Evan McCarthy, home from Nashville as he awaits the launch of his CD and the start of his tour, is performing at the tiki bar with Owen Lawry when he literally sees the proverbial damsel in distress. Grace Ryan is stranded on the island with no money or her things after having been abandoned by her creep boyfriend. When Evan offers her respite at his family's home for the night, this begins the end of his confirmed single status, unbeknownst to him.

I really liked and admired Grace who took control of her life when she resolved to tackle her obesity. She's now at (or about) her ideal size and is figuring out how to relate to men showing her attention for the first time in her life, as well as setting new goals for herself. Evan has some really low moments but redeems himself handily by the end of the story. These two seem to combust every time they're together, sometimes clouding what's lust versus emotional depth.

I'm a fan of multiple storylines so this aspect was strongly appealing. Owen and Laura McCarthy get lots of page time as their friendship evolves into something more. Tiffany Sturgil (Maddie's sister) also gets a lot of focus as her marriage reaches rock bottom. And, Big Mac and Linda face challenges in their marriage.

This was an enjoyable story, a really nice diversion from my mystery and suspense worlds. These are decent, hard-working people who embody the realities of island living. It's a joy to visit Gansett Island every month.