The Museum of Lost Dreams by Christine Nolfi

 

A captivating story of mothers and daughters displaying conflict and extreme dislike through four generations. Valerie is a career mathematician in an era of glass ceilings. Unwed and pregnant, she left her daughter, Shayla, to be raised by the trusted housekeeper. Shayla, a flighty girl/woman, treated her own daughter, Bess, with hatred after Valerie left her fortune to her. Bess leaves home as soon as she is able, leaving her brain-injured brother and twin sister in the care of their drug-using parents and housekeeper.

Written in duel timelines, the story moves from Valerie to Bess, recounting their decisions and the subsequent repercussions. 

The Wash-Ashores by Hannah McKinnon

 

A sweet read of relationships, of struggles, and of second chances. The scene is a family inn on Cape Cod in desperate need of a financial infusion in order to stay open. Granddaughter Holly is given the summer by her grandmother to prove her meddle and to turn things around. Characters Greta and Linus add flavor to the story while Holl’s still loved ex-boyfriend Ben adds romance.

A definite good beach read.

Time's Up, Cowboy by Paula Altenburg

 

The Wild West is alive in Burning Scrub, MT, a millionaire’s play set for wealthy lovers of the west. Malika was brought there by her wealthy brother to teach her a lesson. Enter handsome cowboy, Jayce, scripted by the amusement park town to be her protector. Malika ia a hoot espousing old age spousal sexual wisdom and turning Jayce’s head. A romance with western flavor and a comical roster of player participants.

Worse than Strangers by Kaleigh Leddy

 

An engaging story of mothers and daughters, of love and loss, and of life at it unfolds and changes over a summer on Nantucket. Lily repairs to home on the island after losing her job and her love, Henry. Rose, her mother, is ready to move on from her job by opening her own psychotherapy office. Both are in the beginnings of change bringing new love and a second chance.

Last Man Standing by Jill Sorenson

 

A spicy romance of intense attraction between a law enforcement officer in hiding and a woman recovering from a cheating, debt ridden ex-husband. She is in Lost Lake to reclaim her life for herself and her young daughter. A mixup in her cabin reservation brings the two determined minds to odds but chemistry is hard to avoid.

When You Loved Me by Beatrix Williams

 

An absolutely engrossing novel of fractured relationships, of pirates, island lore, and hidden treasure, and of second chances at romance. The relationship of Ben and Lucy is enchanting and from a teenage romance that ended at odds. They have a chance to recapture their love but so many problems stand in the way. Delightfully adding to the story is Lucy’s seven year old precocious daughter who fills the pages with intelligence beyond her years.

Deadly Does It by Abbi Waxman

 

A mystery to solve combined with some great humor. An AA sponsor is receiving scary notes and turns to one of her sponsees and her crime lawyer boss to take the case. A hazy past of drugs and petty crime follows the victim and might lead to the person writing the cryptic notes. A great read with many interesting characters.