Leaving Yesterday: A Laurel Falls Novel

This was a better book than I expected. This is not just a story about Trace and Rafferty but a story about a town, the community and family. Throughout the story you are introduced to many residents. I loved Trace Black. He has such a strong family commitment. He was so devoted to his brothers (Reese, Harley) and his teenage sister (Cadie). He would do anything for them; even help Cadie find her “mango bra and panty set because it’s the only bra that holds…”. Can you just imagine how a grown man likes being asked this by his teenage sister? But he knows he will not get “any peace until the Great Mango Bra caper is solved”. He is the glue that keeps everything together. But because he is too busy taking care of everyone else; he doesn’t have time for himself. The book is told from many different POVs not just the H/h. However sometimes it could get confusing. Around the 4th chapter, it was like what the heck. I had to look to see if I was reading the same book. It seemed like it took a 180 turn. It totally started off with a different character but there was no transition/build up for this character. In the beginning I think Rafferty couldn’t see past this broken down town. I wouldn’t say it was necessarily because she thought it was beneath her because she was rich. But as time passed she saw the beauty in the people, town, environment and especially Trace. While Trace thinks Rafferty is the type of woman who will leave, just like his mother did when he was 10, he soon realizes there is more to her than this fancy rich woman. I like the way the author sets the stage for the next book. I look forward to reading more about the characters of Laurel Falls.

I enjoyed this one and look forward to more in the series. It's centered around a family in Montana working hard to get by and take care of each other. Trace Black has his hands full. Running the family auto repair shop, helping to raise a younger sister, and caring for a brother who has returned from Afghanistan with severe injuries and PTSD. The last thing he needs is a relationship but when Rafferty Hamilton shows up with her expensive import car needing repairs, he may not have a choice!! This one has all sorts of emotions going on. There are a lot of characters to get to know too. I can't wait to get more insight into these characters in the upcoming books in the series. This is one I would recommend to everyone.

Zoe Dawson at her inimitable best. I look forward to finding out more about the lives, loves, and rejuvenation of Laurel Falls. I've absolutely fallen for the Black family, Eden and Anzu, Brooks, Clem, and even Winston!