What a treat to return to Maple Valley and see what some of the characters from Melissa Tagg’s previous books were doing. And to add to the sweetness is the story about Jenessa Belville and Lucas Danby. Tagg is brilliant at creating lovable, colorful, and emotionally-layered characters that worm their way into your heart and won’t leave. Jenessa is compassionate and competent and has been friends with Lucas for years. Lucas is suffering from regret for his dishonorable discharge from the military and has been trying to redeem himself. He has loved Jenessa for years, but he doesn’t feel deserving of her. I so enjoyed seeing their friendship grow and develop.

“. . . true forgiveness doesn’t get to hold on to the bitterness.”

This story of redemption, faith, hope, and forgiveness of self and others tugged on my heartstrings and left me sighing with satisfaction. I always look forward to new books by this author. She is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. If you’re looking for a heart-warming, emotion-packed, masterfully written story, this book is for you. ( )