Owner of a Lonely Heart

The emotionally scarred protagonists of this sweet, plotty contemporary romance from Carter (How to Save a Life) must learn to open themselves up to new love. Bristol, England, artist Gemma’s husband died nearly two years ago and she can’t imagine a future with anyone else. She pours her focus into time with her family and volunteer work at the local hospital, where she brings her therapy dog, Bear, to cuddle and comfort children undergoing cancer treatment. It’s there that Gemma meets music festival organizer Dan, who’s at the hospital picking up his 12-year-old daughter, Casey, following her outpatient treatment. Dan’s only just met Casey himself, and he’s trying to impress both her and her icy mother by hosting them in a borrowed, posh penthouse during their stay in town. Childhood trauma has left him terrified of fatherhood, but bonding with Gemma, who offers guidance and support, leaves him wanting to try harder to be part of Casey’s life. Meanwhile, Gemma contemplates a major life decision that could create a barrier to a future with Dan. Carter makes her narrators—Gemma, Dan, and Casey—incredibly easy to invest in. Readers are sure to be moved. Agent: Alison Hunter, Trellis Literary. (Jan.)