Hearts Abroad

McNeil (Appointed by Fate) starts a contemporary series that only hints at her potential. When British single father and international museum curator Callum Archer needs a nanny for his Colorado summer home, he hires aspiring playwright and Iowa transplant Londyn Bellerose. Londyn, smarting from personal and professional rejection, is looking forward to a break from her theatrical attempts in New York, and she quickly falls in love with the two girls and their emotionally available but physically absent father. While Londyn pushes Callum to adjust his priorities, he struggles with her similarities to his ex, not wanting himself or his daughters to be hurt again. Londyn and Callum eventually become a charming couple, but flaws in the plot and characterization make it difficult to stay involved until that conclusion. The supporting characters include Callum’s delightful daughters and Londyn’s supportive best friend, but there are also three disappointingly caricatured maternal figures. Whirlwind emotional shifts and a strong sense of authorial wish fulfillment mask the stronger moments. Though McNeil’s talent occasionally shines through, this story simply feels inconsequential. (Feb.)