Long, Hot Texas Summer

Reliable western romance author Brown (the Spikes and Spurs series) gives her new series a strong start with this sweet contemporary story. Sparks fly when Loretta Bailey is in the same room with her ex-husband, Jackson, even 17 years after she dumped him for cheating and moved to Oklahoma. When their daughter, Nona, announces she’s dropping out of college to marry one of Jackson’s hired hands, Loretta returns to Texas, determined to set her daughter back on the right track. From the second that Loretta arrives at Lonesome Canyon Ranch, she is swamped with memories and surrounded by friends thrilled that she has come “home.” Jackson knows he screwed up all those years ago and wants a fresh start, but Loretta is, understandably, wary. The canyon is a harsh place, with extremely hot weather, sudden rainstorms, and lots of dust, but the love of old friends anchors Loretta while she works through her self-esteem issues and guilt. Nona is a little too level-headed and mature for a 21-year-old, but she is a good foil for Loretta, teaching her how to fight for love. (Sept.)