October 17, 2022
In this touching contemporary set against the lush, sensual backdrop of Brightwater Valley, New Zealand, wilderness guide and grieving widower Finn Kelly—the younger brother of Chase from Ashenden’s Find Your Way Home—fights against the charms of sweet and sexy Beth Grant, a new-to-town American jewelry designer. Beth, determined to start fresh after a miscarriage, postpartum depression, and abandonment by her ex, insists on keeping a positive attitude and being friends with everyone, including gorgeous, taciturn Finn—who just wishes the falsely chipper woman would leave him alone. Even Finn can’t deny their mutual attraction, however, and they agree to a one-night stand, acknowledging that neither feels emotionally available for a relationship. Everything changes when Beth winds up pregnant, bringing out the protector in Finn, who offers her a home, a support system, marriage, and even regular sex—just as long as she knows that he’ll never fall in love. Beth is used to settling for what she can get, but will living in the shadow of Finn’s late wife really be enough for her? Ashenden skillfully balances tender sex scenes with the hard emotional work necessary for genuine intimacy. Fortunately, the Brightwater Valley community offers abundant support as the protagonists weigh whether to risk their hearts again. Readers will be transported.