Sandy M’s review of Southern Comforts by Nan Dixon
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Super Romance 1 Dec 14
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Harlequin release. Every time I read any of their lines, though, I realize why category romances are always going to be part of my reading future. These little stories are jam packed with feeling and the characters are those who could live next door. This is my first book by Nan Dixon and it won’t be my last. I’ve already met all the Fitzgerald sisters and I can’t wait until I have each of their books read.
Abigail and her sisters now run the family B&B. It’s difficult when money is short and repairs need to be made, but for Abby the inn is her passion and she’ll work herself into exhaustion to make it all work. When a Bostonian rents a room for six months, there’s so much that’s been put aside for too long that can be done with the unexpected windfall. And then there’s the restaurant that Abby eventually wants to open to showcase her skills in the kitchen. What else can happen out of the blue? To be taken with that guest, so much so she has to remember her mama’s rules when it comes to their guests and also remember her ex-fiance, who’s the reason she’s back home.
In Savannah to renovate his current condo project, Grayson Smythe also needs to figure out the rest of his life after a recent breakup. Spending time with Abby in her kitchen as she prepares meals from around the world is soothing to his soul. He’s not looking for permanent, so this is the perfect situation to let go and enjoy. But her smile, enthusiasm, and need to succeed slowly work their way into his heart, and Gray suddenly thrives in the unhurried and heat-leaden way of life in Georgia.
Family plays a huge part in both characters’ lives. Abby’s sisters flow through the inn to do their part, from balancing the books to the nightly wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres. Their mother is out of town helping her sister, but when she visits, those are wonderful scenes with mother and daughter. Gray visits Boston, of course, but it’s when his family comes to Savannah that brings heartache, when an unexpected visitor tags along. Another glitch in the growing relationship is Gray’s generosity with his money. Abby wants to do things on her own and doesn’t look at his help in the same way he does.
The fun in Abby’s kitchen really brought out the wannabe chef in me. I’m a foodie and I pulled for Abby to get that restaurant of hers. The side story with an inn employee and her son pulls at your heartstrings and gives the entire story added depth. Trust, loyalty, learning to give as well as take are front and center with the love and romance Ms. Dixon weaves together so effortlessly. And this is her debut book. I see a very long writing career in her future. Those other Fitzgerald sisters’ books are going to be awesome too, I just know it.
Grade: B
Summary:
Rule #2—Never get involved with a guest
Abigail Fitzgerald has always followed her mama’s rules when it comes to running their family’s B and B. But her mama never had to resist a man like Grayson Smythe. A long-term guest, Gray spends his evenings having dinner with Abby in her kitchen—and it’s not long before their attraction begins to sizzle.
Although Gray’s kisses are a delicious distraction, Abby’s priorities are the B and B and the dream of opening her own restaurant. And Gray definitely has the means to help her. But when money seems to be all he can offer, Abby suspects she might get burned.
Read an excerpt.
