Same Time, Same Place by David m. Barnett

Daisy is the night security guard at the Manchester Museum of Social History. She's rigid and guarded, doesn't relate well to others, and likes to follow the rules and stick to her routine. She and her sister live with their mother, who is dying from cancer, so that they can take care of her. And because of a childhood trauma, Daisy doesn't believe she deserves happiness in her life. 

Nate works the day shift at the same museum. He's garrulous and friendly and likes to joke around with Daisy in the fifteen minutes their shifts overlap, but his life is far from perfect. He's divorced, and while he's determined not to be like his own abusive and alcoholic father, he's struggling to connect with Ben, his ten-year-old son.

My thoughts: I really liked both of these characters! They're so different but both a bit broken, and the way their lives intersect throughout this book made me smile. A small mystery involving some missing items at the museum brings them together resulting in some humorous and heartwarming interactions. I loved how they found hope and happiness together. This is an entertaining and fun story, and Daisy's and Nate's quiet romance is sweetly captivating. 

Happy Reading!

Similar read:  Bear Necessity by James Gould-Bourn

Bear Necessity by James Gould-Bourn

 

Things aren't going well for Danny Malooley. His wife died a year ago in a car crash, and his eleven-year-old son, Will, who was with her when she died, hasn't spoken since. Not one word. Even though he's being bullied at school. And Danny doesn't know what to do to make him start talking again. Not only that, Danny is two months behind in the rent. And he just lost his job. And when no one else will hire him, he dons a cheap panda suit and starts dancing in the park in the hopes of making some money as a street performer. Though his plan would work better if he could actually dance. But it does give him a chance to rescue his son from a bully. And when Will speaks to him afterwards?! It's the best moment in the world. Too bad Will doesn't know it's his dad behind the panda mask. And Danny doesn't know how to tell him the truth.

This book is one of those quiet, character-driven novels that packs a punch. It's poignant, humorous and heartwarming all at once. Both Danny's and Will's struggles made me want to cry...and laugh. And I loved Danny's efforts to reconnect with his son. Even the secondary characters in this book are fun and memorable, from Danny's tough Ukrainian friend, Ivan, to Krystal, the wise-cracking, f-bomb dropping, pole dancer who helps him learn to dance. Like Be Frank With Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson and Small as an Elephant by Jennifer Richard Jacobsen this novel is a true gem, and one I'm so glad I happened upon. 

Happy Reading!