LOVE'S MATCH by Judith Keim is the fifth book in the Lilac Lake series. It was a great continuation of the story and to be back in New Hampshire with characters we've met before along with some new ones.

This is Mike and Hazel's story and was a friends to lovers trope. I loved how they started dating for Hazel to appease her mom to say she met someone never expecting her mom to want to travel to meet him. From there it become more real in their every day interactions although the "I love you's" seemed to happen more quickly than I expected. I liked the get-together's at Jake's where the friends all meet up for drinks and dinner several times a week. I enjoyed that previous storylines are continued without a beat and that the Main Street area is as welcoming as it is.

The story has a good flow with attention paid to details. There are multiple storylines that are woven together nicely with hints of what might happen in future books. There is a happily ever after and closure with the epilogue. I can't wait to be back at the lake to see what happens next.

Love’s Match is the fifth Lilac Lake Spinoff. These books are set in the picture perfect New Hampshire town of Lilac Lake. While the first three Lilac Lake books centered around the three Gilford sisters and their beloved grandmother Eugenia Wittner, the honorary town matriarch, the spin-off novels revolve around their friend group who regularly meet for dinner or drinks at the local Hanks tavern. This story is about Louisiana transplant and 3rd grade teacher Hazel Belmont.

While Hazel enjoys her students and the creativity of teaching, her principal, Nolan Deere, has picked at her all year and then, in the final weeks of the school year, called her to the office to tell her that they are losing a 3rd grade position in the coming year and since she was last hired she will not be renewed. Although disappointed, Hazel is looking at this as an opportunity to find a better future. When her friends advise her to check with the new Sports Center she does and finds herself the Center’s new administrator.

Her creative ideas and superior organizational skills bring positive change to the new facility, but it turns out that it’s brushing up her tennis game and her pure heart and kindness are the true plot points that guide a beautiful story of compassion that leads to a very bright future.

This is another lovely and heartfelt story by Ms. Keim. Her characters are richly drawn and her plot leads the reader through a myriad of pressing social issues. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

Another addition to the Lilac Lake series. It was a sweet read set in location where everyone wants to live. The characters are developed well. Can't wait for the next book set at Lilac Lake.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and leaving a review by my choice.

Love's Match, written by Judith Keim, is the latest release in the Lilac Lake Book series. This book can be read as a stand-alone. I may even go back and read the other books in this series. I really enjoyed This book and the people of Lilac Lake. Hazel was a 3rd grade teacher when she found out they were cutting down on classes and her job was eliminated. Hazel decided that was a sign to try something other than teaching. Hazel took a job at the new sports center as the administrator working for Ross and Mike, the two owners. Hazel knew she would enjoy working with Ross but not so sure she felt same about Mike. She went on a date with Mike and it didn't go so well. The Sport Centre soon filled her days with the day to day happenings of the busy complex. And to her joy, she meets a Jed a boy who loves to play tennis and as he is a foster child, she takes him under wing. Mike, the Tennis Pro also took to him. Soon the two are becoming friends and colleges and more when feelings begin to grow. This was such a quick enjoyable read. I think anyone who reads it will love it.

Great story about finding love when you least expect it. The male and female main characters have a friendship that turns into a relationship. The spice level of this book is 🌟 as it’s written very clean and conservative by the author. I love how the author interwove a foster child into this entire story. The foster child brings a new appreciation of life and love to everyone around him. Well written and beautiful story I read in two days.

What a sweet story! I can always count on #JudithKeim to write a book that I can fall into with joy in my heart. This one touched me, especially as a teacher. I felt a bond with Hazel as she formed a bond with Jed, the child in this delightful new release!

The topics covered in this book really hit home and it was a great little romance with all the right feels. The character depth made for a great story line that had me engaged from start to finish.

Great cozy sty,e women’s fictions.. loved the author and overall writing style

Great details and characters

Such a cozy fun book for all ages

Hazel works with a sports center, hoping to increase their revenue and offerings. Mike is one of the owners and a tennis pro. When Hazel sees Jed longing looking at the tennis court, she introduces herself. He loves tennis but his foster parents cannot afford for him to play. Hazel takes him under her wing, and they develop a strong attachment. I love how Mike, a foster child himself, works with Hazel to make sure Jed has what he needs. I love the folks in Lilic Lake and how they support each other. It is great when Hazel's parents, who are of prominent society in New Orleans, embrace Mike. Full of caring, energy, and love.

Sometimes it takes a setback, to make you stop and think about life. Hazel had to do just that, and after thinking about it, she went looking for a new job. This is where her journey picks up, and it was amazing, the changes, realizing she has to stop doing what others think is best for her, and do what she knows is right for her, and all the things she sees differently by letting go of other people's expectations and just being who she is.
I received an ARC from Judith Keim and this inspired me to stop and look at my life, and look at some things differently. It can change you.

when i saw those chairs on the front cover i didn't even need to look how the author was. i knew. i knew with my whole chest and that chest was smiling already. this series has been one ive loved so much ive wanted to eventually ask for them as a gift so i can keep them forever. they have been some of my most cherished reads. so when i once again saw those chairs with that little sprinkle of difference always added to the shot i knew i was happy.
Hazel was let go from her old role i teaching and this isn't no bad thing. she clashed to say the least with the old principal there. when she gets the role at new sports centre run by two great athletes Mike and Ross. it feels like the role has come to her in just the right moment. her days are now in the place she loves with a role she can get stuck into on the sports complex. there she one day meets a young boy called Jed. this boy loves his tennis and hes clearly a little talent at it. Jed is currently a foster child and she connects with him straight away feeling instantly protective and wanting to be his safe space.
Mike also connects, and turns out connects with them both. him and Hazel have slight history but it never went anywhere. they both made probably false assumptions at the time, or it wasn't the right time for both of them. soon though these two are finding more and more time together mean more and more heart warming,smiles and connecting together. their feelings are growing and its feeling like something true.
Hazel has been fighting a side battle with her own mother who wants to marry her off pronto in the way only some mothers can. so when Mike steps up to be her fake boyfriend she is so relieved. perfect right? but their growing friendship now becomes something even closer and intimate.
their connection and reading that connection was so gorgeous. once again Judith has bought us back to the place and people you root for and come to love as if you know and care about them. adding Jed to this book was something that often bought me up a little emotional too. Judith cover her topics with care and sensitivity without ever glossing over those serious moments. she also brings a lightness and joy to her books and characters too. not least the beautiful relationships that build. they settle in your heart and make it feel so warmed and uplifted.
this book was brilliant. once again i wanted to settle in and settle down to it and not leave.