I can tell I’m probably going to go on a tangent about home decor in this review, but I don’t feel like reigning it in to stay on topic. I will, however, summarize the book first.

Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail by Ashley Herring Blake follows the titular character, about a year after the events of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, when Astrid broke up with her deadbeat fiance. Now, she’s trying to keep her interior design business afloat, so agrees to help with the renovation at a nearby bed and breakfast for the show “Innside America.” It’s great visibility for her business and skills, but what Astrid doesn’t count on is Jordan, the granddaughter of the inn’s owner. They initially butt heads, but Astrid is unexpectedly drawn to Jordan, too. This leads to Astrid not only questioning her sexuality but also what she wants to do with her career and what kind of person she wants to be.

This was very cute! I didn’t like it quite as much as Delilah Green, but it was still a great time. It was easy to sympathize with Astrid for the most part, especially now that we get to see her perspective on her overbearing mother, who has such strict expectations for her. Living with that kind of pressure would certainly mess with someone’s view of themself, even if seeing it from an outside perspective is slightly frustrating. I just wanted to shake her sometimes, to tell her that she is allowed to want things that her mother doesn’t. But it did make for a satisfying character arc, watching her learn that she can be her own person.

I also liked Jordan, and following her journey as she seeks to be vulnerable with another person after her life was upended and she moved across the country after a relationship ended. I thought that the nuances of that were pretty well explored, as well as those of Jordan trying to get some passion back for her work, and the motivation to pursue new ambitions. Speaking of which…

It’s time for my inevitable tangent. You’ve been warned.

Because, look, I like Astrid and all, but I had a very hard time understanding how she could possibly think that dark blue is a “hideous paint color” for bedroom walls. I know this is only her initial impression, and she has character growth, but still. I’m entirely on Jordan’s side vis a vis the design of this inn; I absolutely want interesting stuff in my house rather than boring white, beige, or gray. I mean, my living room has the color scheme of a Van Gogh painting, and that’s the way it should be, in my opinion. Give me eclectic objects, mismatched furniture, and color! So yes, team Jordan’s style all the way.

Clearly I should never watch home improvement shows. I’d probably lose my mind, because it seems that I have Opinions™.

Anyway, having Delilah, Claire, and Iris back as side characters was fun. They all have fun banter with each other, and it’s nice to see—even from a distance—how Claire and Delilah’s life together has blossomed since the end of the first book in this series. Plus, with Iris’s subplot, I’m looking forward to reading the book that focuses on her. It’s just all around a very good cast.

I do think that the resolution of Astrid’s relationship with her mother was a little rushed, a little convenient. But also, it’s nice to see that people can find understanding and peace with a bit of communication; it’s a bit wish-fulfillment, but also hopeful, and I suppose there’s nothing wrong with that.

In the end, Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail is a more than worthy follow up in the Bright Falls universe. The romance is sweet and progresses at a reasonable enough rate, and the side characters are delightful in how they support each other and call each other out. The protagonists have very good development, and the emotions and themes are well-portrayed. I look forward to more books from this author (and I intend to get my hands on Iris’s book soon).