Just reading the very start of this story by the inimitable Jill Shalvis, is guaranteed to put you in a wondrous mood. THE BRIGHT SPOT is still another addition to my already overflowing collection of books by this delightful author who truly is like a ray of sunshine. THE BRIGHT SPOT is destined to be one of the best by the best.
Meet Luna Wright. A cheerful, smart, loving woman who cares deeply for her farm, rescues, and friends. Luna had an unbalanced life in social services. She would have loved a family, but it was not to be. She discovers that her recently deceased gruff boss, Silas, turns out to have been her grandfather. So sad to have missed finding her only true biological relative.
Jameson has a different relationship with Lunaβs grandfather. Silas functioned as a mentor for this young man with a proficiency in numbers and business, but no practical experience with being a member of a family since losing his mom. Jameson considered his closeness with Silas as the best relationship of his life.
Silas was no oneβs vision of the perfect anyone. Bossy, cold, and detached is how people viewed Silas. Much to Lunaβs dismay she never had a chance to have a grandfather and in some way that leaves Luna feeling less worthy. And a bit envious of Jameson.
Jameson's job, as set by Silas in his will, was to help save the farm, essentially meaning save Luna's future as her partner. Jameson was used to saving companies but that was usually at the expense of employees and other parts he considered unnecessary to the goal of saving a sinking ship. Luna's farm, unfortunately, fell into the category of a sinking ship.Β
The supporting cast of THE BRIGHT SPOT includes some terrific furry friends, all of whom are rescues. Wait till you meet Dammit Ziggy! Luna considers her animals the best part of the farm. They love her unconditionally and when faced with the possibility that the farm will have to be sold this is the part that breaks her heart. This was finally the family she needed. Both Jameson and Luna have something essential for them, a desire to be someoneβs forever.
There is certainly a vast amount of pathos and angst front and center in THE BRIGHT SPOT, and I am sure Jill Shalvis designed it so that it felt real. Her characters have great depth so that they avoid seeming caricatures. She makes sure you are invested in the well-being of all her characters, two and four-footed. There is no denying THE BRIGHT SPOT lives up to its title.
Luna Wright is a lot of things, but sweet and trusting isn’t on the list. However, she’s a sucker for the underdog and a hard-luck story. Adopted at birth, with scant knowledge of her biological family, she’s created her own inner circle, a motley crew which includes her bestie Willow, to help her run the struggling but charming Apple Ridge Farm.
With a farm-to-table café as well as a menagerie of rescued animals (complete with a baby goat who keeps escaping to the pantry to eat the secret stash of decidedly not organic potato chips), it’s the best home she’s ever known. But when the owner Silas, who they secretly call The Grinch, passes away, Luna discovers the farm is now under control of his investment manager, the enigmatic Jameson Hayes….and her. And that Silas had many, many secrets.
Now Luna’s carefully controlled corner of the world is threatened and she—along with some help from her friends—has to dig deep to find true strength and the real meaning of love and family.
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