Alice J. Wisler

This was a story that I found hard to really relate to the characters for some reason. Samantha taught in a refugee camp in the Philippines, and now finds herself helping her mother run a clothing boutique. She will eventually meet up with Carson, a former teacher she met in the Philippines who broke her heart. She will also be reunited with Lien, an Amerasian girl she taught while over there. Together Carson and Samantha will help Lien as she plans her wedding and searches for her mother. But can Samantha work with Carson without risking her heart getting broken all over again? An interesting story line, but just couldn't connect with Samantha and Carson that well.… (meer)

The back cover says it best: "When Deena Livingston moves into her grandfather's cabin in the mountains of North Carolina, she plans to keep to herself, start a cake-decorating business, and recover from the heartbreak she left behind in Atlanta. But a special request from Grandpa Ernest compels her to interact with the Bryson City locals, who have some surprising stories to share with the new girl in town.

Can a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber who shows up at the most unexpected times, a hansome social worker who seems to know exactly what Deena is thinking, and a classroom full of mischievous middle-school students teach Deena to once again embrace the sweet things in life?"

I enjoyed all the characters in this story! Everyone has "scars" to overcome in their life, whether physical or emotional. Deena will learn how to overcome hers with the help of all these other people she will come to know and love.… (meer)