Home at Last: Sanctuary Island, Book 6

Everett’s sixth Sanctuary Island book (after Close to Home) enchants readers with strong, crisp storytelling as a spunky, sweet heroine and an unsettled hero see past each other’s defenses. Marcus Beckett returns to his home town for a fresh start, opening a bar and beginning a romance with the town’s beloved do-gooder, Quinn Harper. When he ungraciously dumps Quinn—believing it’s the right decision for her sake—the townsfolk shun his bar. Fortunately, the unflappable Quinn has a plan: she asks Marcus to temporarily pretend to still be her boyfriend. Impulsive decisions, including a public marriage proposal, encourage heartfelt discussions and the slow, sweet revelation of their vulnerabilities. But just when all is looking up for the couple, Quinn pushes too hard for Marcus to come to terms with his demons. Series fans will swoon as Quinn and Marcus get to know and love each other’s true selves. New readers will struggle a bit to catch up, but once the backstory is filled in, they’ll settle in to enjoy a multilayered story of family and love, and an unforgettable cast of characters. Agent: Deidre Knight, Knight Agency. (Mar.)