New York Times best-selling author Lisa Kleypas launches a new series set in the Pacific Northwest with Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor. The novel introduces the Nolan brothers—Mark, Sam and Alex—but this first of three stories belongs to Mark.

When Mark Nolan’s sister is killed in a car accident, he learns he’s been named guardian of her only child, six-year-old Holly. Up until now, Mark has remained a bachelor by choice—a wife and children weren’t even blips on his personal radar screen. His own parents’ marriage had been a war zone, their sons were collateral damage. Mark has no idea how to be a parent to a little girl, but he’s determined to do what must be done to care for his niece. He moves with Holly into his brother Sam’s rambling old house at Rainshadow Vineyard on San Juan Island, in Washington State’s Puget Sound, and struggles to be the best parent he can be.

Six months later, Mark suspects he’s failing abysmally at substitute-parenthood. Holly hasn’t spoken since her mother’s death and neither he, his brothers, nor the professionals he’s consulted has been able to coax a word out of her. But one afternoon, he and the little girl walk into a toy shop in Friday Harbor and the owner, Maggie Collins, quietly charms Holly into speech. Mark is stunned, overjoyed—even if he’s not sure Maggie is wise to encourage his niece to believe in fairies. Nevertheless, he can’t deny he’s relieved beyond measure to hear Holly speak once more.

For her part, Maggie hasn’t felt the tug of attraction for a man since her husband died. She doesn’t want to feel it now. But apparently, being drawn to Mark is not something she can simply deny. Besides, Holly and her three bachelor uncles clearly need help and Maggie’s heart won’t let her turn away from them.

Nevertheless, the path to happiness isn’t smooth. Toss in a girlfriend who wants Mark to take their relationship to the next level, Maggie’s rescued dog Renfield who, in her own words, looks as if he ‘had a run-in with a weed whacker,’ together with tight-lipped brother Alex’s marriage on the rocks—and a happy resolution to the myriad intersecting situations is no sure thing.

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor is filled with real human emotion and the heartfelt desire of four adults to fill an orphaned child’s Christmas with bright memories. The beautiful island setting at Puget Sound comes alive in the tale. Beloved fan favorite Lisa Kleypas is certain to charm her audience and gain even more devoted readers with this appealing novel.

Lois Faye Dyer writes from her home in Port Orchard, Washington.

Before becoming a best-selling author, Sheila Roberts tried her hand at a variety of careers, including playing piano in a country-rock band and delivering singing telegrams. Fortunately for readers, she eventually discovered that what she loves best is writing fiction—stories that make women laugh while inspiring them to improve their lives. Her novels often include tips for personal growth or recipes, delivering a little ‘something extra’ that enriches the book’s appeal. Her latest, Love in Bloom, offers practical gardening tips, very apropos given the book’s theme and title.

Love in Bloom brings readers back to small town Heart’s Lake, where florist Hope Walker has an affinity for flowers and an uncanny insight into her customers’ needs. Unfortunately, she’s also struggling to recover emotionally after surviving breast cancer. The medical issues are resolved, but Hope’s heart and self-esteem took a hit that left an emotional scar that refuses to heal.

When hunky carpenter Jason Wells strolls into Changing Seasons Floral and places an order, Hope’s heart goes zing. But her practical self argues that healthy, handsome Jason would never want—or love—a woman with physical scars. So when her cute, sassy sister Bobbi makes a play for Jason, Hope steps back and tries to convince herself to be happy for them. She even agrees to help her sister compose notes, plan dates and pretend to have half-ownership in Hope’s flower shop. Their conspiracy backfires, however, when Jason learns the woman he’s really been falling in love with is Hope, not her sister.

Meanwhile, 76-year-old Millie Baldwin is new to Heart Lake and struggling to cope with her not-long-divorced, bitter daughter and two teenage grandchildren. And the novel’s third woman of interest, Amber Howell, is also recently arrived in Heart Lake, having moved there with her young son, Seth, and her unemployed chef husband. Amber is trying to keep from resenting her husband’s gloomy attitude but it’s growing more difficult each day.

Hope, Millie and Amber bond when they find themselves sharing neighboring plots at the Heart Lake community garden. There’s just something about the warm sunshine, green plants in fertile soil, fresh air and sympathetic company that calms, soothes and provides a haven for these three women. Together, they find their way through trying days, supporting each other as they make difficult decisions, share laughter and resolve important life issues.

There’s a lot to like about Love in Bloom. Roberts brings a charming tone, wry wisdom, and many laugh-out-loud moments to her latest novel. Whether a new reader or longtime fan, fiction lovers everywhere will thoroughly enjoy their time spent visiting Heart Lake.

Lois Faye Dyer writes from Port Orchard, Washington.