*"Marrying the Mechanic" by Shanna Hatfield**

I have had the pleasure of reading numerous books by Shanna Hatfield, and I eagerly anticipate diving into more of her works in the future. Her stories consistently bring me immense joy, primarily because of her well-crafted characters and the undeniably charming small-town romances she portrays. Each narrative unfolds in a way that feels both sweet and inspiring, capturing the essence of love and life in a heartwarming manner.

The themes woven throughout her books often encompass family bonds, the warmth of friendship, the exhilaration and trials of romance, as well as the inevitability of heartbreak and the enduring power of love. Additionally, there are subtle threads of faith incorporated into the stories, such as moments of characters praying over meals or attending church services, which add depth to the overall experience. One aspect I particularly appreciate is how Hatfield emphasizes the significance of family and the irreplaceable role they play in our lives.

In "Marrying the Mechanic," we are invited on a poignant journey filled with love, personal growth, and the unbreakable connections that tie hearts together, even when life takes unforeseen turns. At the centre of the story is Jace Easton, a talented mechanic who is grappling with a whirlwind of changes surrounding him. His younger sister, Tassie, has traditionally relied on him for guidance and support. However, with her newfound independence and adventurous spirit, she is now traipsing around the globe with the prince of her dreams, preparing to step into a new chapter of her life. This transition forces Jace to confront the reality that Tassie has matured and changed in ways he did not foresee.

Complicating matters further is Jace’s growing awareness of his deepening feelings for Deena Durant, Tassie's best friend. Deena is not only a skilled welder, earning her living by working on farm equipment, but she also possesses a hidden passion for art, specifically in crafting stunning metal sculptures. As Jace finds himself increasingly drawn to Deena, he struggles with this attraction, which feels unsettling against the backdrop of all the changes he is experiencing. The emotional tension between them becomes an obstacle he must navigate as he comes to terms with his new reality.

Meanwhile, Deena harbours a strong hope that one day Jace will see her in a different light—a yearning that she keeps tucked away beneath layers of encouragement and friendship. As she supports him through these tumultuous times, she also grapples with her feelings, longing for the moment when their friendship may blossom into something more.

Together, Jace and Deena join forces to help make Tassie’s dreams come true. As they collaborate and spend time together, they begin to explore their own desires and aspirations. Ultimately, will they be able to carve out their own unique path to true love amidst the changes swirling around them? Their journey promises to be filled with heartwarming discoveries and tender moments as they navigate their newfound feelings in the backdrop of a close-knit community.

Jace and his sister Tassie, who lost their parents young, moved to Summer Creek, Oregon, to live with their uncle. Now, with their uncle gone, it’s just the two of them. Tassie is in love with a prince and plans to move away, leaving Jace feeling the weight of change. Meanwhile, Deena, Tassie’s childhood friend, has secretly loved Jace for years. A welder by trade, Deena surprises Jace one day by appearing in something other than her usual work attire, and he finally sees her in a new light. As they grow closer, Jace, a mechanic, worries he’s holding her back from a bright future. This heartfelt story celebrates friendship, personal growth, and the strong foundation of love between two people discovering each other in a new way.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

"Marrying the Mechanic" is an undeniably sweet small-town romance that brings a charming, low-drama love story to life. The book focuses on the developing relationship between two endearing characters, set against the backdrop of a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone’s business. The dynamic between the protagonists is cute, with a lot of tender moments that will make you smile, though the romance itself stays mostly on the sweet side with no real spice.

I appreciated the simplicity and warmth of the narrative, but I did feel the ending was a bit rushed. The pacing in the final chapters didn’t quite match the build-up from earlier in the story, and I would have liked a bit more time to fully savor the resolution of the characters’ journey.

All in all, Marrying the Mechanic is a perfect read for fans of low-angst, heartwarming small-town romances. It's not overly complicated, and while it might lack some intensity, it’s sure to leave you with a smile on your face. A delightful, no-pressure romance for a cozy afternoon read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Marrying the Mechanic is the latest book written by the incredible writer, Shanna Hatfield. Every book I have read by her has been wonderfully written and attention holding, including this one. Mechanic Jace Easton is at a crossroads in his life. He is surprised the find how fast the years have passed and his little sister is grown, now off on her own adventures. Where do es that leave him? Add to that his little sister’s best friend, Deena has grown up too. Jace begins to see Deena differently but wonders if he should or what to do about it.

I love that Deena has a career that is different from what we usually read. I appreciate her confidence in work and enjoyed seeing her grow in other areas. These two are friends first which is a wonderful foundation for a relationship in real life. Inf fact, that is another love of this story that I have, these are everyday people, the kind you want to get to know. The kind that are easy to become invested in their story, then are rooting for them all the way. A great read from beginning to end.

Marrying the mechanic was a feel good romance! Jace and Deena were both great. Add in side characters and it makes for a cute story. Jace couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw Deena all grown up and beautiful. He was used to seeing a different Deena since she was his sister’s best friend. It was a nice quick easy read for me! Finished in one day! My first by this author and definitely not the last.

Thanks NetGalley for the Arc!

Easy feel good read. Many characters from former book make an appearance but this is a stand alone book.
Thank you Net galley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

What happens when you realize your sister's best friend is all grown up? That's exactly what Jace thought when he saw this gorgeous woman approaching him then realized it was Deena. The Deena he had watched grow up with his little sister. Delve into Marrying the Mechanic by Shanna Hatfield to see what romance can develop.

Released Oct. 24th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Jace y Deena se han conocido toda su vida, ya que ella es la mejor amiga de su hermana. Ella siempre tuvo un enamoramiento por él, pero él nunca la vio de esa manera hasta que un día ella lo salva de quedarse varado.

Me gustó que la relación se desarrollara poco a poco y que no todo girara en torno a eso, sino que también se centrara en ellos decidiendo qué hacer en el futuro con sus vidas, independientemente de si eran pareja o no.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.