V
Vanessa
May 8, 2026
Messy, lovely, feelings
I pretty much own all the R. Cooper books and those I don't own are on my wishlist -- and they will be mine! I just love the way the interactions between people are written. They feel so real. The hesitations, the two words followed by a pause followed by a frustrated rush of talk -- all the while you get these great thoughts and feelings that are so beautiful and wonderful, but that the character can't or won't express. Eventually, of course, someone (often multiple someones) will say something that causes an epiphany and all the messy, lovely feelings come out -- often in front of the whole town! I loved this story and the stories within this story. By the end, I was picturing myself as Jessie behind the counter, propped up on her elbows, hearts in her eyes, leaning forward to be part of all the happy endings!