"A complex and hugely satisfying contemporary romance between genuine, flawed people." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"This might be one of my favorite books of the year... Every character in this book is lovable and you create a connection to each character to where you don't want to let go of them." - Reedsy Discovery
A feel-good story of love and reinvention at the worst time...
Lena Buckley's not like other people-ones with awesome careers, relationships, and health insurance. She's thirty-five and has nothing to show for it but a dilapidated family farm and an anxiety disorder worsened by her mother's death. Starting over, again, means major decisions ahead, so she relies on the simple mantra that kept her going during her mom's care-make one thing better-hoping it leads to the successful, independent life she wants.
Ben Wright has his life together. A disabled army veteran and local cop, Ben's the type to have all the required insurance, health or otherwise. When Lena needs help, he's quick to say it's no trouble. Though he's hard to read and not one for chitchat, an odd but endearing friendship builds on the one thing they have in common-brokenness. A sad but funny love story grows from their unique hardships, forging a deep connection that makes everything better.
But reality supports what her anxiety tells her-good things don't last. When the COVID-19 pandemic steals her few opportunities and her home verges on unlivable, she must choose between love and survival.
A real romance with a quirky heroine, One Thing Better is a warm, funny, and, best of all, honest first person love story featuring broken people, (actual & metaphorical) fireworks, tears, bad words, the occasional mouse, and a delightful better-ever-after.
