Debby Mayne is a best-selling author who has published more than 25 books and novellas, 400 short stories and articles, and devotions for women. She has also worked as managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for HSN, a creative writing instructor, and a copy editor and proofreader. Her novel, Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida received 4-1/2 stars from RT Book Review, and was named a Top Pick for the month of July. She and her husband Wally have two grown daughters, and live in Palm Harbor, Florida.
Learn more about Debby and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Widow Bethany Hanahan is trying in vain to fill an empty heart and an empty nest. The result is a home filled to the brim, but something is still missing. That’s when her new gardening club friends come to the rescue, encouraging her to let go of the past as well as the present clutter –emotional, spiritual, and physical. It’s not long before Bethany is finding friends, not bargains, to fill her days. But has her life become too full for someone like Pete Sprockett, a childhood friend, for whom her romantic feelings are beginning to bloom? Join the quirky, loving community of Bloomfield as they do what they do best – poke their well-meaning noses in and intervene in times of need –in author Debby Mayne’s second novel in what has become a five book series about a community where life is simple and love is real.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of For the Love of Pete, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
One thing I liked about For the Love of Pete is that the primary characters were more mature than in most romance novels. Bethany is not only widowed but her only child is away at college. Bethany has returned to her hometown to live in the house inherited from her in-laws. Bethany has always been a collector and with her own possessions added to those of her mother-in-law, her living space came close to resembling that of a hoarder. Encouraged by her mother to donate some of her collectibles for a fund-raising event, Bethany finds it difficult to part with them but reluctantly begins to turn loose of them. Her friend Pete has never married because he always carried a secret torch for Bethany. Hoping for another chance, Pete tries to be supportive without pushing too hard. Is it possible for Bethany to overcome the feeling that she is betraying her husband if she becomes involved with another man and can Pete let Bethany know how he feels before it is too late?
For the Love of Pete is filled with eccentric but good-hearted characters who keep the humorous tale interesting. Overall it is a sweet romance with a subtle message of faith. The only detractor for me is that I grew a bit weary of so many parrot scenes. They were funny at first but that parrot grew to be rather annoying to me after awhile. What a trouble maker! Overall For the Love of Pete was a fun read despite the bird and I liked it enough to be interested in other books in the series.
