I felt it was time to review another book from Hallmark Publishing for this month! Plus, with baseball season upon us soon, this book is also very fitting for baseball fans.
The Perfect Catch by Cassidy Carter! Just so you all know, this book releases March 27th, which is tomorrow! So make sure to head on over to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Rakuten Kobo and wherever e-books are sold to pre-order. There was also a recent announcement that Hallmark Publishing’s books will also be available in paperback! You can follow Cassidy Carter on Twitter and check out her official website here.
I have to confess that it took me a couple chapters to get into the story. It’s not the fault of the writer, though. I think the storyline, for me, just didn’t work. I never had the chance to watch the actual movie because it was on during a time I couldn’t watch, too. I sympathized with Jessica Parker’s struggle to save the diner she received from her grandfather, but…I don’t know. Now and then, you just pick up a book and don’t really connect with it right away. I didn’t really connect with Chase Taynor, professional baseball player in hiding after a career setback, right away, either. Maybe if I had watched the movie, I would have felt differently. Just the other day, Moonlight in Vermont (my Book of the Month for January) was on Hallmark Channel…and I wanted to read the book again, which I plan to do.
But fear not readers! Some books are worth hanging in there for, because this book got better. The budding chemistry between Jessica and Chase, Chase bonding with Jessica’s son, Wesley; Jessica’s character development, and the backdrop of baseball and small town life made this story become a home run! I know, bad baseball pun. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, you’ll enjoy the theme of taking new risks, the central theme of family, and have your mouth water at the food. Another reason I’m glad these Hallmark books include a recipe.
The biggest highlight for me, though, was the relationship between Chase and his father, Mason. Dreams, estrangement after hitting the big time, and making big decisions made this relationship so authentic to me. I’m more drawn to mother-daughter relationships in books, but it was quite refreshing to see a well written, thoroughly developed father-son relationship. The bond really made the story for me and the piece of fatherly advice Mason gives Chase near the end is beautiful. No spoilers on what advice, though! You’re gonna have to get the book to see!
Either way, give this book a chance. Also, let this review serve as a lesson that sometimes some books are worth sticking around for. You might find a hidden gem that will make you smile and crave food, at least in this case haha.
Happy reading!!
The Writer's Soul 