Blackberry Summer--A Clean & Wholesome Romance

April 4, 2011
Thayne's series starter introduces the Colorado town of Hope's Crossing in what can best be described as a cozy romance. Hope's Crossing's new police chief, Riley McKnight, sees earnest single mom Claire Bradford as a nosy do-gooder, though Claire secretly wishes she could be as willing to take risks on her own behalfâsuch as approaching Riley, who sets her body sizzlingâas she is to help others. Back in town after 15 years away, Riley has a very respectable law enforcement résumé, but some residents can't let go of bitter memories of his adolescent bad boy antics. He's also Claire's best friend's baby brother, and thinks of Claire as family rather than as someone to romance. Miscues aplenty ultimately resolve themselves in this gentle, easy read.

April 15, 2011
Claire Bradford, bead-store owner and divorced mother of two, discovers her BFFs younger brother, Riley McKnight, who had teased her mercilessly as a teen, has become a fascinating man when he shows up to investigate a robbery and vandalism of her store. He has returned to Hopes Crossing, a Colorado Rocky Mountain ski town, as chief of police after years spent in gritty undercoverjobs as an Oakland cop. On a snowy night, while chasing a suspect, Riley sees a car careen off the road and into the icy lake. He ends up rescuing Claire, her children, and a young friend. As the town reels in the aftermath, Claire recuperates from her injuries and comes up with an idea that may bring comfort to Hopes Crossing. Thaynes depiction of a small Colorado mountain town is subtle but evocative. Readers who love romance but not explicit sexual details will delight in this heartfelt tale of healing and hope.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)