Christopher and Jaime (Pianos and Promises #1)

Jaime Seger has been desperately in love with her best friend Christopher McKay since she was eleven years old. Unfortunately, Christopher chose to ignore his own interest and marries someone else.  When his wife dies, he is left with a young daughter he has no idea how to care for. With Jaime already working as a nanny to his daughter, he proposes marriage, promising her everything she’s ever wanted. But will his proposal of convenience bring love or will Jaime be left with even more heartbreak than before?

The first in a contemporary series, “Pianos & Promises” plays on the "best friends turned lovers" trope, however, this version involves a lot of pain. Christopher proceeds to break all his promises, and the book begins with a proposal followed by a divorce. This leaves the couple to grapple with the consequences of miscommunication, unmet expectations, and reconciliation before allowing love to blossom. As such, there is minimal character growth or development, and most of the conflict is due to lack of communication leaving readers frustrated at times. There are a few cute and interesting side characters, and Jaime’s devotion to a child that is not her own is admirable. Lovers of contemporary romance that allows for forgiveness and second chances, will assuredly want to add this to their "to read" list.

Sarah E. Bradley