One-line Summary:

Evvie Drake Starts Over is a heartwarming novel that explores love, loss, and second chances as Evvie and Dean navigate their way through personal struggles and find solace in each other’s company.

Introduction:

In Linda Holmes’ debut novel, Evvie Drake Starts Over, readers are introduced to Evvie Drake, a young widow living in a small town in Maine. Evvie has been keeping a secret from everyone, including her best friend, Andy, and her therapist: she was planning to leave her husband, Tim, on the day he died in a car accident. Struggling with guilt and grief, Evvie isolates herself from the world, until she rents out a room in her house to Dean Tenney, a former Major League Baseball player who is also trying to escape his own demons.

Discovering Friendship and Healing:

As Evvie and Dean begin to spend time together, they form an unlikely friendship that becomes a source of healing for both of them. Evvie, who has been living in the shadow of her late husband’s reputation as a beloved doctor, finds solace in Dean’s non-judgmental presence. Dean, on the other hand, is grappling with “the yips,” a condition that has affected his ability to pitch and ultimately ended his baseball career. Through their shared experiences of loss and uncertainty, Evvie and Dean learn to confront their fears and take steps towards rebuilding their lives.

The Power of Communication and Honesty:

One of the central themes in Evvie Drake Starts Over is the importance of communication and honesty in relationships. Evvie and Dean both have secrets that they are hesitant to reveal, but as their bond deepens, they realize that opening up to each other is essential for their personal growth. Through their conversations and shared experiences, they learn to trust and support each other, creating a safe space where they can be their authentic selves. This emphasis on open communication serves as a reminder that vulnerability and honesty are crucial for building strong and meaningful connections.

Finding Love and Second Chances:

As Evvie and Dean navigate their individual journeys, their friendship evolves into something more. However, they must confront their pasts and overcome their fears in order to fully embrace the possibility of love and second chances. Evvie’s fear of being hurt again and Dean’s struggle with self-doubt create obstacles in their path, but with patience, understanding, and a willingness to take risks, they discover that love can indeed bloom in unexpected places.

Key Takeaways:

• Loss and grief can be isolating, but finding someone who understands and supports you can help in the healing process.
• Open communication and honesty are essential for building strong and meaningful relationships.
• Second chances at love and happiness are possible, but they require vulnerability and a willingness to confront past traumas.

Memorable Quote:

“Sometimes it’s not about knowing the right thing to say, but about being there to listen.”

In Evvie Drake Starts Over, Linda Holmes crafts a heartfelt story about two individuals who find solace in each other’s company as they navigate the complexities of life. Through themes of friendship, healing, and second chances, the novel reminds us of the power of human connection and the importance of embracing vulnerability. Evvie and Dean’s journey serves as a poignant reminder that love and happiness can be found even in the most unexpected places.