As a lover of early 20th century fiction (and movies), I’m often disappointed by the lack of fun historical fiction stories set in that period. While I enjoy a thrilling, emotional tale of heroism amidst dramatic world events as much as the next person, many actual books from that time — even those engaging with the world wars and their effects — are full of humor and joy. Because even in dark times, life goes on and the human spirit is indomitable. I love those books, and their stories are often more real to me, more affecting, than a story told through the filter of glory or lament for the past. And all this is a long-winded lead-up to say I love Brianne Gillen’s Phoenix Pictures books, which are set in the late 1940s and early ’50s and give a refreshing portrayal of regular people (and even when they have glamorous jobs, they are regular people) experiencing all the ups and downs of life. They grapple with wartime experiences and a changing society but they also just live their lives, with silliness and hope and lots of love.
A Kiss to Build a Grudge On, the third and final installment of the series, is the long-awaited love story of Franny Haynes and Max Mitchell, a war widow and the baker who loves her. Here, we finally learn how they first met and why they’ve been feuding (if half-heartedly on his side) for several years and two whole books. I won’t give that past away, but when circumstances force Franny to reassess her feelings for Max, sparks fly in and out of the kitchen. But after years of protecting her heart, as well as that of her young daughter, will Franny be able to open herself up to love again? Or will fear of another heartbreak hold her back?
Gillen is always so good at writing chemistry, and Franny and Max light up the page from their first interaction. While they bickered and joked and sizzled, I felt every moment. There was a lot of cackling and squealing going on. But their connection is about more than just chemistry, it’s about two people who understand each other, who fill the empty spaces in each other’s lives. The way these two, who spend so much time looking out for others, find care and support together is lovely.
Appropriate weight is given to Franny’s grief and hesitancy to love again, but it’s never too much to tip the balance from the pure fun of the book as a whole. I loved the banter, the shenanigans with friends and family, and, of course, all the Easter eggs for old Hollywood fans like me. And I especially love that the leads practice good hygiene and care about health codes, even while they’re enjoying sexy fun times. See? This is truly a pairing you can root for!
If you’re looking for a solid romcom with lots of heart (and especially if you want more of the same in an old Hollywood setting), this is absolutely the book to read. Closing the chapter on Phoenix Pictures is bittersweet, but I hope we’ll see these characters and their world again sometime. Till then, we can always reread… and rewatch our favorite Gene Kelly movies!
My thanks to the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
—b
Book It With Becca 