Worthy by Catherine Ryan Hyde

They might’ve been a family.

Virginia finally had the chance to explore a relationship with Aaron when he asked her on a date. She had been waiting, hoping that the widower and his young son, Buddy, would welcome her into their lives. But a terrible tragedy strikes on the night of their first kiss, crushing their hopes for a future together.

Nineteen years later, Virginia is engaged, though she has not forgotten Aaron or Buddy. When her dog goes missing and it comes to light that her fiancé set him loose, a distraught Virginia breaks off the engagement and is alone once again. A shy young man has found the missing pet, and although he’s bonded with the animal, he answers his conscience and returns the dog. Before long, Virginia and the young man discover a connection from their pasts that will help them let go of painful memories and change their lives forever. @ goodreads

MY REVIEW:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1265606219

I would like to thank Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this book!

I have read some many of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books and there are so many I love as favorites, this is a new one. She can write such heartfelt books.

Aaron and his 4 year old son Buddy and their dog Sheila walk every day to the diner just so Aaron can spend time with Virginia (Ginnie). They eat as well of course :) Aaron and Ginnie have feelings for each other and he finally gets up the nerve to kiss her and ask her out on a date. Unfortunately, a tragedy strikes on their walk back home and Buddy ends up getting carted away to live with his grandparents in Florida.

Nineteen years later, Ginnie and Fern own the diner where they worked all of those years ago. The diner was put up for sell that same fateful day that Aaron and Buddy came in to eat. Buddy suggested she buy the diner so she wouldn't have to move or worry about another job, and her and Fern did just that.

Ginnie is engaged to a jerk named Lloyd. Fern can't understand why and Ginnie has been having some reservations. But all of this changes when Lloyd tries to get rid of Ginnie's dog T-Rex that she has had for 6 years and loves more than anything.

Needless to say, when she finds out, Lloyd is out the door and she meets a boy named Jody that took in her dog and saved him from freezing to death.

From here is a story of old wounds, healing, love, and the ability to change lives forever in a most wonderful way!

I loved every minute of it!  5 Stars