GROCERY GIRL is a small-town romance–the first in Virginia’dele Smth’s Green Hills series–and introduces readers to Maree Davenport, a fabric designer who lost her parents at the tender age of five, and whose two siblings live across the country. Her story begins in the grocery store, a location that has a special place in Maree’s heart and keeps the memories of her long-gone “momma” alive. It is here that Maree accidentally bumps into fireman Rhys Larsen, and the chemistry is instant. Both are cautious and neither act on their attraction. Nevertheless, when they later cross paths at a social event, their connection is triggered as “their eyes locked” in true romance novel style. The course of their relationship is far from smooth, however: while Maree determines not to let a difficult past affect her future, Rhys’s scars seem to run far deeper. Like Maree, his history is one of traumatic bereavement. Tragically, he lost his two brothers to a house fire and subsequently lost his broken-hearted parents too. But unlike Maree, loss had made Rhys wary of forming close bonds and has a paralyzing effect on his ability to fully commit. As is typical of the genre, the narrative charts their developing relationship and its setbacks, while keeping readers rooting for a happy ending.
There is much that is charming in GROCERY GIRL: the setting is quaint and homely, the characters have traits that are relatable and recognizable, and there is just enough introspection going on to lift this a little above the usual romantic fiction fare. The quilting motif is a nice touch, offering thematic unity to the plot. And, devoid of any kind of sleaze or raciness, the innocence is rather touching. Nevertheless, there are features that may niggle some readers, such as Maree’s seemingly endless selflessness and inability to demand more from Rhys, notwithstanding the personal demons he is wrangling with. After all, she has endured tragedy too. The cutesiness of the dialogue, also, may not be to everyone’s taste.
Virginia’dele Smth’s GROCERY GIRL, the first in a series, will have fans of cozy romance fiction hooked.
~Amanda Ellison for IndieReader