I received this arc of Love at Meg’s Diner in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in Lara VanHulzen’s new series, The Endicott’s of Silver Bay. This was a quick and sweet story to read. I enjoyed going back to this sweet little town and meeting some more of the characters there. The first book is Meg Malone and Chet Endicott’s story. Meg is originally from Silver Bay but returns after her dad passes away and leaves her his diner. We learn that Meg has suffered many tragedies beginning when her mother left their family. Her older brother had left Silver Bay and got a job as a firefighter. Meg ended up joining him once she graduated, leaving their dad alone to run the diner. Sadly, Meg’s brother is killed while fighting a blaze. She is badly burned and spends time in the hospital before returning to Silver Bay. Then she loses her dad, leaving her all alone. She vows to never date a fireman.
Chet has moved away from his very wealthy family and has relocated to Silver Bay. He changed careers and became a fireman. His younger sister also moved there, leaving his twin brother and another sister back nearer to his parents. He is very interested in Meg and tries to talk with her in the diner but she is not receptive to him. He is unaware about her past and her feelings toward firemen. She also tends to keep to herself.
There is an upcoming town event, the Harvest Festival that has a charity run included. Both Meg and Chet are avid runners and he hopes to use that to get to know her better. Both Meg and Chet are signed up for the run. It will be how many miles they can run over 2 weeks. He learns that the event organizer is going to pair up the runners and asks her to put him with Meg. She agrees. Meg planned to do this alone as she approaches everything. So now she will be with Chet every day. Initially she is uncomfortable but as they continue, she starts to talk to him and gains confidence. Chet works to get Meg to let him get closer to her.
I really liked this story. I felt so much sympathy for all Meg has gone through and was rooting for Chet to break down her walls and get to know her better. Although this is a new series, we have met many of their friends and associates in the prior series. It was fun to return to Silver Bay and visit with old friends again. I liked Meg and Chet very much. Both were genuine with lots of good qualities. The story was very entertaining and I liked watching their relationship grow and flourish. We have been introduced to the other Endicott’s so it will be fun to read their stories. I look forward to book 2 in the series.
