Ticklemore does it again!

Synopsis

Nell Chapman has always assumed that one (or the other) of her twin sons would help run her antique shop once they finished university. The boys, however, have other plans, when they announce they’re going backpacking for a year, leaving Nell feeling bereft and lonely.

Not only that, but with their father (her lying, cheating ex-husband) back on the scene and demanding half of the business, there might not be anything left for her boys to help manage when they return.

However, she hasn’t counted on the unexpected support of local landscape artist, Silas Long. And neither has she considered the possibility she might fall in love again – especially since Silas is so distant and moody, and has his own cross to bear.

Should Nell take a chance and risk her heart, or should she leave well alone?  And why has Silas painted her portrait if he doesn’t feel anything for her?

A perfect romantic read for fans of Heidi Swain and Sarah Morgan

My review

Nell Chapman is feeling lonely. After her divorce, she opened her own antique shop and deep down she always hoped that one of her sons would run it with her after university. But her dream is scattered when her boys tell her that they are backpacking for a year.
To make things even worse, her ex – husband now claims half of her business! And him being not a person to accepts ‘no’ for an answer, Nell fears that there will be nothing left for her boys.
Luckily she receives helps from an unexpected corner as local landscape artist Silas Long is ready to help her out.
Even is Silas is a bit distant and moody, Nell wonders if she could fall this mysterious man, with his own past still haunting him and his determination to keep feelings and Nell at a distance.
But if he doesn’t feel anything for Nell, why is he finding in her his new muse?

Before I even started reading one word of this new book, I was already happy.
I knew I would be devouring this story, and wouldn’t be disappointed.
It was lovely to see my old friends again and meet new people, already reserving a spot in my affections for them!

Nell managed to make me feel sad from the start. After divorcing her cheating husband, she had to start from scratch. Not only did she have to care for her boys, which she loves with all her heart, but she also had to manage to have an income.
Yet I also admired her determination to make her little shop work. She didn’t just sit back and pity herself. No, she thought what she could do and managed to start her own business.
As a mother, she may be a little bit overprotective, but she also knows that her boys have to make their own decisions and have their own life, no matter how much it breaks her heart.
The fact that her ex – husband doesn’t even bother with their sons, makes her more protective than before.

And is there a more despicable character than her ex? The way he acts and just think he can bully Nell into just handing over half of her business… I just wanted to jump into the book and kick him in an unpleasant place!

When Silas enters the story, it’s obvious that he is carrying a heavy burden, and just wants everyone to mind their own business. But when he sees Nell, he finds this urgency to paint her portrait. And maybe it’s typical for artists, but he sees something in Nell. Whatever that is, it reignites a small fire in him.
We start to see the real Silas and I surely understood why Nell finds herself attracted to him!

When Silas’ artistic eye catch a painting that could be a hidden treasure, he does the right thing and helps Nell discovering the past of the painting, without an inkling of gaining something for himself.
But also the way he wants to help Nell with her ex – husband and his sense of protectiveness, shows his true character that is just full of kindness!

Both characters have already a past, with happy moments but also with sad moments, that have in a way limited them in believing in a second chance for love and happiness. Yet whenever they are together, the attraction is obvious but also the fear is present.

I loved reading how these two wonderful people, who deserve the whole world, are growing closer. And that slowly not only trust is growing between them, but also a deeper feeling, allowing them also again to enjoy the perks of life.

This is truly a story that shows us that love can come in the most unexpected ways and that you only have to dare to grab that opportunity with both hands. Reading it surely put a smile on my face!