Women Using Words
The details…
- Title: 10 Days in May
- Author: Tracey Richardson
- Publisher: Bella Books
- Publication date: September 20, 2022
- Available formats: ebook, paperback
- File size: 2765 KB
- Print length: 304 pages
- Genre: contemporary romance
- Themes: women loving women, friendships, finding love, accepting fate, learning to change, finding meaning
- Tropes: second-chance
The blurb from the publisher…
Camryn Hughes has reinvented herself since the chaotic and nomadic years of being a musician. She’s happy in her serene life until a new client has her examining her one regret—parting ways with her first love. Is it possible to go back and choose the other fork in the road—the one that leads back to the only woman she’s ever loved?
Brooke Ross has no regrets about her long-ago decision to put herself and her career as a restaurateur first. But thanks to the ongoing ravages on her business from the pandemic, plus a girlfriend she can’t bring herself to love, Brooke is at a crossroads. Throwing caution to the wind for once, she agrees to an unusual invitation that just might lead her to figuring out what—and who—she really wants.
Ten Days in May is about second chances, about choosing life, and discovering what’s meaningful in turbulent times.
My thoughts…
I’ve been looking forward to Ten Days in May since I first heard about its upcoming release. The possibility of a romance set on Mackinac Island with Tracey Richardson steering the narrative—I knew it would be this Michigander’s jam! And let me tell you, it was!
I enjoyed so many things about this book. The setting is spectacularly well done. Richardson doesn’t miss a thing. Her magnificent descriptions jump off the page, perfectly conveying the beauty and splendor of this magical place. It’s very obvious she’s spent time on the island. Her fondness for it lights up the storytelling and pulls the reader into the narrative, making it a completely enjoyable read.
Though Ten Days in May follows the old tried-and-true romance formula, Richardson does get a little creative with its storyline. She manages to give Cam and Brooke’s romance a fresh angle, something that’s complex as well as powerful. Using a death doula, a dying man and a few exs is the key to it all. Cam, the death doula, and Landon, the dying man, become friends when Cam helps Landon navigate through the whole end-of-life process. As a last wish, Landon requests that Cam meet with his ex-wife on Mackinac Island to inform her of his impending and unfortunate situation. All does not go according to plan and the meeting produces nothing but double-trouble exs times two. A dying man’s simple request takes quite a turn and yields some interesting, if not compelling, twists.
Ten Days in May is a character driven story, one that is dependent on growth and change. It works because Cam and Brooke stand up to the challenge; they change in ways that engage readers’ hearts as well as their minds. That’s largely because Richardson scripts solid developments for these women. She also constructs reliable backstories, one’s that make sense for the characters as well as the story. Readers walk away with a clear understanding of who these women are and where they came from. Their pasts are neatly threaded with their present, providing readers with a full-circle romance that is heartwarming as well as endearing.
Final remarks…
This book is like a delectable piece of Murdock fudge; it hugs your senses with every page. Its writing is pure and sweet, told with such tender insight it will make you pause and appreciate the beautiful of its narrative. There is no doubt about it; Richardson has thrown herself into this one. Ten Days in May is a truly touching romance.
Strengths…
- Well-developed story arc
- Insightfully and poignantly written
- Captivating setting
- Likable characters
- Heartwarming romance
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A bit about the author…
Tracey worked in the daily newspaper business as a journalist for more than 25 years and is now happily retired. She enjoys playing and watching hockey, golfing, and learning the guitar. She spends her free time with her partner Sandra and their two Labrador retrievers on the shores of Georgian Bay in central Ontario.
Tracey has won many awards for her writing. Last Salute (2013) and No Rules of Engagement (2009) were both Lambda Literary award finalists. Side Order of Love (2009) was a Romance Writers of America Rainbow Award of Excellence winner in contemporary romance. 10 Days in May is Tracey’s 14th novel.
Connect with the author…
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