Downsizing (udgave 2021)

Downsizing, by Lin Stepp is book two in the Mountain Hole Books series. While this is part of a series, it is a good stand alone story. I did not realize it was part of a series until after I read it. This is a well written contemporary romance story that deals with the topics of infidelity, divorce, starting over, family issues and murder.

Mary Pat has given up her dreams to marry and raise a family with her cardiologist husband. She was always there for him and the children and now he shocks her with wanting a divorce because she has left herself go. He has everything planned out and in motion before he tells her. She has just weeks to go through their home and move out. Fortunately she has her family home in the mountain to move to where she rekindles old relationships. She also turns her life around by going back to school and joining a weight loss program.

I loved this story! It is so realistic and shares some very personal feelings that a person in Mary Pat’s situation would have. It is a good clean contemporary romance with several good messages within it. I enjoyed reading of how she took the diet plan so seriously. I am especially enjoying the special Downsizing Diet that is available.

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this story and the supplemental diet book provided by JustReads Tours. This is my honest review. ( )

As a person much nearer retirement age than adolescence, I really appreciate characters in books with more life experience, and Lin Stepp gives readers that and more in Downsizing.

From the first chapter, I couldn’t help but sympathize with Mary Pat. Her life is turned upside down in a matter of minutes and she’s adrift. I also couldn’t help but cheer her on when she makes a choice to improve her life or admire her determination to go after that goal.

And then there’s Owen—a man I liked the first time he walked on the page. His support and patience with Mary Pat are just what she needs and despite his attraction to the woman, his discernment is what sets him apart.

Stepp gives readers an insider view of the Smoky Mountain area that’s different from what the tourists see as well as an education in bear behavior. But at the heart of this story is the hope that that life goes on—and sometimes even improves—after devastation.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )