Never Expected You

Zach returns home after ten years of running, trying to prove himself. Zach has very few happy memories of home as he was son to an alcolhic, abusive father who spent all their money on booze. Zach was labeled the "poor" kid at school and bullied endlessly. Then he meets Travis. Travis and Zach were best friends until tragedy struck, sending Zach running. Zach enlisted in the Army and became a veterinarian to animals injured in war. Zach spent ten years saving and investing his money wisely so that he could someday come home to work alongside Dr. Lane--the man who was more of a father to him than his own. Instead, Zach finds Ms. Dr. Lane... Stella Lane left town to become a veterinarian in hopes of someday working alongside her father. Instead, Stella is drowning in the debt her father left after passing away unexpectedly. The equipment at the clinic is outdated and in need of repairs. Customers come in without making appointments, then want to pay for services rendered with a casserole or pie, not cash. What Stella lacks in business sense, she more than makes up for with her love of the animals. When presented with the opportunity for a way out of debt via a new partner, Zach, Stella allows her stubborn streak and pride to overrule good sense. She turns Zach, but for how long? This was my first Jody Holford novel and I loved it! It had all the feels. I loved how Zach was able to turn his bad experiences as a young child into something positive and productive. I enjoyed how Zach was able to tear down Stella's walls enough to allow her to grieve the loss of her father. Zach allowed Stella to breathe and let go. Zach showed Stella that her dad was "not the building or his home or his office, but was in her heart. In return, Stella was there to help Zach grieve the loss of his friend so that he could let go of all his anger. As a team, they're unstoppable--until Zach's mistake. While I truly loved this novel, Stella's inability to forgive bothered me--especially after all Zach did for her. Zach's intentions were good, not malicious. With that said, this story does give you a HEA! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

4.5 Stars I will admit he cover drew me to this book because I love animals, but the blurb sold me on the book. Both Zach and Stella are veterinarians and truth the was the selling point for me. I love the small town and the quirks that come with it. I really liked Zach and Stella together. Great personalities that fit so well together. Stella has a hard time accepting help because she doesn't trust the motive behind that help, but Zach's going to show her he means his every word. It's definitively a make you feel good story that has a really easy flow to the book.

This is one of those books that just hit every emotional button and left me happy and satisfied. I has wonderful strong characters in Stella and Zach and the slowly developing relationship between them just made my heart swell. This is a story of loss and heartache but also new beginnings, love, and hope. The writing is exceptional and pulled me into the story right from the start. This one needs to be on the must read list. I highly recommend it.