Love Lettering

Wow, I wouldn't have given up on contemporary romance novels years ago if there had been more authors like Kate Clayborn around! This is a funny/sweet/sad book with lots of small moments beautifully executed and the slow evolution of two people falling in love. If you can get past the slightly clunky premise that brings Meg and Reid together, you'll be charmed by their interactions (even when they're uncomfortable or awkward). And perhaps you will root even more for Meg to learn to stop avoiding conflict and fight for the relationship with her best friend when she feels the closeness they've always had slipping away and can't figure out the reason. Best of all Meg is a competent heroine - she's talented, she manages her finances, and she even yells at Reid for assuming that just because she is creative she must be some kind of manic pixie dream girl.

Yes, Meg gets the guy in the end after a rather surprising twist (I will have to re-read to see if I missed the clues) but she also finds friendship and professional success as well. I will definitely check out Clayborn's backlist and be on the lookout for her next book.