Love and Impediments by Stefka Marinova-Toddis an impassioned contemporary romance novel with culturally diverse themes across settings in Uruguay and Canada. It’s an authentic portrayal of adult life post-divorce and at the stage of middle-aged blues with characters who are realistic and relatable.

Marta Aneva is a lecturer and a powerhouse social scientist with a passion for human development and independence, so much so that it’s left her bored – and alone – with life. Marta is determined to rediscover her flair for life. Watching her rediscover her worth as a mother, lecturer and partner were empowering.

Marta’s character development was many things; gracious, fluid, and transformative. What is initially a wound-up woman drained of hope becomes someone kind and open to the chance of giving and receiving love. Upon beginning her work with, Eduardo Rodríguez (a famous footballer in Uruguay) it is clear that the two have different ways of thinking, however, both embrace the other over time. Together they become better parents, friends, and people capable of being balanced in love. I really enjoyed watching their relationship slowly develop throughout the novel. The author knows how to capture and accentuate emotions through sharp storytelling, making this one of the more engaging romance novels I’ve read this year.

Eduardo has a similar personal evolution, making for a beautiful intertwining of each character’s story. Both are career focused. Hard. Demanding. Yet they share a common language of care and giving and as the novel progresses readers can witness their growth on the page.

Love and Impediments is an eloquent love story that explores the things we all face in life; career, family, and relationship breakdowns alongside the importance of self-identity. A must read for those who have experienced the breakdown of a relationship and who fear that the journey to rediscovering their true self is out of reach.

Pages: 350 | ASIN: B09RQBNPJ5