Best of 2012 by Fresh Fiction Reviewers 

C.H. Admirand
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He's not so sure about small town life.

She can't imagine living anywhere else.

Welcome to Apple Grove, Ohio (population 597), where everyone has your best interests at heart, even if they can't agree on the best way to meddle. When the townsfolk of Apple Grove need handiwork done, there's no job too small for the Mulcahy sisters: Megan, Caitlin, and Grace.

Specializing in hard work and family loyalty, tomboy Meg Mulcahy has left behind any girlhood dreams of romance. Enter newcomer Daniel Eagan, looking to bury his own broken heart and make a new start. He's surprised–and delighted–by the winsome girl with the mighty tool belt who shows up to fix his wiring.

But Dan's got a lot to learn about life in a small town, and when Meg's past collides with her future, it may take all 595 other residents of Apple Grove to keep this romance from short–circuiting.

Excerpt

The sweet scent of wild roses filled the air as the late morning sun warmed the blossoms spilling over the arbor. Blackbirds trilled across the meadow as the bride walked toward her husband–to–be, careful not to trip on the long, white satin runner—the path reaching from her past to her future.

Folding chairs fanned out on both sides of the bride's backyard, enormous white tulle bows adorning every other one. When she passed by Megan Mulcahy, the bride reached for Meg's hand and squeezed it before continuing. Tears filled Meg's eyes as Edie reached the end of the satin walkway and turned so her father could lift the veil covering Edie's face and press his lips to his daughter's cheek before putting her hand in that of the man she would marry.

Who would have thought Meg would be one of the last of her friends still single? If her life had followed her youthful plans, her name would have been the one up on Apple Grove's water tower, Jimmy Van Orden would have been the man doing the asking, and she wouldn't be sitting here wondering how different her life could have been.

But life is full of twists and turns. Her mind drifted toward the last time Jimmy had come home for a couple of days. He'd wined and dined her and she'd been so sure that he was going to ask her to marry him—this time. But they'd had the discussion a long time ago; he wanted out of Apple Grove, and she didn't want to live anywhere else. After replaying that horrible argument multiple times, they'd just let it drop and tried to enjoy each other's company. She kept hoping that on one of his trips back he would change his mind and see how wonderful life here could be. When would she learn?

Reverend Smith's words rang out, "I now pronounce you husband and wife." He paused to smile at the friends and family gathered to celebrate, and then the couple. "You may kiss the bride."

Bill Stanton tilted Edie's chin up and gently pressed his lips to hers.

A collective sigh whispered through the crowd witnessing the loving touch between the bride and groom. Meg's stomach ached, but she fought not to show it; her friend deserved all of the happiness she could get. This was Edie's day, and Meg wouldn't do anything to ruin it for her.

"Did you ever see such a lovely bride?"

Megan smiled at Mrs. Winter. "It's been a long time since we had a wedding in Apple Grove."

The older woman patted Meg's hand and soothed, "Never you mind about that Van Orden boy, Meg. The perfect man is waiting for you. Don't give up hope."

Meg laughed. "I haven't thought that way about Jimmy in years." Liar. "I hear he's doing well playing for the Bengals."

As expected, Mrs. Winter tut–tutted and patted Meg's hand again. "Your eyes say far more than you realize."

Before Meg could contradict her, the woman moved on to speak to the McCormack sisters.

"There now, Meg," her father's deep voice soothed the ache in her belly. "It's time you forgot about Jimmy—"

"I wasn't thinking about him," she insisted. A rumble in the distance made her heart freeze in her breast. She looked up at the lone cloud floating above her and then over at Reverend Smith. The Lord didn't like it when Megan lied. "OK," she admitted. "I might have been thinking about him."

Joseph Mulcahy pulled her close and kissed her forehead. "He isn't the right man for you, even though I should probably thank him."

"Whatever for?" Meg asked.

"He left, but you stayed and helped me keep the family business going. I don't know that I could have done it if you had married him and moved away."

"I love you, Pop."

"I love you back, Meggie." She loved the gruff sound of his voice and leaned into him as he put his arm around her. "Let's pay our respects to the newlyweds, then go find your sisters and dig into the potluck buffet. I'm hoping for some of Slim's barbecued ribs."

"You'll get sauce on your tie," she warned, smiling up at him.

"That's OK." He grinned and pulled her toward the receiving line. "I hate ties."

A beautiful young woman finally sees her dream proposal painted on the water tower.

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