Kate Appleton has returned to Keene’s Harbor, Michigan, where she and her family once summered. Her parents have moved to Florida and given Kate some time to turn their cottage, The Nutshell, into her dream of a Bed and Breakfast. But first, she has to make lots of repairs, catch up on the mortgage payments, and, oh, yes—find a job.
Which is why the opening chapter shows Kate seeking an interview at the Depot Brewing Company.
Matt Culhane is the small-town hero, a hunk, and someone who could be a definite challenge in more ways than one. And he owns the Depot Brewing Company. Working for him could be more than Kate bargained for; however, they strike up a deal: she has a job and a chance for a $20,000.00 bonus if she catches the people sabotaging the brewery.
What a fun read! I liked Kate and her sheer pluckiness. She kind of reminded me of Stephanie Plum with more polish, but the same amount of bravado. Matt was definitely a great love interest, and the fact that the two kept each other at arm’s length for awhile added to the anticipation.
But what surprises are in store for Kate? What secret is Matt keeping that could tip the balance away from the two of them making it? And how can Kate stay alive long enough to find the saboteur(s)?
The dog characters were great fun, too, from Chuck, Matt’s three-legged dog, to Stella, Kate’s poodle.
There were a number of possible suspects, but I had it figured out before the end. It was still fun to watch Kate put the pieces together. Four stars for Love in a Nutshell. And I hope that we’ll see more of Kate Appleton in future books.
I picked this one up because it was a Janet E book and it takes place in Michigan! Glad you enjoyed it.
Hope you enjoy it, too, Nise….it’s so much fun to read a book and feel like you’ve entered the world of the characters. Thanks for stopping by.