Delivered with Love

Kyle (The Christian Girl's Guide to Style) moves from tween girl writing in her debut adult novel with the unlikely scenario of a 35- year-old love letter found by 23-year-old Claire James in her recently deceased mother's '72 Volkswagen glove compartment. After Claire loses her waitress job and is kicked out of her sister's apartment, she heads to Capitola, Calif., in search of the author of the love letter, having become obsessed with ferreting him out. After a series of clunky mishaps, Claire lands a job and a place to stay, where she conveniently meets up with her mother's long-lost love. Part mystery, part comedy, the story places Claire in the middle of numerous unlikely emotionally charged situations with the residents of Capitola. Determined to unravel the secret behind the love letter, Claire doesn't give up until the truth is told. Kyle's interweaving of so many characters is implausible and contrived, and she fails to connect readers emotionally with Claire and her search. (Apr.)