The Bookstore on the Beach

Shocking family secrets and sweet second chances animate this stellar small-town contemporary from Novak (the Whiskey Creek series). Autumn Divac has spent the last 18 months searching for her husband, who disappeared while on assignment for the FBI. Now struggling to move on, she and her teenage children, Taylor and Caden, return to Sable Beach, Va., to spend the summer with Autumn’s mom, Mary, and work at Mary’s beachfront bookstore. Also back in town is Autumn’s high school sweetheart, the recently divorced Quinn Vanderbilt. Quinn is dealing with his mother’s cancer prognosis and trauma over his ex-wife’s attempt on his life—but reconnecting with Autumn makes him remember happier times. As their rekindled friendship evolves into romance, the budding couple faces some serious issues: Taylor, who’s questioning her sexuality, may be pregnant by her brother’s archenemy; Mary’s finally ready to come clean about the traumatic circumstances of Autumn’s conception; and a private investigator arrives in town, digging up secrets from the town’s gossipmongers. The drama only brings Autumn and Quinn closer together in strength and solidarity—but their true test is the return of Autumn’s husband. Novak handles difficult topics with sensitivity, making for a heart-tugging romance. Readers are sure to be sucked in.[em] Agent: Dan Raines, Creative Trust Literary. (Apr.) [/em]