Lowcounty Bride

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy from Avon/HarperCollins and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

Slight TWs: racism/microaggressions, chronic illness, mentions of passing of a loved one due to illness and tragedy, mentions of a mass murder

Summary: Maya Jackson is working in New York City as a bridal designer, hoping to get a promotion as the top designer at the brand she works for. When her father suddenly falls ill, she heads back to her hometown of Charleston, SC to care for him. While back home, she gets an opportunity to work at a bridal shop, owned by veteran/widower/father Derek. He is trying to save the shop he inherited from his mother.

Review: Book based in Charleston. Check.

Book that the main character has the same name as you. Check.

Awesome cover of a Black bride with St. Michael's Church and Rainbow Row in the background. And a cobblestone road! Check.

Actual locations and streets that are in Charleston featured in the book. Check.

And a great (and clean) romance. Check.

This book was a pleasure to read! At the beginning of the year, I wanted to read something light and decided to give this a shot. I was worried that the author would make up places that weren't even in Charleston. But in the first few pages, Roper Hospital was mentioned. I knew at that point this book was going to be OK. It turns out that the author has connections to the Charleston area.

Now to the story. This is a beautiful second chance romance. Both Maya and Derek have experienced great loss and love (both lost their mothers, she's coming from an broken engagement, he lost his wife). At the same time, they are both caring for loved ones and fighting for their careers/livelihoods. Despite all of this, their feelings for each other can't be denied. Also as a part of the story is the struggles of living with a chronic illness, feelings of how to honor your heritage and how to follow your destiny.

The secondary characters, such as Ginger, Carl (Pops) and Jamila bring extra flare to an already good book.

If I had a production company, I would option this for Hallmark Channel or Lifetime. This is how much I enjoyed it. But since the library doesn't pay me enough money to live out that dream, the best I can do is to encourage you to read this book.