For Twice in My Life

Second chances take center stage in this cute contemporary from Christie (The Rehearsals). Seattle theater manager Layla Rockford is still a mess months after an unexpected breakup with businessman Ian Barnett. Apparently, she’s still Ian’s emergency contact, so when he crashes his bike, the doctors at the hospital call Layla in, assume she’s his significant other, and instruct her on how to care for him through his concussion. Weirder still, Ian goes along with their mistake—and Layla realizes his head trauma has left him with no memory of dumping her. Despite being counseled by friends and family to tell Ian the truth, Layla takes the memory loss as a sign that they should try again, and soon she and Ian are connecting more than they ever have. She does feel guilty, however, both for her lies and for the unexpected chemistry she feels with Ian’s brother, Matt, an emerging playwright who is helping to save her theater’s season. Christie does a good job fleshing out Layla’s backstory so that readers will sympathize with her despite her deception. This is a charmer. Agent: Joelle Hobeika, Alloy Entertainment. (Feb.)