One Summer
JoAnn RossContemporary romance
Available from Signet
ISBN: 978-0-451-23400-1
July 2011
| Gabe St. James, a former Marine photojournalist, is in Shelter Bay, Oregon, for one reason, to photograph his Marine teammate's wedding. His freelance contract allows him all the time he needs to photograph whatever he wishes throughout the 50 states and this is just a bump in the road before he moves on. He wasn't read for his reaction to Charity Tiernan, the town's vet. Or the foo-foo dog she tried to force on him. Or the other emotional anchors she represented him. Charity had been alone and celibate since she called off her society wedding at the altar. She was tempted by this wandering man but didn't know what it would take him to settle down. But she was willing to try.
One Summer, the second "Shelter Bay" novel, brings characters from the first novel, The Homecoming back to support our new hero and heroine. And it's another winner for JoAnn Ross. The small town atmosphere plays a big role in the story, from everyone spreading the news that the lonely vet was seeing the sexy Marine to the townspeople's unanimous believe that no matter what Gabe believes, he's going to be keeping the dog she placed in his care no matter what. No one escapes Charity's person-pet matchmaking. When her mother moves in unexpectedly, determined that her current marriage is about to end, Charity doesn't know if there is time to get to know Gabe before he moves on. These are good solid characters and you care what happens to them. The townspeople, including the characters from The Homecoming are as much a part of the plot as Charity and Gabe. When you add in the complication of Charity's mother, a summer camp for foster kids, photography classes, and dogs galore, you have a can't-miss menagerie of clean fun. The next Shelter Bay novel, On Lavender Lane is due early 2012. I can't wait.
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Reviewer: Kathy F. |
