Love in Bloom by Arlene James

4 STARS
The Heart of Main Street

It's a new series with different writers taking turns writing a story. Bygones, Kansas main factory was shut down and that started the town dying. They are afraid the school and police department will end up closing soon too. Somebody is willing to help the town by putting money up for new businesses to come to town. No one knows who has sent the money. The conditions are that a committee is formed and decide what businesses will be chosen. The mystery person bought up a bunch of old buildings on main street. He will fix them up as the chosen business wants them. The businesses have to have a business plan, matching grant money and commit to staying for two years. If they don't they will have to pay the money back right away.

The town sees no downfall for them. They get behind the idea and a committee is formed SOS. They have picked the new businesses, advertised and are going to old a grand opening after July 4. Each new business will have a committee member to help them and show them around.

One of the last of the new business owners to show up because she had to do flowers for her sister's wedding is Lily Farnsworth. Lily is shy, never had a boyfriend. In fact she had a crush on her boss who just married her sister. She is from Boston. Sold her car to get the matching funds and left the law to open a florist shop.

Lily is met at the airport by her committee person Tate Bronson and his daughter Isabella who is almost 8. Tate's young wife died right after his daughter was born. Tate turned away from God. He ranches with his dad. His family years ago started Bygones. He has no intention to every marry again.

Isabella wants him to marry and give her a little sister. She welcomes Lily and asks her lots of questions very personal ones too. She is a bright happy little girl.

Lily gets involved with the town and has some good ideas to benefit those in need too. She takes the idea of a community garden and runs with it. Seeing it could help those who are in need. She has a kind heart and opens it for Isabella and her father.

It is a very close community of Bygones and I want to see how the new businesses make it and how. I will look forward to reading more stores about The Heart of Main Street.

It makes you want to reach out and help those around us.
This is the second story I believe I have read of Arlene James and I have enjoyed both of them and want to read more books from her in the future. This is a very clean book.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
June 18th 2013 by Harlequin Love Inspired 224 pages ISBN:0373878230

Description below taken off of goodreads.

A Fresh Start Lily Farnsworth can thank a mysterious benefactor for the chance to open her own flower shop in Bygones, Kansas. But Tate Bronson is the biggest challenge the relocated Boston attorney has ever faced. Forget about tossing out the welcome mat-the handsome widowed rancher seems determined to keep Lily at arm's length. As everyone buzzes over the identity of the anonymous donor, Lily's doing her part to revitalize the struggling town. With the help of Tate's little girl-turned-matchmaker, can she create a garden of community and love deep in the heart of Kansas...and one special man?

The Heart of Main Street: They're rebuilding the town one step-and heart-at a time