Love Lettering - Kate Clayborn

Date of Reading: 24/11/2019

Author: Kate Clayborn

Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.

Publication Date: December 31, 2019

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

In this warm and witty romance from acclaimed author Kate Clayborn, one little word puts one woman’s business—and her heart—in jeopardy . . .

Meg Mackworth’s hand-lettering skill has made her famous as the Planner of Park Slope, designing beautiful custom journals for New York City’s elite. She has another skill too: reading signs that other people miss. Like the time she sat across from Reid Sutherland and his gorgeous fiancée and knew their upcoming marriage was doomed to fail. Weaving a secret word into their wedding program was a little unprofessional, but she was sure no one else would spot it. She hadn’t counted on sharp-eyed, pattern-obsessed Reid . . .

A year later, Reid has tracked Meg down to find out—before he leaves New York for good—how she knew that his meticulously planned future was about to implode. But with a looming deadline, a fractured friendship, and a bad case of creative block, Meg doesn’t have time for Reid’s questions—unless he can help her find her missing inspiration. As they gradually open up to each other about their lives, work, and regrets, both try to ignore the fact that their unlikely connection is growing deeper. But the signs are there—irresistible, indisputable, urging Meg to heed the messages Reid is sending her before it’s too late . . .

Review:

        I cannot say I am someone who won't judge the book by its cover. But if a book is selected to read, then I usually give it a chance until my kindle shows twenty percentage in reading progress. Sadly this story didn't live up to its promise at that time and I almost gave up. I said 'almost' because I changed my mind after getting recommendations from some of my fellow reviewers. Today after closing my kindle I felt glad I heed their advice. I would have missed such an amazing story otherwise.

        The warm and witty romance that we expect comes only later in the story. As the relation between Reid and Meg grows slowly and steadily, the story will gradually grow on you. The dialogues interspersed with Meg's inner thoughts, which might be irritating at first, ends up endearing as her creative block evaporates. I have never given much thought to calligraphy, partly due to my terrible handwriting. But Meg's profession, the games she plays with Reid have all opened an unchartered land for me. Trust me, you will never look notice boards in the same way hereafter.

         The plot is special as is the writing. Through the eyes of Meg, we get to see another New York, a place mysterious as well as exciting. And Reid . . . is one of the best romantic heroes. If you are in search of a modern Mr. Darcy, then look no further. This man is your typical old theatre. Fewer words, extremely polite and highly intelligent -- that pretty much summarises him. Am I hearing some swooning sounds? Yup! You wouldn't want to miss this.

      On the whole, a remarkable romance that takes you to unexpected alleys and will leave you smiling and inexorably happy.

Meet the author:

Kate Clayborn lives in Virginia, where she's lucky enough to spend her days reading and talking about all kinds of great books. At home she's either writing, thinking about writing, or—during long walks around her fabulous neighbourhood—making her handsome husband and sweet-faced dog listen to her talk about writing.