Splendid Chaos

Dave Cenker

Dec 2020 · Dave Cenker

About this ebook

There’s a secret to success. Be ready for your opportunity when it arrives.

Drew Stratton has spent his adult life pursuing one thing: acceptance from his father. As an attorney at the family firm in Texas, every move Drew makes must pass the critical judgment of Lyle Stratton. When finally presented with a high-profile case to prove himself, fate intervenes.

A hurricane approaches the east coast. An unexpected phone call arrives from the mother who abandoned him as a child. It sends Drew’s well-planned life spiraling out of control.

He faces an impossible choice: Seize the opportunity to impress a tough-love father who has always been there for him? Or rescue a mother shrouded in secrets who disappeared when he needed her most? 

The secrets we keep often hide the most important part of ourselves.

Maria Caldwell runs Pigeon Grove’s coffee shop in north Georgia since her parents retired to Florida. Longing to explore her passion for flowers, Maria is drowning in espresso and self-doubt that has influenced every decision she’s made since high school.

When an out-of-town, hotshot attorney arrives at the most inopportune time, Maria sees him as another city dweller invading her hometown. Everything changes when she develops an unexpected connection with him, spoken through their mutual appreciation for the language of flowers.

Through her budding relationship with Drew, Maria discovers something she thought was lost long ago: trust in herself. All her wildest dreams could come true, if only she embraces vulnerability and the splendid chaos life has thrown her way.

We all have secrets. Who we trust with them might just set us free.

Ratings and reviews

Dave has a knack for writing stories that touch my heart, and this one tugged at my heart many times. I was held back by the long build up of twists and turns in the story. As described in the book's endnotes, there will always be confusion, but with trust, understanding, and love, we discover that chaos can be splendid. I prefer my romance books to be simpler, and more direct, but it's worth the read, especially if you like a little drama with your romance. Master the challenges with love and understanding.

This is a new author to me. I must admit that the story was slow moving at first and I’m not a fan of the first-person narrative style of writing. This is a complex story of family dynamics, healing, forgiveness, following one’s dreams, and finding home. Drew has sought his father’s approval his entire life and never seems to come close to achieving that goal. Maria is trying to keep the family coffee shop going, but it’s not her true passion. Both Drew and Maria have trust and self-worth issues. They meet in the small Georgia town of Pigeon Grove, where Maria lives. Drew was just passing through, but something about the town draws him back. Can Drew and Maria overcome their issues and find true love? I was given an advance copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.

About the author

Dave is a romantic fiction author, writing stories infused with a kaleidoscope of emotions that nurture the heart while exploring elements of the human condition. He appreciates the opportunity to connect with readers through a shared emotional chord and the enchanted sentiments of a timeless love story.

Like coffee provides caffeine for the physical body, Dave's stories supply caffeine for the soul. He lives in the Sunshine State with his beautiful wife, amazing son, and three cats (the real monarchs of the house).