Let's Pretend This Will Work: A Novel BY Maddie Dawson

In this heartfelt and whimsical novel, Mimi Perkins, a thirtysomething drama teacher, is on a quest for love after a string of unfulfilling dates. When Ren Yardley, a charming, divorced colleague and single father, falls for her and proposes, Mimi believes her psychic's prediction of good news has come true. However, Ren's life takes a sudden turn when his ex-wife is involved in a serious car accident, requiring him to move back into his former home to care for her and their daughters.

Determined to stay by Ren's side, Mimi leaves her life in New York City and relocates to New Haven, Connecticut. There, she finds solace and a sense of belonging in an eccentric local daycare, where she builds unexpected friendships and a new sense of community. As she settles into her new life, Mimi begins to notice signs that Ren and his estranged family might be rekindling their bonds, leaving her to question her place in his life.

Mimi must navigate the complex emotions of love, loyalty, and self-discovery, figuring out what she's willing to fight for and what she must let go. Amid life's unpredictable twists and turns, she learns that happiness often comes in the most surprising forms. Despite the chaos and challenges, Mimi's journey leads her to an unexpected yet fulfilling happiness, showing that sometimes the path to love is as unconventional as it is rewarding.