Save the Date

Jones's sassy style is merely one of this romance novelist's many endearing talents. Jones (Just Between You and Me) concocts a story line that, though implausible in real life, doesn't detract a bit from an engaging and funny tale that brings together two of the most unlikely love interests: Lucy Wiltshire, the independent and poor proprietress of a young women's transitional housing shelter, and Alex Sinclair, former NFL star, aspiring congressman, and wealthy co-owner of Sinclair Enterprises. Sparks fly when these two strong-minded individuals meet at a gala event and Alex's ratings rise after the gossip rags tag Lucy and Alex as a lovebird pair. Alex devises a scheme that will benefit both him and Lucy; the question is whether these two can see the plan through without killing one another first. Some subtle faith messages about trusting God despite painful pasts round out this fast-paced, lighthearted romantic escape. (Feb.)