Rettstatt’s subtle contemporary will appeal to animal lovers everywhere. Alex Ramsey, first abandoned by her mother and then jilted by her fiancé, decides that animals are much more trustworthy than people. She splits her time between running a no-kill animal shelter and working for her Uncle Jack at his restaurant in Cade’s Point, Miss. When chef Evan Whiting moves to town after the twin failures of his marriage and his New York restaurant, he decides to start his life over. Though Alex and Evan are initially at odds, their sparks of anger evolve into mutual attraction. But Evan’s ex-wife unexpectedly comes to visit, and Alex doesn’t open up easily. Sweet but not syrupy with plenty of charming side characters, this fast-paced read will appeal to those who favor mildly sexy smalltown romance. (BookLife)