The Courage to Try by C.A. Popovich/Review by Morgayne Love

The Courage to Try is C.A. Popovich’s second book and she is getting her writing legs under her nicely. This is a story of two womyn finding their way back from very damaged places and the courage it takes to be vulnerable again.

Dr. Jaylin Meyers is a veterinarian with a practice in St. Clair, Michigan that she has decided to sell. A product of the foster care system, she developed an unhealthy relationship with an abusive partner and is ready for a fresh start. Jaylin has accepted a new position in Novi, Michigan.

Kristen Eckert lives in Novi where she spends her time in horse competitions, skeet shooting and looking after her father who is in a senior care facility. Before retiring to look after her parents’ estate when her mom passed she was a veterinarian technician.

Kristen’s former boss has requested that she return to help orient the new veterinarian who will be heading the new small animal clinic. There Kristen and Jaylin meet and stars collide.

The pace is slow as befits the daily events in an animal clinic and a care facility for the elderly where the two spend most of their time. But also Popovich takes us through the Codependent Anonymous healing process for Jaylin; nothing quick about recovery! At a CoDA meeting, Jaylin seeks advice from her sponsor, Maggie.

Maggie rested her arm on Jaylin‘s shoulder. “These lessons keep coming, Don‘t they?”

“Yeah, you know even if I decide if I can trust Kristen, it doesn’t mean she won’t leave me when she totally gets to know me.”

Maggie squeezed Jaylin’s hand. “You want guarantees. And there aren’t any. You’re going to have to decide whether or not you’re willing to take a risk. And only you know that.”

The one caveat I have is the creepy guy at the skeet shooting club and I thought the story could have done without him.

If you like romance, animal clinic activity, and equine scenes you’ll want to check out The Courage to Try.