The Best Medicine
by Krysta Dearson
Dr. Polly Alberton is all out of laughs. She snorted from sheer absurdity when her husband of twelve years announced he was leaving her and their two kids to become a full-time yachtsman. She laughed in disbelief when the nanny she’d hired announced she won the lottery and was moving to Arizona mere weeks after she and her kids moved back to her father’s country home in Green Valley, Tennessee. And she straight-up cackled when she looked at herself in the mirror one day, only to find she no longer recognized the person she’d become. Because after all, isn’t that what happens when you play the role of the dutiful daughter, wife, doctor and mother, you lose yourself in the process?
Aside from her kids, the only other joy in her life comes from reading romance—which no one knows about. Not her ex-husband, not her judge father, and certainly not the twenty-four-year-old valet driver who keeps giving her flirtatious looks every Sunday at her required weekly brunches with her father.
Jace Vargas is an aimless twenty-four-year-old with an eclectic résumé that includes valet driver, Lyft driver, and freelance clown—so he’s a regular barrel of laughs. But it will take more than a bunch of hot air to get to know proper Polly Alberton. The thirty seconds he spends valeting her car each Sunday are his favorite seconds of the week. And it’s not because she tips well. It’s because her car stereo plays whatever audiobook she’s been listening to, right up to the time her Bluetooth disconnects. She’s a gorgeous, buttoned-up paradox, cloaked in layers of mystery . . . and he desperately wants to find out what’s underneath.
When Polly hires Jace to be her kids’ nanny, those layers start to shed one at a time. And throughout the course of a summer, along with a six-year-old spitfire, a brave ten-year-old, some magic tricks, and laughter, they both might find the things they’ve wanted most—with the help of each other.
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Martial Peak Reviews
Krysta Dearson's The Best Medicine is a delightful exploration of self-discovery, humor, and unexpected romance, set against the charming backdrop of Green Valley, Tennessee. At its core, the novel is a heartwarming tale of a woman rediscovering herself amidst the chaos of life, and a young man finding purpose in the most unexpected of places.
The protagonist, Dr. Polly Alberton, is a character many readers will find relatable. Her life is a series of upheavals: her husband leaves her to pursue a life at sea, her nanny wins the lottery and departs, and she finds herself back in her childhood home, grappling with the roles of daughter, mother, and professional. Polly's journey is one of self-reflection and transformation, and Dearson does a commendable job of portraying her internal struggles and growth. The author skillfully uses humor as a coping mechanism for Polly, which not only adds levity to the narrative but also deepens the reader's connection to her character.
Jace Vargas, the 24-year-old valet driver with an eclectic resume, is the perfect foil to Polly's buttoned-up persona. His carefree, humorous nature is infectious, and his genuine interest in Polly's life is both endearing and refreshing. Jace's character development is subtle yet impactful. Through his interactions with Polly and her children, he evolves from an aimless young man into someone who finds meaning and joy in the everyday moments of life. The chemistry between Polly and Jace is palpable, and their evolving relationship is a testament to the idea that love can be found in the most unexpected places.
The supporting characters, particularly Polly's children, add depth and richness to the story. The six-year-old spitfire and the brave ten-year-old are not mere background figures; they are integral to Polly's journey and Jace's transformation. Their innocence and straightforwardness provide a stark contrast to the complexities of adult life, and their interactions with Jace are particularly heartwarming. Dearson captures the essence of childhood beautifully, using it as a lens through which the adult characters can view their own lives with fresh perspective.
One of the standout themes of The Best Medicine is the idea of finding joy in the mundane. Polly's secret love for romance novels is a metaphor for the hidden desires and dreams that many people harbor. Her journey towards embracing these desires is a reminder that life is too short to be lived according to others' expectations. Similarly, Jace's varied jobs and his eventual role as a nanny underscore the importance of finding fulfillment in unexpected places. Dearson's narrative suggests that happiness is not a destination but a journey, and it is often found in the most ordinary of moments.
Dearson's writing style is engaging and accessible, with a perfect balance of humor and poignancy. Her ability to weave humor into serious situations is reminiscent of authors like Sophie Kinsella and Marian Keyes, who also excel at blending comedy with deeper themes. However, Dearson's unique voice shines through in her portrayal of small-town life and the intricacies of family dynamics. The setting of Green Valley, Tennessee, is vividly brought to life, adding an extra layer of charm to the narrative.
In terms of overall impact, The Best Medicine is a feel-good novel that leaves readers with a sense of hope and optimism. It is a reminder that life, with all its unpredictability and challenges, can still be filled with laughter, love, and unexpected joys. The novel's exploration of self-discovery and personal growth is both inspiring and relatable, making it a perfect read for anyone who has ever felt lost or stuck in their own life.
In conclusion, Krysta Dearson's The Best Medicine is a charming and uplifting story that will resonate with readers of all ages. Its themes of self-discovery, humor, and unexpected romance are beautifully woven together, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you're a fan of romance, humor, or simply a good story about life's ups and downs, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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