Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Pages: 304 pages
Published: June 2019 

My mom heard about Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes on one of the many morning TV talk shows. Knowing I'm an avid reader, she texted me information about the book back in July. I put it on my TBR list and got on the digital hold list at the local Library. The book became available a few weeks ago. I downloaded it but did not have time to read it until this past weekend. I was forced to finish it in just a day as my loan was set to expire on the following Monday. So, that's how this book found me, and to sum it up in a sentence, Evvie Drake Starts Over is an imperfectly perfect novel that features flawed but lovable characters, and it leaves the reader feeling completely satisfied upon completion.

Evvie (pronounced like Chevy) is the protagonist, and when the book opens she is preparing to leave her jerk husband (although he only seems to have been a jerk to Evvie) when she finds out he's just died in a car accident. Nearly a year after his death, to supplement her income Evvie takes in Dean, a boarder who is a major league baseball pitcher who recently experienced some trauma of his own. Together, these two develop a friendship that is, at times, frustrating but, more often, healing.

The thing I liked the most about this novel is that it featured a strong yet vulnerable female protagonist who learns to save herself, start anew, and create her own happiness. A lot of the plot is predictable, but the delight of this book is the journey in getting to the ending not necessarily the ending itself. I found the writing to be solid, the story engaging, and the characters relatable. This was my first Linda Holmes book, but I certainly hope it's not my last.

Recommendation:  I absolutely adored this book. It was a perfect weekend read that left me with a soft smile. If you enjoy romance comedies that leave you with a good feeling, you just might enjoy this gem.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.