to dinner or to come over to their house, much to Anita’s surprise.

If you’re looking for a sweet, lovely, tender story, this is it. Though it’s part of a series, I easily read it as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy of this book but also purchased a copy through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4.5 stars raised to 5. ( )