Hazel is given a one-two punch when she’s forced to move out of her Upper East Side apartment and is given a final warning from her publisher.
If she doesn’t turn in a book by her next deadline, they’re cutting her loose.
Hazel rashly decides to leave what’s left of her city life behind and impulse buys a house in rural Pennsylvania sight unseen. How better to entertain the loyal readers she still has and rediscover her writing mojo than immersing herself in small-town life?
Too bad this town looks to be on its last legs. At least she’s finding swoon-worthy inspiration from her hot, grumpy contractor Cam and his animal-rescuing, community-involved family. It’s all just research. What could go wrong?
My thoughts:
Lucy Score has once again proven why she reigns supreme in the world of romantic comedies with her latest novel, Story of My Life. The fictional town of Story Lake, with its eccentric yet endearing residents, effortlessly captures readers’ hearts from the very first page.
Hazel Hart, a down-on-her-luck romance novelist, emerges as an irresistibly relatable protagonist. After facing a series of misfortunes that nearly break her spirit, she impulsively purchases a house and relocates to Story Lake with her best friend and literary agent, seeking both inspiration and a fresh start.
The character dynamics serve as the driving force behind this delightful narrative. While Score maintains her signature character archetypes – the quirky, slightly pessimistic heroine and the grumpy-yet-charming hero – the formula continues to work brilliantly. Though Cam occasionally borders on being unpleasantly harsh rather than merely gruff, his electric chemistry with Hazel from their initial encounter makes their relationship compelling.
What truly brings Story Lake to life, however, is its vibrant supporting cast. From teen mayor Darius to Cam’s siblings and the town’s colorful locals, these secondary characters frequently steal the spotlight, creating a community readers will eagerly anticipate revisiting in future installments.
While the narrative occasionally meanders and could benefit from tighter pacing – particularly in the opening chapters – the story remains engaging throughout. Some repetition and excessive length might test readers’ patience, but the overall experience proves rewarding for those who persevere.
Imperfect yet thoroughly enjoyable, Story of My Life delivers the trademark Lucy Score blend of humor and heartwarming romance that will leave readers smiling long after they’ve turned the final page. Existing fans and new readers alike will find this small-town romance a worthy addition to their bookshelves.