Quick take
Need a pick-me-up? Here’s your dose of optimism, served up as a school-staff romance with sugar sprinkled on top.
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Emotional
Fast read
Happy
Quirky
Synopsis
Samantha Casey loves everything about her job as an elementary school librarian on the sunny, historic island of Galveston, Texas—the goofy kids, the stately Victorian building, the butterfly garden. But when the school suddenly loses its beloved principal, it turns out his replacement will be none other than Duncan Carpenter—a former, unrequited crush of Sam’s from many years before.
When Duncan shows up as her new boss, though, he’s nothing like the sweet teacher she once swooned over. He’s become stiff, and humorless, and obsessed with school safety. Now, with Duncan determined to destroy everything Sam loves about her school in the name of security—and turn it into nothing short of a prison—Sam has to stand up for everyone she cares about before the school that’s become her home is gone for good.
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Member ratings (6,604)
Isabelle H.
Olney, MD
She did it again. I finished in just a few days, laughing, smiling, and nearly crying. It was a beautiful, funny, sweet ode to joy and the power of family and happiness. I loved every second. ❤️❤️❤️
Jennifer L.
Grant Township, MI
I couldn’t put it down! Katherine Center hits it out of the ball park again!!! Maybe I’m biased being that I’m a teacher and so it felt very close to home. I read it in one day and just fell in love!
Alyce R.
Roswell, NM
I adore Katherine Center. This was probably my favorite out of her books. I connected to this book more because I’m a teacher I think. Great story and I adored the characters. She’s always a favorite.
Kristen R.
Wake Forest, NC
I loved this story of a school librarian who clashes with her school’s principal after the death of the school’s beloved founder. The setting is lovely and the characters are endearing and complicated
Michelle M.
Whittier, CA
I recieved an ARC copy from Netgalley. I absolutely loved the book so much that I wanted to buy a copy. So happy that BotM has it!! I laughed, cried and cheered on all (well most) of the characters ♥️