Just One Thing by Holly Jacobs

* * * 1/2

“Sometimes, you find yourself inadvertently in the dark. But I’d discovered that if you stopped fighting against it and just stood still, sometimes something marvelous comes along.”

Artist Lexie McCain spends her days literally weaving the story of her life into a gorgeous tapestry. But on Monday nights, she walks to the Corner Bar, drinks a Killian’s, and answers the same question every week from Sam the bartender: “One thing?” She starts with her name, then her cottage, slowly moving on to the devastating tragedies that tore her life apart.

Sam Corner’s smile doesn’t seem to hide any pain. One night, Lexie turns the tables on him, asking Sam, “One thing?” To her surprise, Sam reveals his own tragic history. Together, Lexie and Sam learn that, with good beer and a trusted friend, sharing just “one thing” might lead to the one thing they both thought was lost forever: love.

From award-winning author Holly Jacobs comes the story of heartache, hope, and the power of sharing just one thing.

Review:

This book had me hooked with the description.  I can think of few things more romantic than getting to know someone so slowly you don’t even see the growing attraction until it hits you in the face.  That’s probably why I am such a fan of “best friend” romances. 

This is a small sweet story.  It is at times overly sentimental and sometimes the language seemed unrealistic.  But….I still loved it.  The biggest reason was because Lexie and Sam are not your usual romance heroine and hero.  The synopsis (and cover) doesn't mention the fact that Lexie and Sam are not “young” people.  Although age is never mentioned, I think it’s safe to say Lexie is around 50 years old and Sam might be a few years younger.  They have each lived a lifetime of happiness and heart break.  Strangely enough I had recently been looking for a romance involving older characters and I inadvertently found it in Just One Thing. 

Another reason I enjoyed this so much was because the focus wasn’t necessarily on the romance.  This story is about both Lexie and Sam slowly healing from the tragedies from their past.  And the most human thing about their pasts is that there is happiness too.  

For me this story was quiet happiness.  If you are looking for a light sentimental read with realistic characters with realistic lives, this just might be the book for you.

Nat