Contemporary Romance published by Montlake 13 Dec 22
Abiding friendship and a second chance at romance is the theme for this trilogy. Emma Dean appeared to be the most content and settled of the three friends, but she’s got some curve balls heading her way. Her story, despite the twists and turns it might take, will get her to the same place that her friends have managed to get to.
Emma is hopeful that her life seems to be falling into place nicely. Her romance with Owen Harrison seems to be going well to the point she’s packed a toothbrush and a change in her purse, when he invites her to dinner. Her son is on the verge of asking her best friend’s daughter to marry him and her project to invite six artists for a summer of painting is getting off the ground well. Then come the not-so-nice surprises.
A search for more file storage leads her to clean up her dead husband’s filing cabinets, only to find that he was having an affair that she never even suspected. Then her doorbell rings to announce a possible eight-year-old grandchild who’s been abandoned by the only family she’s known to date. As if that wasn’t enough, one of the artists that she’s invited is escaping from an abusive relationship. Oh, and Owen Harrison might have some very secret hidden depths. Well, well, all this can only add spice to a summer by the beach.
I love the compassion that leads Emma to give an eight-year-old girl a home and love. I love that even knowing she is not his biological daughter, Emma’s son adopts the eight-year-old to give her a life she could never have gotten with her biological family. I am envious of the bone-deep friendship between the three ladies and celebrate the romance that they have all found. I loved the romance of the beach wedding of Maggie and Brett, who have finally found their way back together.
The story might be a bit slower paced than I might have liked, but the overriding message of love, compassion, and human kindness just won me over.
Grade: A
Summary:
In the decade since Emma Dean’s husband died, she’s maintained a peaceful and organized life in her hometown of Wyndham Beach—until she finds evidence of her husband’s longtime affair. How, Emma wonders, can a man who’s been gone for ten years still break her heart?
Still reeling from the betrayal, Emma must focus on the group of artists she’s invited to take up residence at the art center she founded, one of whom is secretly seeking refuge from her abusive ex. Toss in a charming businessman who’s returned to town with eyes for only Emma, and it’s becoming a most interesting summer.
And the biggest surprise of all is about to ring Emma’s doorbell and turn her life completely upside down yet again.
As Emma struggles between what was and what is, she discovers that the life she really wants—however unexpected—is just within reach, if she’s willing to fight for it.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
