Sanctuary Island

Everett’s sweet contemporary debut illustrates the power of forgiveness and the strength of relationships that may falter but never fail. Ella Preston and her sister, Merry, head to Virginia’s Sanctuary Island, a refuge for wild horses, from their home of Washington, D.C. Merry is determined to forge a new start with their estranged mother, Jo Ellen, a recovering alcoholic. While workaholic Ella doesn’t share her pregnant sister’s zeal for reconciliation, she has always looked out for Merry, so she agrees to go along. Handyman Grady Wilkes retreated to the island after suffering devastating injuries as a search-and-rescue team member, and Ella is shocked to fall hard and fast for him. These two damaged souls must find the courage to open up to love, even as Ella struggles to forgive her mother. Richly nuanced characters and able plotting make for a pleasant journey while setting up the next book in this series. Agent: Deidre Knight, Knight Agency. (Aug.)