From the Back of the Book:

Working Title:

Drop-offs and Second Chances  

Story Synopsis:

Henley Rodgers thought he had it all—a beautiful wife, a wonderful daughter, and a successful career as an architect. But when his wife, Geanee, suddenly fell ill and passed away, Henley’s world came crashing down. Grieving and working full-time while raising his five-year-old daughter, Kirby, on his own felt like an insurmountable challenge. Even the simplest tasks, like getting Kirby to daycare each morning, became a daily struggle.

It was during these preschool drop-offs that Henley first crossed paths with Sparrel Marietti, another single parent. Sparrel was also in the midst of rebuilding her life, trying to create a sense of normalcy for her young son, Kainanin, after escaping an abusive marriage. Her ex-husband, Jaor, had nearly killed her before she found the courage to flee with their son. Now, every day was a battle to move forward while constantly looking over her shoulder, terrified that Jaor would find them. Love or happiness felt like distant, unattainable dreams for Sparrel—until she met Henley.

Every morning, Henley greeted Sparrel with his trademark, “We’ve got to stop meeting like this,” flashing her a kind smile that made her feel something she hadn’t experienced in years: comfort. Their brief conversations as they ushered their children through the daycare doors became the highlight of her day. Sparrel began to remember what it felt like to simply enjoy someone’s company. Henley, too, found himself looking forward to these moments. Amid the grief of losing Geanee, these fleeting interactions brought a sense of warmth and connection he thought he’d never feel again.

As the weeks passed, their morning chats deepened. Henley sensed a kindred spirit in Sparrel; both of them were trying to piece their lives back together after being shattered by loss and fear. A fragile but genuine affection began to grow between them. For Henley, it was a question of whether he was ready to move on from the pain of losing his wife and open his heart again. For Sparrel, it was about whether she could overcome the scars of abuse and trust another man—not just with her own heart, but with Kainanin’s safety.

The stakes escalated when Jaor reappeared, consumed by possessive rage at the idea of Sparrel finding happiness with someone new. Sparrel’s worst nightmare became a reality as Jaor threatened the life she had worked so hard to rebuild. Henley was faced with a choice: protect himself and his daughter from the danger Jaor posed, or stand by Sparrel and risk it all for the chance at love and family once more.

Together, Henley and Sparrel had to confront the ghosts of their pasts, fight for their future, and find the strength to deal with Jaor once and for all. Their tentative connection was put to the ultimate test, forcing them to decide whether the risk was worth the reward. Yet through the trials they faced, their growing love became a source of healing and redemption.

Henley and Sparrel’s story is a heartfelt exploration of moving on after loss and trauma, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. In the end, it’s a story of hope—a reminder that even in life’s darkest moments, connection can light the way to a brighter future.
 

Questions:

  1. Would you purchase and read this novel if you saw it in a bookstore?
  2. Would you read this novel if it were given to you as a gift?
  3. How do you feel after having read the synopsis?
  4. What is your overall opinion of the genre?
  5. Have you ever read a Romance novel before?

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