Synopsis

They couldn’t be more different…or more completely perfect for each other.

Claire McKenna knows about loss. The bullet wound that ended her promising professional tennis career drove her to make a quiet life for herself working with fabric samples, chatting with her book group, and spending time with her parents in her sleepy coastal Connecticut hometown. Then there was the boyfriend who dumped her to pursue her adventurous childhood friend. Now, Claire’s business has hit a financial snag, but she’s up to the challenge. After all, she can survive anything. At least she thinks so…until her teen crush, Logan, returns to town with his sister, Claire’s traitorous friend.

Photographer Logan Prescott is more playboy than homebody. But his sister’s illness teaches him that there’s more to life than chasing the next thrill. Bent on helping her win Claire’s forgiveness, he turns his charm on Claire and offers her big bucks to renovate his multimillion-dollar New York City condo.

After years of playing it safe, Claire must now take some risks. The payoff could be huge, but if it all falls apart, can her heart recover from another loss?

Review

This is the second book in the Sanctuary Sound series and I can’t believe I’m just now discovering this author and series!

This series is set in a sleepy little town in Connecticut but don’t let that description deceive you.  The town has a lot going for it including some strong (aka wealthy) families that have made a mark on the town and created an atmosphere that brings everyone in the town together.  There are many times where I read that certain characters were loved, well regarded, and respected which reflects a tight-knit community as well.  Claire was a rising tennis star in her youth until a tragic event turned her world upside down.  She fought hard to get to where she is now and had the love and support of her family and friends.  But even friends can turn on you as she discovered with her friend Peyton.  But perhaps Claire will realize that Peyton did her a favor in the end.

This book hits on many truths that we all experience in life.  Friendships will be tested, love will open our eyes, and maturity will create new experiences.  Claire has been wrapped in bubble wrap ever since the tragic accident and it is very obvious how her parents still treat her like a small child and discourage her from experiencing life.  I think is primarily her mother and it is to be expected as she nearly lost her only child and it would be devastating should anything happen to Claire.  I wondered if Claire would stand up to her parents and spread her wings a bit more to experience life and the world around her.  Thankfully she has the assistance of Logan, Peyton’s brother and Claire’s longtime crush.  Granted, her relationship with Logan isn’t perfect as they are opposites but as they say, opposites attract.  Plus they realize that they balance each other out.  It takes time for this realization, but it does happen.

I felt for Peyton as she is going through treatments for breast cancer.  As a survivor, I know how hard it can be to live through that experience.  It isn’t one that I would wish on anyone.  I think it humbled Peyton as well and she understood some of what Claire experienced during their teens.

This is also a story about forgiveness.  While many times we might think that a person’s actions are unforgivable, it is hard to hold onto that much hatred.

Overall I enjoyed this story and my feelings for the different characters evolved as they did throughout the journey.  We give this 4 paws up.

About the Author

National bestselling author Jamie Beck’s realistic and heartwarming stories have sold more than one million copies. She’s a 2017 Booksellers’ Best Award finalist, and critics at Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist have respectively called her work “smart,” “uplifting,” and “entertaining.” In addition to writing novels, she enjoys dancing around the kitchen while cooking as well as hitting the slopes in Vermont and Utah. Above all, she is a grateful wife and mother to a very patient, supportive family.

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