Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams follows the story of two rival second-grade teachers, Emily and Jack. Their rivalry dates back to college, and Emily thought she was rid of Jack when he moved to Nebraska with his fiancé. But now Jack is back in Rome, Kentucky—and he’s her new neighbor.

What I really enjoy about Sarah Adams' writing is the assurance of the happily-ever-after you'd expect in a romance novel, paired with a compelling, multilayered story. The characters grow and develop meaningfully from start to finish.

The book is filled with witty banter, especially as Emily tries to turn the town against Jack while Jack stubbornly attempts to tackle renovations on his own. Amid the humor, there are also subtle, endearing moments woven throughout as they navigate their lives and feelings.

Brittany Pressley and Nelson Hobbs did a fantastic job narrating the story. Their performances brought the characters to life, and I found myself experiencing a wide range of emotions while listening.

Thank you to PRH Audio for the gifted ALC.

***50 States Challenge: Kentucky