Lily Morton has a way with words, as does Joel Leslie; so when these two get together, it never fails to feel like an extraordinarily (and audibly!) wondrous way to spend a few hours. Beautifully Unexpected is their latest joint endeavor, and this new audiobook is an absolute standalone. It features Magnus Carlsen (52), a highly successful and much-respected , and Laurie Gentry (48), a renowned and admired artist. Magnus has never seen himself as someone who would ever settle down, but Laurie is not only a burst of sunshine but a harbinger of change that Mags, as Laurie is wont to call him. With two wonderfully endearing mature main characters that share undeniable chemistry and a lovely story that brings together slow burn deliciousness, witty banter, and a dash of angst, I was very much smitten. Morton’s writing and Leslie’s narration brought such joy while I listened to this over the weekend, and after the week I’d had, this audiobook was exactly what I needed. Five-plus stars!