The Nearness of You by [Garlock, Dorothy]I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Set in 1952, The Nearness of You is a post-war novel.Lily Denton longs to go to New York City, however, her father is protective of his girl and would like her nearby. She works in the library day-by-day. It seems her routine will never change. then The Fall Festival comes along with the tourists it brings and adventure.

Boone Tatum is a photographer who seems to attract trouble. He meets Lily and his life changes. He wants to stay here and not go wandering anymore.

Lily now has to make some decisions about a new life.

Dorothy Garlock writes romance novels that can place the reader right in the middle of the story. I like how she can make a love story grow naturally without a lot of silliness.

I truly enjoyed this book. ( )

I wanted to like this one. I really did. A post-war romance in which Lily is a sheltered young woman who works as a librarian in a small town in upstate New York who bumps into a photographer from Life magazine. There's also a sub-plot with some thieves who get entangled with Lily and Boone (the photographer). The initial section of the novel was fine but then it descended into cloying cliche and insta-romance and I couldn't make myself care enough to finish it, even though I'd read over 200 pages. Might be worth recommending to those who enjoy gentle romance but it was not for this reader. ( )

Bad boys. Why are they so tempting, so intriguing? Each generation of parents tend to forget the lesson 'the tighter you hold on, the more irresistible your kids will find the inappropriate'. Such is the case in Dorothy Garlock's The Nearness of You.
Set in the small town of Harpers Crossing, NY in 1952, Lily Denton longs for the excitement of NYC. Her overprotective father keeps her close however, holding tight after the death of her mother. Boone Tatum is a well traveled, accomplished photographer, and trouble with a capital 'T'. An assignment is sleepy Harpers Crossing is a punishment. Lily and Boone cross paths at the Fall Festival where he takes her photograph.
As the story unfolds and I was immersed further I realized although set in 1952 so many themes are universal. Dorothy Garlock really does a beautiful job weaving a story of coming of age, love, loss, identity, family, community, the complicated messy, beauty of life. She manages to do this in a way that is uncomplicated, unfussy, unhurried. That's a good book. I really enjoyed this and recommend.
I received an advanced reader copy (eGalley) from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions. ( )

It has been long overdue since I have read anything from this author. I have not come across a book that I didn't like from this author. After reading this book, I can guarantee you that I won't let that happen again. Dorothy Garlock is in the same arena as Nicholas Sparks. There is so much life infused in the characters and the story.

I absolutely loved Lily. She had such a kind heart. You could feel the kindness oozing off the pages of this book. Originally, I feared that Boone would be too much for Lily; yet he was a great surprise. Meeting Lily was the best thing for Boone. It grounded him and made him more personable.

Hooper's Crossing is a place that you would not want to leave. The people there are friendly. Well most of them. The town has personality. The Nearness of You is a delightful read that will stick with you long after you have finished the last page! ( )