National Network for Equitable Library Service

"[A] magnetic second chance romance ... McClain pits her charming, authentic characters against the realistic problems of everyday life, making for a story that is deeply emotional but never soapy ... Readers won't want to put this down."--Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW A Chesapeake island homecoming--and a life-changing discovery When Ryan Hastings first came to Teaberry Island, he was a troubled teen on his last chance. He's returning as a renowned scientist, checking in on his widowed foster mother. But one thing hasn't changed--Ryan's feelings for the girl next door who he loved ... and left. Mellie Anderson has a son now, and a good life that Ryan believes he's still too damaged to share. But he knows he can help young Alfie, who's getting picked on at his new school. Mellie is grateful her gifted son is getting extra support, and torn about where it's coming from. Ryan has no idea he's Alfie's father. No matter how valid her reasons were, could Ryan ever understand why she didn't tell him? But in this close-knit community, friendship and forgiveness are always near at hand, and forever love might be waiting just next door.