The Bright Spot

Bestseller Shalvis hits a home run with this emotionally nuanced contemporary, the fifth in her Sunrise Cove series (after The Sweetheart List). Luna Wright devotes herself to Apple Ridge Farm, a haven for rescue animals and quirky humans. When her boss, Silas Wittman, dies suddenly, she’s shocked to discover that he has left 50% of the farm to his investment manager Jameson Hayes—and the other 50% to her. Luna, who was adopted at birth, learns after inheriting her share that Wittman was actually her biological grandfather and that the farm is deeply in the red. Unless she and Jameson can come up with a balloon payment, it will be lost to the bank. As the two work together to save Apple Ridge, their chemistry sparks—but when Luna finds out Jameson has been keeping a few (well-meaning) secrets, her abandonment issues threaten to derail their budding romance. Shalvis augments the love story with a spectacular supporting cast, including Luna’s palm-reading, free-spirited adoptive grandmother, Stella, and gay ex-boyfriend, Chef. The hilariously named rescue animals and their antics add humor and charm, especially a baby goat named Dammit Ziggy who takes a powerful shine to Jameson. There’s a ton of heart here. Agent: Annelise Robey, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Jan.)