cover image The Love Square

The Love Square

Laura Jane Williams. Avon, $15.99 trade paper (352p) ISBN 978-0-00-841403-0

Williams (Our Stop) spins a touching rom-com about difficult romantic choices. Unlucky in love Penny Bridge, owner of a popular café in bougie North London, has been single for the past five years. But that changes when Francesco Cipolla, one of London’s most famous pastry chefs, walks into her café and the pair quickly hit it off. They begin dating and their relationship convinces Penny that love is possible—but then her beloved uncle has a heart attack, and Penny leaves both London and Francesco behind to take over her uncle’s gastro pub in the countryside. A perceived betrayal by Francesco before she leaves sours her feelings for him, making her receptive to the advances of Thomas, a former schoolmate she reconnects with, and Priyesh, the pub’s prim wine merchant. But as both men vie for her affections, Penny and Francesco tentatively start communicating again—and his surprise announcement that he’s coming to visit forces Penny to make a difficult decision. The complicated relationships will win over fans of love triangle tropes, and the unconventional dynamics of Penny’s close-knit family create plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. This is sure to please. [em](Feb.) [/em]