Perfect Day

Joshua Newton runs a bakery in New York's Hudson Valley, where he creates custom wedding cakes and tries to maintain a quiet life. His routine is disrupted when food critic Mark Romano arrives to review the bakery, stirring up memories of their shared past at culinary school. The two men must navigate their complex history against the backdrop of a small town summer, while Joshua prepares for his sister's upcoming wedding. Their reconnection forces both to confront unresolved feelings and choices made years ago. The story explores themes of second chances, forgiveness, and finding one's authentic self. Through the lens of food, family obligations, and small-town dynamics, Perfect Day examines how people can grow and change while staying true to who they are.

Readers connect strongly with the emotional depth and character development in this small-town romance. The relationship builds naturally through shared meals, dog walks, and community interactions. Likes: - Authentic portrayal of grief and healing - Strong side characters and subplots - Rich descriptions of coastal Maine setting - Representation of bisexual and gay characters - Realistic dialogue and interactions Dislikes: - Some found the pacing slow in the first third - A few readers wanted more conflict/drama - Minor editing issues noted in early release version Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (850+ ratings) BookBub: 4.4/5 (400+ ratings) Reader Quote: "The author doesn't rush the characters through their grief or force instant attraction. Their connection develops organically through small moments and genuine care for each other." - Goodreads reviewer

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🌟 Author Sally Malcolm wrote Perfect Day as a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion, setting the romance in New York's idyllic Fire Island. 🎭 Both protagonists in Perfect Day work in theater - Josh is a Broadway actor, and Finn is a set designer who creates spaces for theatrical productions. 🏖️ Fire Island, where the novel is set, has a rich LGBTQ+ history dating back to the 1930s and has been a famous safe haven for the queer community for generations. 📚 The book explores second-chance romance, a beloved trope that was also central to Austen's Persuasion, where former lovers reunite after years apart. 🎨 Perfect Day's cover art features the iconic Fire Island Pines boardwalks, which connect the island's various communities and serve as important gathering spaces for residents and visitors.