Summer on Moonlight Bay

June 10, 2019
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.

September 27, 2019

Lia DiPalma has been a rolling stone her entire life. Her mother never kept their family in one place for very long, and then Lia's stint in the Navy kept her busy and on the go. Now that she's out, all she wants to do is to settle down, but without a job and a place to stay, she decides to catch up with an old friend who lives in the seaside community of Magnolia Harbor, SC. Circumstances beyond her control lead her to the town's veterinary clinic--and right into the path of Noah Cuthbert. And even though neither of them intended to land in this town, its inhabitants aren't about to let them leave without a fight. VERDICT Ramsey (The Cottage on Rose Lane) brings the charm of small-town South Carolina to life in this delightful second entry in the "Moonlight Bay" series. While the character development makes this well worth a read, the quick wrap up at the end may leave fans of the author desperate for more. Includes a bonus novella by Miranda Liasson.--Amanda Toth, Lane Libs., Hamilton, OH

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