Toyful Love by Gordon Castelnero

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Toyful Love

by Gordon Castelnero

Published by Gordon Castelnero on September 1, 2021
Genres: Sweet Romance
Pages: 254
Format: ebook, Kindle, Paperback
Source: the Author
Goodreads
Bookhype
Get Your Copy at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google

Can the world's biggest kid be man enough to get the girl?

Dr. Kristin Sharp spent her adult life working hard to overcome the stigma of being a social outcast. Now she has accepted the job of principal in a small upper Midwest community as the crowning achievement of her flourishing career in education. On her first day, she encounters another misfit, Henry Hubbard, the school's janitor, who happens to be the biggest kid in the world.

Kristin is instantly charmed by Henry's unique connection to the schoolchildren-he's the fixer of their broken toys. She marvels at how much they love him but cannot bring herself to consider dating him. His lowly status and immaturity remind her too much of the past she's tried to hide.

Only after her life is turned upside down does Kristin embrace the antics of his childlike qualities. Ironically, Henry educates Kristin, helping her learn who she really is by teaching her the fun of simplicity as he knows it. Never in her sophisticated dreams did she imagine being swept off her feet by a scruffy man pushing a broom.

Toyful Love by Gordon Castelnero is a classic contemporary sweet romance.

Will the new principal find love at her new school with the janitor?

Dr. Kristin Sharpe

We have an elementary school principal with a Ph.D. who is still trying to impress the cool kids. Dr. Kristin Sharpe is a highly educated, intelligent woman who hasn’t been able to figure out why she can’t find love. She is what one suiter called “the kind of girl you bring home to meet the parents.” However, that isn’t what happens for Kristin. She thinks that she wants the blond, good-looking jock, but they can’t seem to get past the first date. Then she meets Henry Hubbard, the school maintenance engineer. The meet-cute is a bit different.

I liked Kristin, but something about her felt a bit off. Perhaps it was just that she didn’t know who she was or what she wanted. Kristin wanted the perfect life, the fairytale life. You know, the one all little girls dream about. Yet, she couldn’t commit. She is pretty and accomplished, but she doesn’t seem to like the men in her dating vicinity. I did enjoy her character’s growth throughout the story.

Henry Hubbard

Henry is the janitor at the elementary school. However, he is also Mr. Fix-it. All of the kids love Henry, he fixes their toys, plays with them, and really listens to what they have to say. But deep down, he seems lonely. I could be wrong, as he doesn’t say that. Yet, even with all the kids and his few friends, he doesn’t have much to do when he isn’t working, other than fix toys. Henry has nicknames for everyone at the school. He calls Kristin Sharpie, and his friend Eugene is Baloney Maloney. Henry doesn’t act or dress like most adults, but he understands the kids and adults better than those with higher education.

Henry’s life hasn’t been fabulous, but he felt loved. He understands sometimes parents look at the material side of a child’s life as opposed to their emotional or mental needs. I didn’t like Henry at the beginning of the story. It took me a bit to not be judgy. Henry is different, and he isn’t the most mature person. However, he loves the kids in the town and Kristin. At times, I felt like he just wanted to change Kristin to meet his expectations.

The Romance

Krisitn’s reputation is ruined in town, so a couple of other people can get what they want in life. I hated this whole scheme. It was like a part of a mean girls’ movie. However, Henry has a plan, like something from a movie. Henry and Kristin have the chemistry, but that isn’t always enough. There are lots of small town problems that arise and need to be worked around. They both have their issues, and it takes a few ups and downs before they can make their happy ever after. In the meantime, some other unlikely couples emerge amongst their friends.

The romance and story are well-plotted and moved along at a good pace. Mr. Castelnero does a great job of showing all sides of the growing relationship which I like. The setting is nice, and I like the supporting characters. I think the wedding was ingenious and worked for the characters to reach their happy ever after.

Four Stars

My rating for Toyful Love by Gordon Castelnero is four stars. I was entertained by the story. I recommend it to anyone looking for a romance with realistic characters with problems related to this time.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Toyful Love by Gordon Castelnero.

Until the next time,

 

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• Jenz 2023 Goodreads RC

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