Love on Lexington Avenue

This strong sequel to Passion on Park Avenue will appeal to slice-of-life romance readers as well as fans of HGTV marathons. A year after the unexpected death of Claire Hayes’s cheating husband, she decides she needs a change in her life and begins renovating the home she and her husband shared. When she hires contractor Scott Turner to do the heavy lifting, she’s not sure whether she’s up to dealing with his gruff personality, and she also has no idea how to handle the emotions his presence inspires in her. At first glance, Scott and Claire seem like opposites. He’s all flannel and rough edges while she’s a wealthy widow stuck in a rut. As the remodeling continues, they realize that they have more in common than anyone suspects. As in the first book, the sticky slow-burn romance focuses on healing after an incredible betrayal. Layne’s fans will enjoy this venture. Agent: Nicole Resciniti, Seymour Agency. (Sept.)