Books like A not-so-perfect past by Beth Andrews

Nina Carlson, a small-town baker, knows all of Dillon Ward’s history—his time behind bars and the lack of a welcoming patrol when he first arrived in Serenity Springs. Yet she offers him a place to stay after a chaotic incident at her shop. Dillon, a hardworking ex-convict, proves to be exactly what Nina’s neighborhood needs, fixing the damage caused by an accident and earning the admiration of her two children. Despite the growing affection—both from her children and from Dillon’s own charm—Nina feels she can’t fully open herself to him. Her hesitation stems not from doubt about Dillon’s character, but from her own uncertainty about whether she deserves or can handle the changes he brings into her life. The novel explores themes of redemption, family bonds, and the courage required to step beyond familiar boundaries, all set against the backdrop of a close-knit community where a baker’s storefront becomes a sanctuary for a second chance.

First publish date: 2009