Susan's Review of Sparks Fly in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk

Greer Chapin doesn’t do crazy things in the name of love. Yet when no one steps up to run for mayor of Good Hope, love for her hometown takes over. That smart, sensible Greer would make an excellent mayor is a given—as is the fact that she’ll win, because she’s running unopposed. Or so she thought. When another candidate throws his hat in the ring at the eleventh hour, Greer’s world is turned upside down.

Wyatt McConnell can’t believe how much his life has changed. Two months ago he was working long hours as a city manager in Chicago. Then he learned that a grandfather he never knew had died and named him as his sole heir. Faster than you can say ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ Wyatt moves to Good Hope and finds the home he’s always dreamed of. He might even have found the woman of his dreams too—if he can convince Greer not to hate him for running against her.

Falling for their opponent might be irrational, but Greer and Wyatt can’t resist each other. As election night nears, the reality of their situation is impossible to ignore: While there can only be one winner, both candidates are in danger of losing their hearts.

Greer Chapin and Wyatt McConnell are featured in Sparks Fly in Good Hope. I loved the pairing of introvert Greer with the self-assured new comer Wyatt in this novel. Sparks fly between this couple-and their attraction sizzles off the pages. Greer decides to run for mayor and her comfortable world is turned upside down when Wyatt runs against her!

Greer is known for her careful, sensible approach to situations. She runs the family’s bank and is a member of the Good Hope Giving Tree; a local community group dedicated to helping others. A visit from Marigold Rallis tests Greer’s problem solving abilities and her banking policies. Marigold has asked Greer to give her a $20,000 personal loan to cover the costs of IVF. Greer wants to help Marigold but, her first priority is what’s best for the bank. I loved that Greer thought out of the box and provided a solution to Marigold. This decision made me realize that Greer was becoming more confident in her decision making—she was making choices she felt comfortable with for her friends and community.

Wyatt McConnell arrived in Good hope to settle his grandfather’s estate. A former city planner in Chicago—he is not sure if living in a small community is right for him. He doesn’t have any ties to Good Hope or to his grandfather’s cherry orchards. He needs to decide if he should sell the business and cherry orchards. Wyatt speaks with his sister Trinity and she challenges him to get involved in the community and consider keeping the family run business. This conversation changed Wyatt’s thinking about Good Hope; he wanted to belong and he wanted to pursue Greer.

Loved that matchmakers Gladys, Ruby, Katherine and Oaklee decided that Greer and Wyatt were their next project! I just love how they bring couples together; the matchmakers play an important role in the novel—they arrange for Greer and Wyatt to spend time together with Greer’s family. Gladys and Oaklee’s conversations and antics make me laugh out loud and I look forward to reading about them.

Loved that the author wove the themes of Wyatt wanting to belong-to a family and a community-and Greer’s desire to help people in the community throughout the novel. I adored this opposites attract novel because Greer and Wyatt complement each other and bring out the best in each other.

Sparks Fly in Good Hope showcases community spirit-neighbors helping neighbors. The novel has all the feels- Gladys and Oaklee's antics provide humor; Ami, Jackie and Corey’s stories are relatable and Greer and Wyatt’s love story is passionate and very romantic. The epilogue is fabulous-it provides the election results and a surprsie or two! I enjoyed spending an afternoon in Good Hope & I know you will, too!

And…I am hoping Trinity and Ryder’s story is next!

Reviwed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author