Marigold by Melissa Brayden

The Last Lavender Sister is a favourite, maybe because Aster is so different from most of Melissa Brayden’s characters and yet she’s just as wonderful. With Marigold, starring another Lavender sister, Brayden goes back to tried and sure, with a twist. The first third of the book is all bright and peppy, all technicolor glory. A bit exhausting, to be honest. There’s more to Marigold (both the character and the book) than meets the eye, however.

Marigold Lavender is quick to rise in defence of the people she loves and she does exactly that when an out-of-town food critic publishes a less-than-kind review of her sister Aster’s restaurant. Alexis Wakefield has made a name for herself, away from her Hollywood-famous sister Aspen (if the name sounds familiar, you’re not wrong), with her witty and sometimes downright snarky eatery reviews. When Marigold’s video goes viral and Alexis loses her column, she goes back to the scene of the crime for reasons she can’t really explain even to herself. Homer’s Bluff feels safe and she needs safe to figure out her life.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good enemies-to-lovers romance where lust gives way to big feelings neither MC knows how to navigate? Then, just when you think this book is the perfect summer read, light and breezy, Brayden hits you with potential tragedy. Not only does worry about a well-loved character appear but the MCs start showing their layers of vulnerability and uncertainty and the technicolor world begins crumbling into a much more relatable story. Feelings everywhere. And in the end, once again, Brayden gives us endearing characters to root for and a heartwarming HEA to brighten the day.

Also, Carrot is such a great name for a dog (and what is it about Melissa Brayden and carrots?).