Title: Once Upon a Tablecloth
Author: Leslie Hachtel
Publisher: Leslie Hachtel
Release Date: January 15, 2017
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense, Romance
Book Version: eBook
Reviewed For: Leslie Hachtel
Nick Jordan acquires failing restaurants, then makes them prosperous. But when Lily Mercer calls him for help, he didn't count on falling in love. Or that someone wants to kill her.
And with so many obstacles and threats, can she survive? Can their love?
Lily's livelihood is Daisy's, a restaurant owned by her father and brother who died in a car accident. But Daisy's is sinking fast. Without a lifeline from somewhere, someone, the lights will go out and the doors will close permanently on all she has left of her family. Reaching out to Nick was genius. He's a pro at flipping restaurants though his help comes at a high cost. He gains more than half-ownership and she gains a contract with terms on how she will pay him back for his help.
As if the turmoil of the turnaround isn't enough, there's also the body found at the restaurant, a new development in her father and brother's car accident, and what turns out to be continuous sabotage that threatens to shut down Daisy's for good.
Yet while this all happening, it seems the hearts of these two very unlikely allies spark to life. For one another. Love blooms in the most unlikeliest of circumstances, but will it survive the upheaval going on?
I was intrigued by the synopsis. It's the shortest one I've ever read, to be honest, but it commanded and demanded so much. This is not a fast-paced story. I was surprised to discover this. The drawn out pace is not tedious though. The words, dialogue and narrative, are written out to keep you interested. Cards are kept close to the vest, each being revealed when it's time.
The cast of characters add life, color, and angles to this story that, frankly, I don't think would have been as full without them. Each brought a set of skills to the pages that were their own without overshadowing the focus or main characters.
There's a sweet progression of Nick and Lily's relationship. The attraction is there and it burns oh...so...slowly and culminates in a love that I almost missed being declared because it felt so natural and expected.
Ms. Hachtel is a new to me author. She maintains that air of mystery throughout the novel without losing sight of creating romance between her characters. If this is an example of her writing, I expect to leave her other stories equally satisfied and happy.
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