Candidly, Carla - Book Review

Annette G. Anders, an award-winning romance writer, added another heartwarming story to her popular series.  "Candidly, Carla. Colors of Happiness, book 4", continues her family's stories of true love.  Anders's light-hearted women's fiction is the perfect escape from heavier reading, a great beach read, and the perfect book club selection for discussion.

Carla's lifelong dream of owning a Victorian-style bed and breakfast in Martha's Vineyard is complicated and challenged when her childhood crush, Damian, returns to the area.  Not only is he still ruggedly handsome and single, but he is the contractor for remodeling her property. Carla tells her story of denied infatuation with Damian in alternate chapters, with Damian relating his emotional struggles to ignore his best friend's annoying little sister. Multi-generational family dynamics spiced with Italian relationships and mouthwatering foods intensify realistic characterizations. Carla's hospitality and catering business consumes her personal life, while Damian is dealing with his own business and the recent death of his older brother.  Neither are looking for emotional involvement.

This psychological and heartfelt novel emphasizes the pursuit of true love over the allure of fleeting romance. Carla and Damian navigate the treacherous waters of relationships, where their internal dilemmas, nuanced gestures, and turbulent emotions are moderated by their professional and personal ethics. The arrival of a cunning young flirt who clings to Damian and a charismatic writer who captivates Carla ignites scenes of jealousy. The true-to-life helpful intervention of family and friends provides behind-the-scenes nudges for the couple to recognize their innermost feelings.  This story-line shines a light on the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of staying true to one's heart. The characters grapple with understanding their own desires and boundaries, highlighting the importance of communication and mutual respect in a healthy partnership.

The author includes touching tidbits of developing true love with "innocent" incidents of hands touching, dazed staring, and jealous reactions. She follows a natural progression of desire and denial as she develops her characters.

Drama, dreams, desires, and destiny will encourage the reader to enjoy this book as a stand-alone as well as part of the series.  Expect adventure in Book 5, "Tailing Grace"