Lucky Break, Jaclyn Westlake (Review by Shanna Thornsbury)

Lucky Break is a cozy, feel-good novel that offers a mix of small-town charm, personal reinvention, and gentle mystery. Eliza, who thinks she has figured out her life is an endearing protagonist. After a broken engagement and a crumbled future, she makes a bold move—literally—by relocating from San Francisco to the quaint Midwestern town of Juneberry Lake, lured by a remote work relocation program and a dream of starting fresh. Juneberry Lake is painted with such warmth and idyllic appeal that it almost becomes a character in itself. From lakeside sunsets to cozy coffee shops (complete with the swoon-worthy Joel), the town offers a vivid backdrop for Eliza’s fresh start. The author captures the comforting cadence of small-town life while teasing a central mystery that adds intrigue without overshadowing the emotional core of the story. I enjoyed Eliza’s journey of self-discovery and found it heartfelt and realistic. Her budding friendships with the nosy neighbors were a highpoint in the book. The characters were fun to get to know and portrayed small town life accurately. Her chemistry with Joel, a welcoming potential love interest, develops slowly and sweetly, though it sometimes edges into predictable territory. Still, their shared moments provide a solid emotional anchor for the narrative. The relationship Eliza has with her Italian family back in San Francisco was another place the book shined. Her brother is an especially likable character that I hope the author writes more about in the future. The twist involving the neighborhood secret is unexpected—though it may stretch believability for some readers. It adds a layer of charm but also leaves a few loose threads that aren’t fully resolved by the end. The pacing at times was slow and felt ominous. I kept waiting for something to happen. Towards the end it felt like there was too much happening and the story would have been better served with less storylines. Despite its light tone, the novel also touches on deeper themes: letting go of the life you thought you wanted, the courage it takes to start over, and the power of friendship, family and community. These elements give the book a gentle emotional weight that makes it more than just a breezy read. Overall, Lucky Break is a comforting story for anyone who’s ever had to pivot when life doesn’t go according to plan. While not groundbreaking, it offers a satisfying blend of romance, mystery, and self-discovery wrapped in a picturesque package.