The Heart of Splendid Lake

Clipston (The Jam and Jelly Nook), best known for her Amish fiction, changes gears for this enjoyable contemporary inspirational romance. After Brianna Porter’s father dies, Brianna struggles to manage the family resort in Splendid Lake, N.C., which she learns is deeply in debt. Scott Gibson is a real estate investor desperate to buy the picturesque property, and when he makes Brianna an offer, she screams at him to never come back. Even though he understands her feelings for wanting to keep the family business, Scott is undeterred. Then Brianna’s mother has a stroke, and Scott, eager to help, offers to use his management know-how to help her fix up the resort on the condition she’ll reimburse him if she sells to another investor—and she’s in no position to turn down the offer. As Scott and Brianna spend more time together, it angers Brianna’s fiancé, Taylor, even though he is too wrapped up in his career to help her. As Scott and Brianna’s lives become more entwined and their feelings for each other deepen, Brianna must choose what she wants for her future. The realistic, charming courtship between Scott and Brianna evolves nicely in Clipston’s sure hands, and faith elements are subtle. This clean romance will appeal to fans of happily-ever-afters. (Sept.)