Moving and Heartfelt

This is a wonderful, moving, and heartfelt story of Penelope and Matthew's reconnection, with plenty more woven into it.

Penelope is in search of peace after receiving a frightening diagnosis. However, peace eludes her when she finds out her family home will be sold, and she unexpectedly runs into Matthew, her former boyfriend. The irony is that Matthew's own search for peace is disrupted when he runs into Penelope. However, as they work side by side, they begin to deal with their roadblocks, and things start changing for each of them and their relationship.

Penelope and Matthew's story is one of romance, trust, forgiveness, and second chances. There are also some wonderful faith messages woven in, which include trusting God and His plan, as well as His love for us. These are not overdone, but they are flawlessly blended into the story in a way that makes one reflect while enjoying the other elements of the story. All of this makes for a beautiful, heartfelt story.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

Penelope Shay has returned to Cedar Ridge after a medical diagnosis and end of her relationship in NYC. Matthew Banks, her high school boyfriend is still in town and still interested in her. Penny left town after her mother died and now, she has the same diagnosis and just can't make herself share the information with her family. When she finds her nana is selling the family home, she wants to purchase the home. Matt is currently working in construction remodeling the store in town. Can she open up to Matt and her family about her health problems.

Penny receives a life changing diagnosis; her boyfriend breaks up with her. She goes back to her old hometown cedar Ridge, Michigan. she meets up with her old friend Matthew. they decide to work on a project together, will it turn into love?

This is the first time I have read one of Isabella Bruno’s books and I was well pleased. When Penny discovers she has inherited the same condition that she lost her mother to 8 years ago and a breakup with her boyfriend. Penny returns to her hometown and discover her family home is about to be sold. She runs into Matthew whom she had a crush on in high school and discovers she need his assistance. Will this develop into more than they both anticipate? I enjoyed this book and recommend it. This book is scheduled to be release September 30, 2025 from the Harlequin Love Inspired series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

Penny receives a life-changing diagnosis and her boyfriend promptly breaks up with her. Penny subsequently returns to her hometown of Cedar Ridge, Michigan and runs into her high school boyfriend, Matthew. They decide to work together on a project so that each of them can mutually benefit from their partnership and feelings start to develop again. This book also centers around the familial ties between Penny and her brother and working on their relationship.

This is a wonderful story about self-forgiveness and forgiveness from others, trusting in God, and reaffirming one's faith. Throw in a handful of other lively characters and this makes for a nice, quick, cozy read.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I love Christmas books and romance books. This book has both Christmas and romance. I really enjoyed reading this book. The end was great.