Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas: Tucker

Fresh starts bring new love in the charming standalone sequel to March’s Jackson. Veteran Tucker McBride is fed up with his job in D.C. politics, and heads to Redemption, Tex., to visit family and figure out his next steps. The close-knit small town is the perfect setting for Tucker to rediscover that the outdoors is where he’s happiest, and he opens a wilderness survival school across the street from Gillian Thacker’s bridal shop. Gillian loves her job and dreams of becoming a wedding planner to boot, but her relationship with her own fiancé is on the rocks. After her fiancé breaks things off, Gillian is determined to refocus on her career goals, but the more time Gillian spends with Tucker, the more she realizes she may just now be learning what real love feels like. For his part, Tucker is sure they’re meant to be together and sweeps her off to Vegas in his attempt to prove it. Though several of the grand romantic gestures are awkwardly rushed, the couple’s chemistry is believable and their emotional push-and-pull makes for engrossing reading. Both returning and first-time readers will devour this sweet page-turner. (Mar.)