Lotte R. James

I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the story of two people who came from nothing and built a successful business together. Freddie was taken in as a youth by a man who educated and mentored him. As the book opens on a cold winter night, Freddie is ready to start his shop of intriguing items from around the world. As he enters his newly acquired building for the first time, he pictures how it will look. When he steps back outside, he encounters an emaciated young woman hiding out in his courtyard. Unable to send her away, he invites her inside for the night for warmth and food, fully intending to send her on her way in the morning. Instead, he asks her to stay, paying forward the help he received.

Philomena, or "Mena," never forgot the night Freddie took a chance on her. Over the past eight years, she has worked hard to be worthy of his confidence. Not only does she run his business when he is away, but she has also branched out on a project of her own. I loved seeing Mena's passion for her vision and pride in how it progresses. The only problem is that she has kept it secret from Freddie and doesn't know how to tell him about it.

I liked watching the relationship develop between Mena and Freddie. They are friends, first and foremost, living and working together. Both are survivors, having come through unpleasant pasts to where they are now. However, neither one talks about what they've been through, afraid of what the other would think if they knew. Over the years, Mena has fallen in love with Freddie but believes she is unworthy of him. She plans to leave, clearing the way for the relationship she thinks he deserves.

Freddie is oblivious to Mena's feelings. He appreciates their friendship and partnership and always looks forward to his return home after his voyages. However, on this return after his final voyage, he suddenly realizes that Mena means much more to him. He fights against naming these new feelings because he knows nothing about love. He also believes that his past makes him unworthy of love.

There are multiple bumps in the road to their happy ending, the greatest of which are their insecurities. While they long for the other's love, they continually try to push the other away. The other big obstacle is Mena's project. She is so proud and happy about its progress and that she has done it on her own using the skills she learned from Freddie. She feels guilty about keeping it from him and wonders the best time to tell him. When Freddie finds out about it on his own, he doesn't react well. I wanted to shake him for his selfish attitude. I could understand being hurt by not knowing about it, but how he lashed out at Mena was uncalled for. I was also frustrated by how Freddie knew he was hurting Mena with some of his actions but did them anyway. It takes Mena stepping in and saving Freddie from his past to finally let go of his insecurities and believe in Mena's love. Meanwhile, Mena gets some advice that helps her past her fears.

My biggest problem with the book is that there was an excessive amount of inner monologue. I skipped pages every time Mena or Freddie started in on how unworthy they were. They were frequently repetitive, and I just wanted to get back to the story. I much preferred seeing them interact with each other and their friends and coworkers.

#netgalley… (més)