Summer on Blackberry Beach

Calhoune’s second outing to Mistletoe, Maine (after No Ordinary Christmas), offers a delightful, trope-filled summer romance that makes for easy beach reading. Navy SEAL Luke Keegan leaves active duty as a wounded hero and returns to his small hometown for rehab and recovery. It doesn’t take long for the local gossips and busybodies to push him together with second grade teacher Stella Marshall, who had a crush on Luke in high school. Ready to relax on her summer break, Stella isn’t looking for the excitement of a new relationship—particularly since she’s still reeling from her fiancé breaking up with her two days before their wedding. Similarly, Luke wants to adjust to his new life without the pressures of the town’s meddling matchmakers. So how do they get the town off their backs? By faking a relationship, of course. They pretend to be a couple while enjoying summer festivals and romps with Luke’s cute eight-year-old nephew in tow. Calhoune’s character development is strong as the pair quickly realize their feelings and chemistry are too real to ignore. There are no surprises here, but Calhoune hits all the right notes with a maestro’s flair. This is small-town contemporary romance done right. Agent: Jessica Alvarez, BookEnds. (July)