Having left her Chicago hometown for Portland, OR, and now far from her controlling mother's influence, music teacher Beth Prudhomme is tentatively spreading her wings. She even accepts a blind date with a man who would horrify her mother! But beneath his rough exterior, Sam Carney is a decent, caring guy, and although he's not into relationships, when a texting teen driver lands Beth in the hospital, it's Sam who's there when she needs him. A likable supporting cast (Beth's flamboyant, artistic Aunt Sunshine is a standout) keep the action moving and the plot intriguing in a well-crafted story that includes several romantic relationships and is rich with unresolved interpersonal issues. VERDICT Wholesome and thoughtful, Macomber's latest is a heartwarming treat. Macomber (Twelve Days of Christmas) lives in Port Orchard, WA.

Macomber (A Girl's Guide to Moving On) continues her New Beginnings series with two parallel stories of love almost lost. New-to-town music teacher Beth and mechanic Sam don't hit it off immediately when their mutual friends Nichole and Rocco set them up on a blind date in Portland, Ore. But the night takes an unexpected turn when Beth is in a car accident that leaves her in critical condition. From that evening on, Sam stands by her as she recovers from her injuries, but once Beth is out of the hospital, their growing bond is tested by their complicated pasts and hang-ups. Meanwhile, Beth decides to help her aunt Sunshine find the one who got away, sparking concerns that she's meddling too much in the lives of others. Although the stories dovetail well, showing Beth and Sunshine's very different relationships founded on unexpected connections, the book itself becomes weighed down by its own subplots, which would be better served by breaking the book in two. Even so, this latest from the prolific Macomber is a fun, sweet read that fans of her style will undoubtedly find satisfying. Agent: Theresa Park, Park Literary. (Mar.)