Just Fine with Caroline

September 15, 2016

Caroline O'Connor likes things simple, no complications. When her life becomes a jumble of taking care of her mom with Alzheimer's, rescuing her cousin Ava Dawn from an abusive husband, and starting a relationship with Noah Cranwell, it's anything but simple. Her traitor dog Yara has taken to sleeping in Noah's new shop and there's some history with Noah's family and hers that she can't seem to unravel. Reese, her onetime fiance, moves back to town, and the moonshine always seems to appear when trouble is brewing. Why can't everything go back to the way it was, when her days were spent throwing out a fishing line with her dad and Noah still lived in New Jersey? But Caroline is beginning to think that having a few challenges may be a fine thing. VERDICT Fans of Mary Kay Andrews and Mary Alice Monroe will enjoy Noblin's lighthearted second novel (after Sit! Stay! Speak!). For many readers, spending time immersed in Caroline's world might be just the ticket.--Jane Blue, Andrews P.L., NC

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2016
Caroline O'Connor didn't expect to return to Cold River, Missouri, but she's been making the best of her quiet life in the Ozarks. She runs her family's bait shop, gets plenty of time to fish, and keeps a close eye on her aging parents. Her mother, Maureen, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's four years ago, and Caroline gave up the carefree college lifestyle to be a family-focused caretaker. Now that Maureen's worsening condition requires trained nurses, Caroline spends most of her days trying to stave off boredom at the bait shop until Noah Cranwell decides to restore his family's dilapidated general store, right across the street. Just when Caroline thought that the sleepy town of Cold River couldn't get any more humdrum, she uncovers some surprising information about her pastand her future. Noblin's second novel is full of heart, combining an idyllic small town setting with a rom-com meet-cute. Fans of Mary Kay Andrews and Debbie Macomber will adore this warm and lighthearted tale of self-reliance, small town gossip, and second chances.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)