Free to a Good Home, by Eve Marie Mont is an excellent debut novel. A light read, the book flows smoothly. What the book lacks in excitement and “shock value” it makes up for tenderness and learning to understand one another, despite our first, second or obstinate impressions.
Mont is able to show likable characters with flaws – sometimes aggravatingly so. Why Noelle even considered Jay’s proposal is beyond me? But we all can see things so clearly when standing on the sidelines.
Jay’s frustratingly immature behavior is clearly exposed as Noelle learns to believe and trust in herself — that she IS worthy to be loved and is a capable and intelligent woman. Her dedication and helpfulness is evident with her taking care of her ex-mother-in-law, who dislikes Noelle with a passion. But even this relationship transforms as the two women begin to recognize they have much more in common than they realized.
I couldn’t criticize Noelle for her blind behavior – as she was still working through the hurt of a divorce, and the lack of family. Mont beautifully shows Noelle’s transformation from a confused and lost girl to the beginnings of a confident and happy woman.
Throw in a little romance, and you have a light-hearted, read. Enjoyable.
Eve Marie Mont
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