Reading What I Love: Hope Springs on Main Street by Olivia Miles

The last few years I've made a list of 10 books - 5 books off my shelf, 5 books from the library - that I'm really wanting to read.  There's no real rhyme or reason.  I just go through my library list and my shelves and pick the books that are calling to me.  My focus in 2026 is reading books I think I'll love - or at least really enjoy.

Goodreads:  Hope Springs on Main Street by Olivia Miles

Blurb:  What do you do when your cheating husband proposes to the "other woman"? For Jane Madison, it means you keep calm, carry on, and sneak candy bars and wine for dinner. Jane's grateful for her adorable little girl, yet she yearns for the love that was missing from her marriage. Only one man ever really "got" Jane-and she's stunned when he returns to Briar Creek. But a single mom can't date her ex's best friend . . . can she?
Jane's still kind, beautiful-and far too good for the buddy Henry Birch tried to stop her from marrying years ago. Laying eyes on her now is like a much-needed ray of sunshine. Back in town to sell his family's old house, Henry wants to close a bad chapter in his life and move on. But time with Jane and her sweet daughter has him flirting with the idea of happily ever after-if he can convince her to take a second chance on love . . .

Why I Think I'll Love This One: I read an earlier book in this series years ago and really liked main character in this one.  I've been looking forward to reading Jane's story for awhile.  

My Thoughts:  I enjoyed this one.  It's a pretty straight forward romance with two main characters who have tough pasts who are trying to move forward.  I really liked Jane and Henry.  They're nice people who haven't had an easy time with it.  They also have some history - Henry had had a crush on Jane for most of his life though she was always involved with his best friend Adam.  I was a little concerned how that Henry would deal with that, but I thought he did a good job balancing loyalty and his feelings.  This was a nice romance with a nice community that isn't too perfect but is still likable.  Jane's relationship with her sisters felt real and I did enjoy the community of Briar Creek.  It makes me want to pick up Ivy's story next.  This is technically a series but like most romances functions perfectly as a standalone.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)