The Delicate Things We Make by Milena McKay

As is her way, McKay wraps the romance in smart, interesting storytelling and gives us some wonderful Easter Eggs along the way.įans of this author have gotten spoiled with Abby Craden narrating audiobook versions of her books. Their story is beautiful and I felt Vi's utter infatuation and Chiara's warmth to my core. Hers and Chiara's well fleshed out backstories provide everything we need to know about who they are and why they make some of the decisions they do - even when it hurts them. The younger Vi is still trying to find her place in the world but has to scale deep-seated emotional mountains to get there. While Chiara has life experience and success, she also has ties and baggage. Chiara and Vi are at two different places in their lives. As we get to know both Chiara and Vi, we desperately want them to have the happiness they deserve. McKay writes deep longing and underappreciation with breathtaking insight and understanding. It's just different, proving the author has much in her wheelhouse to draw from. That's not to say it's all smooth sailing or that this isn't as rich in story as her other works. I have to wonder if McKay sensed that readers were still recovering from A Whisper of Solace's Neve Blackthorne and decided to give us a less painful, angsty read. But all is not what it seems for either woman. There are no ice queens here, which is refreshing considering Chiara is one of the most beautiful and accomplished women in the world and Vi descends from royalty. I fell in love with former supermodel/fashion designer Chiara Conti and klutzy-but-lovable blueblood intern Vi Courtenay at the outset.

And while these characters are completely different, both make an impression right off the bat - setting the stage for another story that proves McKay is at the top of her game. Will we ever forget the moment that Magdalene Knox walked into the faculty meeting at Three Dragons and made her pronouncement? Doubtful. Milena McKay knows how to write memorable entrances for her characters.

The Delicate Things We Make by Milena McKay