Touched by You: Wellspring, Book 1

Wright (Once upon a Bridesmaid) is on point with character and relationship development in the vibrant first Wellspring contemporary. Having gone from socialite to social worker, Brooklyn Wells is determined to succeed on her own terms. She refuses to relinquish control of her life to her domineering father, who’s trying to force her into an unwanted marriage for the sake of politics and business in their town of Wellspring, Mich., which the Wells family has run for generations. Carter Marshall needs a change of scenery to help him recover from the deaths of his wife and child. Planning to distract himself with work, he agrees to go to Wellspring to handle a project. He repeatedly crosses paths with Brooklyn and the two hit it off, despite Carter’s guilt about moving on. Things get more complicated when he learns that Brooklyn’s father is the owner of the company he’s working for. Tension runs high in the bedroom and boardroom, and secrets are uncovered that will affect not only the lovers but the entire community. The cliff-hanger ending leaves readers curious but not feeling cheated, and sets the stage for an appealing series. Agent: Sara Camilli, Sara Camilli Agency. (June)