I went into this novel with hope but kind of expecting to be disappointed. Is the author a birder or is she someone who thinks that birding is a ridiculous pastime that will make a funny romance subject? At first I was worried because Celeste has never birded before and she has committed to participating in a contest with John without any knowledge of what such things are like. I mean there are always uber-serious competitors who treat these contests like matters of life and death. A complete beginner is an unlikely partner for someone like John.
I couldn't help liking Celeste because of her enthusiasm for trying new things, for plunging into activities, and for trying to find out who she is when she's not being a wife or mother. Her divorce has left her wondering what she has missed out on and she's exploring her options. John is a sweetheart, a quiet, intense guy who is kind and thoughtful. They agree to pretend to be a couple to get the other people in their lives to quit hassling them about their reluctance to date. We all know where things will end up, so the question becomes how will the author get them there?
I really liked that these are not people in their twenties. Celeste has a college age daughter and John has a bit of gray in his beard. After all, it's not just the young who are interested in relationships. Celeste struggles with her desire to be single and find out her own preferences without being influenced by a partner. John is unsure that he can handle a casual relationship as he needs real connections.
And, as for my initial fears, the author is an experienced birder. The book should please birders and romance readers alike. As she states in the note at the end, “I consume romance novels for the same reason I watch birds—for the sparks of joy, because I prefer to be happy when the world gives us so many reasons to be sad.” Both aspects made me happy. I recommend the book for other romantic birders.
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