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The Stopping Place

Lily Morton and Joel Leslie
4.5 / 5.0
Published: 2026

Description

Simeon lives a life defined by order, precision, and a carefully curated solitude. That control shatters the moment a car accident leaves him with a broken arm and a desperate need for assistance. Enter Ziggy, a whirlwind of warmth and irreverence who is hired to help Simeon navigate the mundane frustrations of his temporary disability. While Simeon is accustomed to keeping people at arm’s length, Ziggy has a knack for finding the cracks in his armor, using humor and genuine kindness to dismantle the walls Simeon has spent years building. This collection of interconnected stories captures the beauty of brief, impactful encounters and the quiet magic of finding connection when you least expect it. Lily Morton and Joel Leslie masterfully craft a narrative that feels both complete and expansive, proving that a story does not need hundreds of pages to leave an indelible mark on the heart. Balancing sharp, witty banter with tender moments of vulnerability, this book is a celebration of the unexpected ways love can mend the broken parts of ourselves. It is a cozy, wholesome, and deeply romantic read that reminds us that sometimes, the best place to stop is right where you are meant to be.

Customer Reviews

Top 3 from Amazon
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Ana Nimity
July 18, 2020
Verified Purchase

A dreamy sweet short

I will never tire of Lily Morton's amazing characters and world-building. Snark and humor are her trademarks but this story showcases one of her lesser-touted strengths: poignant scenes and moments that make your heart ache. A lovely romance.
J
JDenise
January 8, 2022
Verified Purchase

Letting Go, Sometimes He’ll Come Back!

Auction House Owner Simeon hires free-spirited Ziggy to help out while he recuperates from a car accident and a sexy relationship develops. I liked this lighthearted, charming, and easy read short. The MCs are likable and interesting enough; there is enough drama to be intriguing, even though the storyline is filled with well-tread tropes.
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A.Jo
July 7, 2020
Verified Purchase

Lily Morton’s as good at short stories as she is at novels

I know I say this in all my short story reviews, but it’s not easy to write a story that feels complete in under 100 pages (this one is 70). Lily Morton is great at it. This story is about Simeon, a 40- something auction house owner, and Ziggy, a free spirited 25 year-old who he hires to be his assistant while he recovers from an accident. We meet them near the end of their time together, but two flashback scenes smartly show that early dynamic between them. There’s snark and heartfelt emotion. It’s a great way to pass a couple of cozy reading hours.