All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
Paperback, 384 Pages
2010, HQN Books
ISBN: 0373774583
Synopsis
One Happily-Ever-After Rocking Chair…
and no sign of any forthcoming babies to rock in ol' Georgebury, Vermont. For Callie Grey, turning thirty means coming to grips with the fact that her boss (and five-week fling) is way overdue in his marriage proposal. And way off track because Mark has suddenly announced his engagement to the company's new Miss Perfect. If that isn't bad enough, her mom decides to throw her a three-oh birthday bash in the family funeral home.
Bad goes to worse when she stirs up a crazy relationship with the town's not so warm and fuzzy veterinarian, Ian McFarland, in order to flag Mark's attention. So Ian is more comfortable with animals…. So he's formal, orderly and just a bit tense. The ever-friendly, fun-loving and spontaneous Callie decides it's time for Ian to get a personality makeover. But dang, if he doesn't shock the heck out of her, she might actually fall for Vermont's unlikeliest eligible bachelor….
Review
All I Ever Wanted is a cute and fun romantic story with an amazing cast of characters. The romantic leads, Callie, Ian and Mark all sort of rubbed me the wrong way (for different reasons) but Callie's family and friends kept my interest throughout the book.
Callie is a little annoying sometimes. She's in love with Mark, her boss and childhood crush, and functions in a land of denial. Mark gets engaged to someone else, forcing Callie is accept the reality that they aren't going to end up together. Callie, who tends to see only the good in people, is shaken to her very core because she just can't see Mark for the slimy user that's obvious to everyone else. So, of course, Callie finds a new guy. One who doesn't seem the least bit interested in her or anyone else. Ian's got issues of his own, but for the life of me, I can't see why Callie considered pursuing him at all. Perhaps some version of small town desperation?
All I Ever Wanted truly shines when it comes to Callie's family. She lives with her grumpy one-legged grandfather. Her father is attempting to win back her mother after infidelity and over 20 years of divorce. Her mother is taunting her father by making him go on the Tour of Whores - introducing her to all the women he slept with while she was pregnant with their son. Her sister, who sees no need for men, is forced to date by her adopted daughter. And her aimless little brother provides much comedic relief. Add in the people Callie works with, the colorful townspeople and Callie's married best friend and the background of the story is even more entertaining that the plot itself.
Callie wants to be married in a way that I think many may have a bit of trouble relating to. She's a warm, loving character that can be exasperating at times. Her choices in love don't seem all that smart at face value, but in the end she manages to get exactly where she needs to be. All I Ever Wanted is surprisingly touching at times and will definitely leave you with a smile on your face.
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