In the debut novel from Pop Culture Happy Hour host Holmes, a grieving widow and a disgraced Major League pitcher start over after each suffers their own kind of tragedy. Evvie’s husband dies in a car accident, but the truth surrounding his death is painful for reasons her small town community can never know. Dean’s career took a nosedive when he inexplicably developed “the yips”—he’s unable to pitch for reasons that might be all in his head, but nobody can figure it out. Because Evvie needs the income a boarder would bring, and Dean needs a refuge, a mutual friend connects the two. Out of mutual kindness and witty banter, a friendship develops, and then something more … but starting over as a grown-up is complicated. A warm, witty, and satisfying summer read.

Holmes's warm-hearted sophomore novel is set, like her first, in the made-up harbor town of Calcasset, Maine. You could say this book was written with a vicarious visit in mind: Holmes says she wrote it in 2020 and 2021 when she was at home and "couldn’t go to any of the beautiful places I love in real life, Maine included." If you like the sound of a woman reevaluating what she really wants on the cusp of turning 40 (with plenty of When Harry Met Sally references), a second-chance romance with a sexy librarian, an older role model who lived an amazing life on her own terms, and a love story involving a beautiful and mysterious duck decoy, this smart second-chance romance is the book for you.

Podcast producer Cecily can’t stop thinking about photographer Will after she helped him chase down runaway dog Buddy. But she can’t afford the distraction: her boss finally gave her the chance to host a podcast and more than her career is on the line. Even if she’d rather not be part of a project focused on her own dating life, much less be guided by relationship coach/influencer Eliza Cassidy. I consistently enjoy the sweet, feel-good vibes that pervade Linda Holmes novels, even as her characters work through tough stuff—and the hugely enjoyable wild card element of Buddy the Great Dane wreaking havoc throughout didn’t hurt a bit.