Smitten

By: Janet Evanovich
Genre: Romance
Grade: C?

Lizabeth Kane is a single mom with a rich father and ex* who is determined to prove just how able to stand on her own two feet she is. To that end she is living in a home in need of major repairs, driving a car which actually doesn't work and looking for a job she can walk to. The nearest position is for a carpenter and even though she has never done more than hammer a nail into a wall to hold a picture she is determined to get the position.

Matt Hallahan was actually looking for a qualified professional but his business is doing well and he figures he can offer Lizzie a position and hire the kind of man he actually needs for the job. Almost right away Matt finds himself spending way more time with Lizzie than any employee should require -- and he's loving every minute of it.

Finding himself pulled into a world of neighborly flashers, kooky dogs and precocious kids Matt is soon head over heels. He can't wait to convince Lizzie that together they really can build something that will last a life time -- even if she never does learn to properly use a hammer.

This is a cute if farcical read. It reminded me in many ways of Stef Ann Holm's "Lucy Gets Her Life Back" or "Girl's Night". If you liked those two, definitely try this one.

*aside; It is a personal pet peeve of mine when woman don't want the ex to pay sufficient child support to really provide their kids with a good life style. I couldn't help but feel Lizzie should have taken at least sufficient money to provide the kids with a roof over their heads' that didn't leak.

Tea: Long Island Iced Tea would be about the only tea I can think of that would go with being a construction worker!