"Someday Soon" by Melissa Tagg

[reviewsbyerin]

Noah Johansson's dream died in Afghanistan with his best friend. Or so he thought. Now, in Maple Valley with his newly discovered half-siblings and a pretty landlord, visions of the life he once envisioned for himself are coming back to him.

Paige Parker moved to Maple Valley to prove to herself—and her father—that she could be independent. He's given up his life to raise her, and she wants him to find a life on his own. Plus, renovating her over-the-garage apartment was a fun project, and combined with her job at the newspaper, she has a happy and fulfilled life.

But when her dad shows up to visit, it seems like he expects more. Like a boyfriend. Enter Noah...

The impulsive idea to announce they were dating soon becomes a plague to both Noah's and Paige's consciences. But if it helps her dad, and doesn't hurt anyone else, can't they fake it for a while?

Meanwhile, Noah starts pursuing his dreams, but nothing comes easily. Can he overcome the past, the reopened wounds, and the current day obstacles to see it to fruition?

This is a sweet novella in the Maple Valley series. It's a standalone, but if you've read other the other books you'll have fun spotting beloved characters.