September 20, 2021
A widowed single mother finds love with a commitment-phobic man in de Jongh’s fast-paced second Magnolia Bay romance (after Warm Nights in Magnolia Bay). One year after Heather Gabriel’s husband’s death, Heather juggles raising her angsty 13-year-old daughter and six-year-old twins with starting a new job as director of operations for a Magnolia Bay, La., animal shelter. While getting the shelter ready to open, Heather meets free-spirited business consultant Adrian Crawford, who’s helping the shelter find funding. Heather’s immediately drawn to Adrian, whose shameless flirtation soon leads to a deeper connection. Care-free Adrian is wary of solidifying a relationship with a woman already committed to raising her children, but he considers giving up his fancy-free lifestyle as Heather and her children win him over. But can Heather put aside her fears of more death and heartbreak to take a risk on happiness? De Johngh creates a strong sense of Magnolia Bay’s close-knit community, even delving into the inner thoughts and feelings of the animals at the shelter. Readers will appreciate the fortitude of the characters as they seek to overcome the tragedies of their pasts. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, the Seymour Agency.