September 15, 2023
A floundering Toronto PR professional takes a job at an artists' colony in remote Muskoka. Thirty-one-year-old Kate Rigsby may not be passionate about her job in PR, but that doesn't mean she wants to be fired. That's exactly what happens, though, after she drunkenly posts an Instagram tirade against the terrible ex-boyfriend who cheated on her--and who also happens to be one of her firm's clients. Kate is desperate for work, so when a job opportunity as the business development director at Treetops Creative Retreat presents itself, Kate applies. Treetops is a "luxury resort for artists" and if she works there from November through January, she can make a "borderline obscene" amount of money. When Kate arrives on site, however, she realizes that "remote" doesn't really begin to cover it. There's no cell reception, limited Wi-Fi, and during the worst weather, it can only be accessed by a combination of ATV, snowmobile, skis, or helicopter. Treetops has sparse attendance during the winter, but it's staffed by a lovably quirky group of employees who become Kate's friends and frenemies--and one very cute visual arts mentor, Matt Reid. Kate is determined to do her job, increase bookings, and avoid the kind of public flameout she had at her last firm, so she doesn't have time for romance. But as she gets to know Matt and the rest of the Treetops crew, she starts to realize she may have finally found a place that feels like home. In her debut, Lefler provides beautiful descriptions of the nature that surrounds Treetops, making it feel like a truly idyllic place. The team of eccentric employees are warm and inviting. Kate's romance with Matt, though, never quite takes off--the chemistry between them isn't as strong as it could be. There's also an attempted sexual assault from a tertiary character that feels out of place and a bit too dark for what is otherwise a lighthearted read. A cozy story of self-discovery.
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September 1, 2023
DEBUT Kate Rigsby has just been floating through life--no passion for her job and definitely none in her last relationship. When her rant about her ex gets posted online, she loses her job and finds herself completely adrift. A chance application sent to the Treetops Creative Retreat leads to Kate landing a job in the middle of nowhere in Northern Canada, with a bunch of eccentric employees and customers. The job is nothing like advertised, but Kate finds herself loving the challenge and even falling in love with the setting and her coworkers. Maybe falling a little too hard for one in particular. Kate's journey of self-discovery is the biggest selling point of this novel, making the romance between her and the hero Matt feel like an afterthought. VERDICT In her debut novel, Lefler delights readers with snicker-worthy banter and a lovable cast of characters.--Amanda Toth
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