What to love….
- cozy small town
- low stakes mystery
- romantic subplot
- found family
- animal companions
- LGBTQIA+ rep
- fertility struggle representation/grief

What I didn’t love…
- the stakes were very very low for this mystery, which may work for some but I felt a bit let down at the big reveal
- I wanted the romance to be more front and center and was a bit let down but this could be a plus for those who like less romance

Overall there was nothing particularly wrong with this book but personally I was a bit bored. I like my mystery stakes a little higher and my plot to move a little faster.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Jaclyn Westlake’s debut novel, DEAR DOTTY, was a 5⭐️ read for me last year. Her talent for crafting interesting, captivating, authentic characters was impressive. DEAR DOTTY was simultaneously insightful, relatable, heartwarming, and hilarious and made me an instant fan. I eagerly awaited her next book and literally squealed with glee at the opportunity to read an advance copy. I’m not surprised that she has, once again, delivered a book that spoke directly to my heart.

LUCKY BREAK works on many levels. On the surface, it’s the story of Eliza Colletti who makes the unexpected decision to uproot her established San Francisco life and relocate to a tiny lake community in Minnesota. There are great storylines related to romance, friendship, and found family. There’s a bit of mystery, a cozy small town vibe, lovable characters, and very special furry creatures. It is funny, genuine, and entertaining. The references to Midwestern life and loud (READ: loving) Italian families are an added bonus.

It is also much, much deeper. It is a story of recovering from profound grief, dealing with the soul crushing loss of a long held dream, learning to love and accept oneself, and having the courage to take a chance. Ms. Westlake gets so many things right - feelings, emotions, fears, challenges, and joys - and she does it in a way that is uplifting and hopeful. LUCKY BREAK speaks to the resilience and strength we find within ourselves and the support we get from family, both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose.

Put this book on your radar. Mark your calendar for July 15, 2025 and grab it as soon as it’s released. You will find much to love in this brilliant, contemporary novel. BRAVA!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.