Mia Ballad is determined to not be her parents. Throughout her childhood, her parents have traveled the world leaving Mia at home to take care of her two sisters. When Mia grows older, she and her sisters convert their house to Ballad Inn, a cozy bed and breakfast. She is so determined to not follow in her parents’ footsteps tht she promises never to travel and abandon her family.
But then Dr. Ryan Cassidy moves to Charlotte as the new attending physician at the children’s hospital. He rents a room at Ballad Inn; unlike Mia, he has travelled the world to different countries to help children with heart defects. When Ryan meets Mia for the first time, there is an instant connection. Throughout the novel, they develop a sweet romance. But when their relationship becomes more serious, Ryan is given the opportunity to go ovrsees to help children on a more permanent basis. Ryan knows, though, that Mia does not want him to travel; she does not want to travel either. Is there a way for the both of them to reach some middle ground? Can Ryan give up his global travels? Can Mia take her first steps away from Charlotte? Can both Ryan and Mia find a path forward?
I absoultely loved this novel. The romance was sweet and I enjoyed seeing it develop and grow througout the novel. They both offer something the other needs. Mia needs to find a way to take a chance and travel outside of Charlotte. And Ryan needs stability and some permanent roots. Particularly in the case of Mia, much of her unwillingness to travel relates to her parents’ traveling often making her feel abandoned. But her parents’ reason for traveling is more complicated than Mia realizes. And finding out that reason may help her move forward with Ryan.
As a side note, Mia’s two sisters are great supporting characters. (I’m assuming they will be main characters in the next installments). They have good chemistry with one another.
This is the first installment of the Ballad Inn series. I highly recommend this novel. The second installment will be out at the end of June.
Rating: 5/5
Next Novel to Review: The Rancher Resolution