LOVES ME, LOVES ME NOT

Author: Libby Malin ISBN: 0373895348 10/2005 CHICK LIT Publisher: RED DRESS INK

The house she rents is being sold and the flower shop she manages in downtown Baltimore is gong out of business, which leaves her with devoted cat Trixie, best friend Wendy and a razor-sharp wit to keep her sane. Though Amy's trying to make a comeback, it isn't easy. The accident left its mark on every aspect of her life. And just when it seems she'll be stuck in neutral forever, in walks the slick and sexy Henry Castle. But Henry's not just a hotshot lawyer who knows his way around the sheets. He's one of Amy's steadiest flower shop customers, sending weekly bouquets as thanks for "incomparable evenings." Amy knows smart girls don't fall for flower-sending gigolos, and though she can't quite figure him out, she also can't shake the feeling that Henry's exactly what she needs.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Amy Sheldon's life is not going well. Still mourning her fiancé who was killed in a car accident, she's struggling to make it day-to-day. When she learns that not only is her rent house being sold, but also the flower shop in which she works, Amy's just about hit rock bottom. Faced with the prospect of completely starting over, Amy does some soul-searching to find out what she really wants from life. In the midst of her crisis, Amy meets Henry Castle. He's a young, up and coming lawyer in a prestigious firm, and one of her best customers in the flower shop. With his weekly orders of flowers to different women thanking them for an "incomparable evening," Amy knows he's a playboy and not to be taken seriously, but she just can't seem to ignore him.

I found Ms. Malin's debut, LOVES ME, LOVES ME NOT, a deeply moving story about a young woman's quest to find peace with past mistakes and take a chance on the future. Amy Sheldon, a sympathetic heroine, tugs on your heartstrings as she baby-steps her way out of her grief. Henry Castle, the handsome, self-confident hero, seems almost too good to be true. The reader is right alongside Amy wondering what are his true intentions. The reader will fall in love with these two characters and want the couple to find happiness.

I also can't forget about some of the secondary characters. Amy's sister seems to have the perfect life and marriage, but Amy learns that all is not as it seems when she stays with her sister. The couple seem human and are handling some difficult issues regarding their marriage and parenthood. Amy's best friend, Wendy is also memorable. Completely wrapped up in her boyfriend, she's unable to deal with the rejection after learning he is married. Although the theme is quite serious, the author does include some very memorable humorous scenes. One that I'll never forget is when Amy, while mowing her sister's lawn, is injured by a flying hairpin. The reader will just chuckle as Amy's sister panics, rushing her to the emergency room.

LOVES ME, LOVE ME NOT is a sensitive, inspiring tale that will leave the reader feeling refreshed and hopeful. Ms. Malin has written a simply terrific book and made my auto-buy list. Let's hope we see much more from her in the future.

Kendra Patterson