Melissa Tagg has done it again; she has brought to life the characters of Amelia and Logan in Maple Valley, Iowa. Logan Walker is a widowed speechwriter who lives in busy LA with his 3 year old daughter. He is on track to be a part of the upcoming presidential campaign, the career he has always dreamed of in Washington, DC. So when Logan inherits the newspaper of his hometown from his mentor, he only wants a quick sale so he can move on with his life. Amelia Bentley has come to Maple Valley after her broken marriage and has felt at home at the newspaper. The Walker family has made her feel like a part of their family, and she can't let the whole town lose their local newspaper. Logan finds himself enjoying being back in his hometown again, and knows his daughter needs to be around family, as well as a speech therapist who can help her finally speak after losing her mother. Logan also needs to find his way back to God, and let Him have control again. Amelia is afraid to chase after her dreams. She is willing to fight for the town where she feels safe, but not ready to take a chance on love again.
I loved seeing the family relationships among the Walker siblings and how they came to their Dad, Case Walker for advice. He has been through hard times himself when he lost his wife to cancer, but his example of a positive marriage is just what his four children need to see and his wise counsel is real-life. The need for Logan to get his priorities straight between his career and his daughter, and the conflict he faces by wanting to spend time with Amelia, but feeling guilty for not always being there with his daughter is what so many single parents especially feel in today's world. I loved seeing other Maple Valley characters from previous novels in this story too. I also loved the history that Melissa Tagg weave in about Amelia Earhart and the small town mystery that Amelia Bentley is trying to solve. I can't wait for more stories about the Walker family!
