"Hook, Line, and Sinker" by Susan May Warren

Ross and Abby were falling in love ... at least that's what she thought, until Ross's brother Scott died and Ross accused her of really loving Scott instead of him. A year later, Abby and Ross have virtually no contact, despite the fact that they both attend the same college. All that changes when the campus ministries they lead both enter a fishing contest in Deep Haven. As they vie for the top prize, they'll come face to face with the problems that drove them apart, and they may even find their way back to each other.

My take:
I love Susan May Warren books, so I was thrilled to learn this novella was available for review. While it's connected to the Deep Haven series, you don't need to be familiar with the other books to enjoy it. (I've read books one and four, and I only recognized one name from those books.) I really enjoyed reading Ross and Abby's story. Their chemistry was palpable, and the story was entertaining, humorous, and touching. The misunderstanding that drives the plot--Ross's belief that Abby loved his brother--is simple, yet it rings true. How many times do we not tell the truth because of fear or embarrassment?

I absolutely loved this book until the last few pages. Then it crept into cheesy territory, and I found myself rolling my eyes a few times. Still, I was completely captivated by 95% of the story ... so that's better than much of what I read!

I give this quick, fun read 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.