Treasure on Lilac Lane

In the sweet but middling second Jewell Cove contemporary (after The House on Blackberry Hill), Rick Sullivan returns from his military tour in Afghanistan, beset by nightmares and sporting a prosthetic hand. He finds refuge in the bottle until he promises his dying mother that he’ll stop drinking. Surprising himself, he takes up painting. Jess, trying to bounce back from an abusive relationship, finds peace in the craft store she owns. When Rick takes a temporary job in Jess’s store, sparks fly, and, despite mutual hesitation, they let their emotions lead the way to a passionate affair. But when Jess’s ex threatens to return to Jewell Cove, both Rick and Jess must honestly consider whether their lust for one another can lead to true romantic partnership. Repetitive internal thoughts and trite dialogue detract from this otherwise pleasant and feel-good yarn. (Nov.)