Sea Glass Castle

Lowe (Beach Haven) returns to Sunset Cove in the lovely third installment to her Carolina Coast series. Pediatrician Weston Sawyer struggles to heal from the loss of his pregnant wife in a car accident four years ago and hopes leaving Alabama to take over the pediatric medical practice in Sunset Cove will give him a fresh start. Sophia Prescott, part of a raucous group of friends dubbed the Sand Queens, moves back to South Carolina after escaping her abusive husband. Despite a rocky introduction, Wes agrees to hire Sophia as office manager as she finds herself in an increasingly desperate financial situation. He has a caveat: since neither is looking for romantic attention, he suggests they go on fake dates as a way to ward off the unwanted interest of others. The ruse does little to keep the doctor’s female admirers at bay, and their fake romance soon turns real as they learn about each other and their shared deep faith. However, the burgeoning relationship could be thwarted when Sophia’s ex-husband shows up determined to reconcile. Lowe’s endearing love story delivers an age-old lesson: hope for happiness depends on the ability to release the past and trust. Series fans will enjoy this affecting tale. (Aug.)