The search for a painting’s provenance leads an artist to a seaside New England town and a tantalizing mystery in this debut contemporary romance.

Boston artist Charlotte Moore is worried her first assignment as lead buyer for Troy Wallace’s gallery may be her last. Every Christmas the art gallery purchases a work to sell at its holiday gala, and Charlotte impulsively buys the final painting in an auction: a landscape of a beach at sunset with a lighthouse and a beautiful ruby ring in the foreground. Unfortunately, Troy does not like sunsets. But to her surprise, he loves the work: “The balance of the tone with the ring is exquisite and the brush strokes are incredible—I’ve never seen anything like it.” He wants Charlotte to find out the name of the artist and the story behind the painting. The only clues are a date, Dec. 24, 1919, and the location of the lighthouse, Seabreeze, New Hampshire. With 12 days to go before the gala, Charlotte travels to Seabreeze, where she quickly befriends the local residents, including Nancy and Richard Bennett and their son, Aidan. Charlotte immerses herself in the history of Seabreeze and soon discovers the Bennett family may be connected to the priceless ring depicted in the painting. As her inquiry progresses, an attraction develops between Charlotte and Aidan, and she wonders if the search for the work’s origins could also lead to the love of a lifetime. Gibson’s romance is as bright and sparkling as the ruby ring at the center of the painting. Charlotte is a strong and amiable protagonist. A talented artist recovering from a devastating breakup, she finds that her passion for painting is reignited by her trip to Seabreeze and her hunt for answers. The author deftly weaves together two central narratives—Charlotte’s present-day investigation involving the striking painting and flashbacks to 1919 and the poignant tale of Oliver Bennett and Alice Baker, childhood sweethearts torn apart by a misunderstanding. Each story could stand on its own, but together the two threads form a rich tapestry connecting the history of a town and its citizens to a remarkable piece of art.

A charming romance that’s as warm and cozy as hot chocolate on a winter’s day.

A grieving wedding planner finds a new life and new love by the beach in Hale’s romance novel.

Lauren Sutton, a professional woman in her 30s, is half of Sugar and Lace, New York City’s top event-planning firm and the subject of a successful reality TV show. What’s more, Lauren genuinely loves orchestrating the happiest day of so many people’s lives—or at least she did before her fiance, Mason Bridges, was killed in a car accident. A year after Mason’s death, Lauren can’t get through a wedding without breaking down, and she decides to realize Mason’s dream of a simpler life. Selling her half of the business, Lauren relocates to Rodanthe, North Carolina, to assist elderly innkeeper Mary Everett for the summer. Soon, Lauren finds herself making much-needed improvements that will bring The Tide and Swallow Inn the attention—and revenue—it deserves as well as planning a quickie wedding for Stephanie, a local Sugar and Lace fan, and falling hard for Stephanie’s handsome friend Brody. All the way, Lauren keeps stumbling upon sea glass. When she finds that her new sea-glass bracelet has a story that encompasses generations and includes Lauren’s own family, Lauren wonders if a new chapter of her life is opening. Each character is richly drawn and compelling, from the protagonist to minor players like Joe, an older veteran of the docks with a secret. The Outer Banks setting is both charming and intimate, with locals who are friendly and welcoming. The romance is a slow burn in which incremental advances are built up with delicious anticipation—watching Lauren pen some calligraphy, Brody “leaned over her shoulder. ‘You’re so talented.’ His breath was at her cheek, his woodsy scent making it difficult to breathe.” The author expertly weaves together themes of work, family, and romance to convey the message that only time can heal the deepest of wounds.

A lovely and comforting second-chance romance.