#Review: The Right Design by Isabella Louise Anderson #Books #GoddessLit

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book. Aware it was a ‘man cheats’ story, I hoped it wasn’t going to be a tale about ‘revenge best served …’ It wasn’t. I’m delighted to say it was a bright, uplifting read with a touch of Florida sunshine. Well done to the author for the evocative location descriptions, which transported me right there from the grey old UK. Well done, too, on the attention to detail regarding Carrie’s career as an interior designer. I found her character totally believable. Actually, she’s one of those women you would love to hate (beautiful, talented, well off), but can’t help but fall in love with, particularly as, through the sub-plot, we see her caring nature and realise when she loves she loves with all of herself. Without wishing to give the plot away, the scene where she dashes back to be at her sister’s side had me welling up. Congratulations here, Brad, for turning convincingly from playboy into perfect hero.

Briefly, the story opens with Carrie leaving work early on her sixth relationship anniversary, intending to make one of her boyfriend’s fantasies come true, only to find him indulging a fantasy of his own with someone else over the kitchen island. Forgoing cutting off his shirt sleeves, after a respite to collect herself, Carrie decides on a new life instead, in a new town, away from the reminders of her failed relationship. Brad, aforementioned hero, is anything but when we first meet him. He’s drunk, to be exact, and with is playboy reputation, is someone to be avoided (not easy when he turns out to be her first client). He’s also got the hot looks that hook. Again, the author makes him believable and, more importantly, root for him when Carrie’s ex-turns up to derail his and Carrie’s fledgling relationship. I won’t say more for fear of spoilers. Would I recommend it? Yes, definitely. I read The Right Design in two sittings. It’s a real feel-good read. Oh, I have to mention the cover. Just gorgeous. Loved that coral and blue almost as much as Brad did.

Blurb:

Interior designer Carrie Newman could not have envisioned a more perfect life for herself. She had a great job doing what she loved, wonderful friends, and a close relationship with her sister and brother-in-law. Add in an amazing man who she’d hoped would soon become her husband, and her life was perfect. Until one devastating decision ruins her relationship and changes the course of her life. Determined to make a new start, Carrie leaves Texas and heads to Palm Beach to pick up the pieces of her shattered and broken life. The last thing she expects is to find herself attracted to her first client at her new job—Brad Larson, who has proven himself time and time again to be caddish. But there’s something beneath the surface of Brad’s arrogant exterior that keeps her craving more of him—something almost sweet that Carrie can’t seem to resist. Is Carrie ready to take another chance on romance? And will this new design of her life prove to be the right one…?

About Isabella:

Isabella grew up with a book in her hand, and to this day nothing has changed. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and has been featured on several blogs. While Isabella doesn’t blog a lot, she focuses her time on featuring other writers, along with writing and editing.

She lives in Dallas with her husband and cat. She enjoys spicy Mexican food and drinking margaritas, and can be found spending time with family and friends, cheering on the Texas Rangers, and reading.

Isabella’s short story, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, was featured in Simon & Fig’s Christmas anthology, Merry & Bright, in November 2013. The Right Design is her first novel.

To learn more about Isabella Louise Anderson and her books, click HERE to see her author website.