Summer on Moonlight Bay

Ramsey serves up an endearing and strong second contemporary set in the coastal Low Country of South Carolina (after The Cottage on Rose Lane), pairing a plucky and intuitive vet (the military kind) and a protective, family-oriented vet (the animal doctor kind). Lia DiPalma, freshly separated from the U.S. Navy, leaves California for Magnolia Harbor, S.C. When she discovers a badly injured dog, she brings him to the animal hospital. Animal surgeon Noah Cuthbert is only in Magnolia Harbor to convince his ailing mother to return to Charleston with him, but stays a little longer to help save the dog. Both Lia and Noah carry heavy loads of undeserved guilt, feeling they’ve failed beloved pets in the past, but they find healing in each other—until Lia is accused of assaulting a popular local, and peacemaker Noah has to decide whether he’ll stick up for her or lose her for good. Themes of abuse, trauma, and recovery are woven carefully through the romance as Noah and Lia come to terms with both the past and the present. Ramsey’s clever plotting and delightful characters (particularly outspoken boutique owner Kerri and ghost-talking child Jackie) create a thoroughly enjoyable story. This volume includes a bonus novel by Miranda Liasson, not seen by PW. Agent: Elaine P. English, PLLC. (Aug.)