Having read the first book in the series I was really looking forward getting to know Zoe even better. She has had a hard start in life but with grit and smarts she’s managed to make herself a success. Although that doesn’t mean her rough childhood didn’t leave some scars. As great as she’s had it she’s finding it difficult to just let herself believe that she’s made it and that she’s able to relax her guard a little. She’s still convinced that it might all be taken away from her and she’ll be back at the bottom. And being in her hometown with her family stirs up all sorts of memories that are better left behind … and a few that are just that special and good.

Zoe may have run away as fast and far as she could, but Luke is happy at home. He’s got a life that works for him, one that he’s happy with surrounded by friends and family. It took a lot out of Luke when Zoe left and seeing her again has stirred up a lot of feelings. And some of those give him with a feeling that he may be missing out on something not seeing the rest of the world. Plus, he’s thinking that maybe he’ll only find happiness with the girl who originally stole his heart.

While there is a lot of Brown family drama, there isn’t all that much on the romantic side (which I was afraid there would be with Zoe and Luke’s history). Most second chance love stories are just packed full of hurt feelings, maybe some misunderstanding or miscommunication, but definitely a lot of angst. I shouldn’t have doubted Ms. Bybee’s talent, though, because she’s never failed me before so why should she now! Instead she gives readers her all with characters of great depth and humanity, emotions that run the guantlet, and crisp writing that captures your attention from the first page. She’s been one of my guaranteed authors for a while now – just seeing her name means I know it’ll be a winner – but with each new book she surprises me with how amazingly good she continues to be