daisy stitch

Dani Maria, nicknamed Daisy, wants to be a fashion designer. Her mother designs wedding dresses, but Dani wants to earn her own way in the fashion world, so most people don’t know who her mother is. She is finishing her college degree in design and trying to decide her next step. She’s had some boyfriends over the last several years, but none have lasted very long. None could measure up to the boy who broke her heart four years ago, at her prom. She had been in love with Levi, but he hadn’t felt the same, so not only did he break her heart, she lost her best friend.

Levi Coldwell had first become friends with Dani when the two had realized they had something in common—they had both lost their fathers. Most of the other kids at school could not understand grief on that level, but Levi and Dani both knew it all too well. So they spent time together. And after prom, they went their separate ways.

Until they bumped into each other in a bar in New York City four years later. Dani is in New York studying fashion. Levi is working as a teaching assistant and applying for a job at The New York Times. But he just went through an awkward breakup and needs a date to his sister’s wedding. He thinks that bumping into Dani is perfect timing, and he asks her to be his fake girlfriend through the wedding. Dani agrees, hoping that the fake feelings could become real feelings.

Levi is a real catch. He’s gorgeous, and he speaks French fluently. Whenever he walks into a room, the women swoon. That isn’t new for Dani, but it does bring out her insecurities and dial up her anxiety. She already has a lot on her plate, with needing four original dress designs for her final project fashion show at school, applying for graduate programs, and looking for dairy-free cream cheese for a friend.

Now that Levi is back in her life, he’s watching out for her. He’s making sure she stays safe and keeping an eye on Dani’s advisor, the one that Levi insists is overstepping. He’s asking Dani to help him out at some family events, but he’s careful to keep her boundaries, Except for that kiss at the benefit. It was a really good kiss, but Dani is sure that it was just his performing for his family. Because he clearly doesn’t have feelings for her.

Right?

Picking Daisies on Sunday is a sweet, low spice romance that features fashion, flowers, and French poetry. These are characters who believe in family and honesty, in working hard and not taking shortcuts. The friends-first romance is warm and sweet, much like the ones in the Jane Austen books that Levi teaches.

I listened to Picking Daisies on Sunday on audio, narrated beautifully by Stevi Incremona, with Andrew Gibson adding Levi’s voice. Incremona’s take on Dani is lovely and melodic, giving her warmth and humor while retaining her quiet spirit. The love that these characters have for each other comes through each time they are together, and listening to their story play out was such a joy.

One thing that I struggled with in this story was Dani’s insecurities. Especially as she was applying to graduate programs and waiting for responses, it was almost painful to listen to how she was struggling with her self-esteem. Although I partly found this painful because of my own terrible insecurities at that age. It brought back some challenging memories for me, but I was happy to hear Dani’s friends and family try to help her see her true worth.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Picking Daisies on Sunday was a low-key romance, perfect for calming down during stressful times or for quiet afternoons when you’re cooking or stitching.

A copy of the audio book for Picking Daisies on Sunday was provided by Hachette Audio with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.