Arriving back to stay in her late aunt's old house seems like a good idea, but Lucy Drake forgot that the place would be cold and maybe not serviceable. One chimney fire later, she's got the Hope's Crossing Fire Department on her case, in the person of Brendan Caine, who used to be a friend. Times change.

WILD IRIS RIDGE shows a switch in Lucy's circumstances as she used to be on the fast track in Seattle. Why would she drive back to the house she inherited in Colorado? She's even considering opening a bed and breakfast place at Iris House. The whole town wants to be in on the gossip. Brendan, widowed and raising his two children, really has no option but to meet up with Lucy. She was his wife's cousin and she's the kids' godmother. Since she has time on her hands, Lucy can watch the youngsters for a few hours, and she brings them books from the old house. Maybe it's time she and Brendan mended some fences.

Anyone familiar with the Hope's Crossing series will get the most out of this instalment as we meet a lot of townsfolk and hear about their wedding plans. However it's possible for a newcomer to focus on Lucy and gain a good introduction to the location. As we learn that the girl, working in a high-tech firm, hasn't taken a vacation day in eight years, we can see why she needs to be brought up to date in everyone's affairs. And, apparently, in her father's affairs, since he remarried and there are some health issues arising. Lucy starts to realise that her intense dedication to work, after a troubled start, may not have repaid her in the long run.

I genuinely had to admire Lucy all the more, with everything I learned about her. She's gone out and made a respected place for herself, and now intends to do the same if at a lower level. She cares about her family and while she may resent being put-upon, she'll square her shoulders. Between children and a teenager with attitude, the cast becomes even more amusing. There are lots of outdoor scenes and I also particularly liked that we get to see an emergency defibrillator being used.

Rae Ann Thayne has outdone herself with WILD IRIS RIDGE in which the romance is gradual and convincing, and the hope for a better life is well founded in reality. I recommend the read.