Her Unexpected Match

The beauty of Maryland’s Eastern Shore sets the stage for love in the sweet first Crescent Island romance from Baker (the Sweetland series). After travel writer Allie Sparks’s editor takes her to task for her overly negative writing style, Allie agrees to try for a more positive review of her next destination: tiny Crescent Island, Maryland, where Sofia Parker, Allie’s best friend from college, happens to live. Luckily, Allie is immediately charmed by the friendly locals, especially Sofia’s handsome brother Ryan, who is trying to secure investors for the family’s barbecue restaurant. Soon, Allie’s grown accustomed to the antics of Ryan’s Great Dane puppy and been welcomed into the Parker family fold, which is so unlike her own austere parents, who frequently express disappointment in her career choice. But any relationship she and Ryan have will inevitably become long-distance, making both reluctant to commit. The laid-back island atmosphere is the real highlight here, the perfect setting for a breezy summer romance. Readers will be eager to return Crescent Island. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary. (Mar.)