★★★★★ In a Word, Yes by Kit Tosello, A Women's Fiction Story of Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
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About This Book:
Lucy hides behind boundaries. Her mother hides behind busyness. But love and grace have a way of finding us wherever we hide.
Lucy Montgomery excels at drawing boundaries and avoiding risk. Her favorite word is no, and she's not afraid to use it. It's been five years since she picked up the leftovers from a crumbled marriage and started over with her brilliantly unique autistic son in Charity Falls, Oregon. As a single mom, she now works behind the scenes at a local newspaper. Enter Wyatt Hayes--an affable local police officer with the soul of a poet and the kindness she's always craved. A man who's more than eager to help her break free from her security blanket of an adventure-free life.
Lucy's celebrity mother, Carly Montgomery--a vivacious and beloved women's Bible study leader--can't deny a sense of weariness. But if she doesn't remain in perpetual motion, her regrets are bound to catch up with her. Despite the outward appearance of a perfect empty-nester life, she's kept her daughter at arm's length and has already missed so much of her young grandson's life. Is it too late to turn that around?
For Lucy and Carly to restore their relationship, and for Lucy and Wyatt to embrace the risk of loving, it will take a big step of faith to reconcile the past together.
A small-town friends-to-more romance, and a multigenerational mother-daughter story. This read is perfect for book clubs and readers who love second chances, strong female characters, family, and faith.
MY REVIEW: ★★★★★/5
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In a Word, Yes is my new, favorite Kit Tosello read. Hands down, this one is an easy five star read for me. I highlighted more quotes from this book than any other book I've read this year!
Very early on in the story, Lucy Montgomery and her clever, inner voice stole my heart. She's insightful, a little bit introverted and easily relatable, navigating life five years after leaving an abusive marriage, while parenting a neurodivergent child solely on her own. Her son, Chase, was equally endearing. In fact, the whole host of side characters in this story won me over. I loved each and every one for the heartwarming joy they brought to the story and how they shepherded Lucy's heart along the way, helping to deepen her faith, challenge her belief in herself and strengthen her ability to step out of her comfort zone.
Tosello writes in a seemingly effortless way, this story delivering a lightheartedness that kept me entertained, yet weaving profound truths that offered beauty and deep faith in her storytelling. This book reads as women's fiction as it alternates between Lucy's POV and that of her mother, Carly, but also has a sweet touch of tender romance and a hint of chemistry in Lucy's storyline that I really enjoyed as well.
Overall, In a Word, Yes is story that will make you smile, tug on your heartstrings and leave you deeply satisfied. Go ahead, give a try!
Content Warning: Lightly touched on (not described) divorce from an abusive relationship, death of a child/sibling, childhood cancer.
About the Author:
Kit Tosello is an award-winning writer of small-town contemporary fiction with a big heart, as well as inspirational essays and devotionals. With her eye trained on the beauty hiding in plain sight all around us, she arranges words with tenderness, humor, and hope. When not writing, Kit can be found in the loose-leaf tea shop she operates with her husband, exploring the great Pacific Northwest, or enjoying the "great indoors"--bookstores and libraries. Often while sipping a matcha latte. Learn more at KitTosello.com.
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Books + ReviewsMandy | Turquoise AvenueBook Review, Christian Fiction, Revell, 2026 Reads, Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Kit ToselloComment
Contemporary · Women’s Fiction · Romance
Lucy hides behind boundaries. Her mother hides behind busyness. But love and grace have a way of finding us wherever we hide.
The most highlighted story of the year! I loved the characters in this new release from author, Kit Tosello — it is sure to tug on your heartstrings as you follow Lucy, a single mom and her mother on a journey of self-discovery, stepping outside of your comfort zone and saying yes to God’s call. If you love heartwarming stories of full of wit and lovable characters, you’re sure to love this book!