Wild Iris Ridge

Thayne's seventh Hope's Crossing contemporary (after Christmas in Snowflake Canyon) is a nice quick beach read. Lucy Drake fled the small town of Hope's Crossing years ago, opting for the busy corporate life rather than the slower pace of the tiny resort hamlet. Now, after the death of her beloved great-aunt and a devastating career setback, she's returned to regroup and figure out her next steps. Brendan Caine, the man she's quietly loved for years, married her best friend, and is now a widower with two adorable children. As Lucy and Brendan reconnect, they discover more about each other, including a simmering mutual attraction. The story features a standard, formulaic, feel-good plot that's short on imagination but makes up for it with plenty of emotional satisfaction. Quirky characters and references to connected stories will please series fans. Agent: Karen Solem, Spencerhill Associates. (June)