Catch and Keep

September 1, 2024

Puking when your boyfriend proposes seems like a pretty good indicator it's not the right fit, and Maren Laughlin takes the cue and runs--from her boyfriend, her job as a park ranger, and her well-meaning family. She escapes to the lake she spent childhood summers on to figure out her next steps. First on the list is cleaning and renovating the bait store and apartment she inherited from her mentor. Not on the list is reconnecting with Josiah Cole and his adorable kids. Falling for his best friend's kid sister isn't on Joe's radar either, as he's just coming out the other side of his divorce, dealing with being a single dad, and keeping his family's resort running after his time in the U.S. Marines. It's complicated. However, when it comes to matters of the heart (and matters of the steamier variety), logic rarely factors in, and sometimes it's as simple as can be. VERDICT Warm, swoony, and grounded, Hahn's (Friends Don't Fall in Love) latest is the perfect story to cuddle up with just as the weather turns.--Kellie Tilton

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September 15, 2024
Park ranger Maren Laughlin has just left her job, turned down her boyfriend's proposal, and moved to Wisconsin to fix up the waterfront bait shop her fishing mentor left her in his will. Ready for a fresh start, she finds support and friendship in Josiah Cole, her childhood crush and her brother's best friend turned resort owner and hot single dad. Maren and Joe fall into an easy rhythm and easier chemistry, but is it too easy? Will they be able to make this last? Hahn (Friends Don't Fall in Love, 2023) delivers a fun romance without sacrificing depth. She balances the joy and lightheartedness of Maren and Joe's developing relationship with more serious subjects, including autism and a potential stalker. Hahn also smartly avoids falling into romance tropes. Her characters, both in their mid-to-late thirties, behave like real adults. They communicate and try to open themselves up to each other. Readers will find their efforts extremely satisfying.

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September 16, 2024
Hahn (Friends Don’t Fall in Love) delivers a sweet celebration of second chances. Michigan park ranger Maren Laughlin is at a crossroads after losing her chance at a promotion and turning down her boyfriend’s embarrassingly public marriage proposal. She leaves everything behind to regroup in Northern Wisconsin, where she spent her childhood summers. Maren’s used to things falling into place for her, from early beauty pageant success to the unexpectedly popular YouTube fishing channel she ran in college. Now, however, she feels she must seize control of her life and choices, and decides to renovate the struggling bait shop she recently inherited. She gets reassurance and support from her older brother’s gorgeous childhood best friend, Josiah Cole. Former Marine Josiah is a single father of two and the manager of his family’s hectic resort, but he finds welcome tranquility and stability around Maren. Their romance progresses with remarkably little friction: neither initially questions if they should be together and conflict only arises when they must discuss how to make things work long-term. The setting is idyllic, and Hahn surrounds Maren and Josiah with a loving and colorful supporting cast. Hallmark movie fans will be especially pleased.