DOGWOOD HILL which is set in the town of Chesapeake Shores, is the latest installment in the Chesapeake Shores series. This instalment introduces the school's new football coach. If you have missed a few from this fast-growing series don't worry, DOGWOOD HILL will carry the tale easily.

Aidan Mitchell is a former pro footballer and he comes to cast his eye over the town before taking up the job at the high school. At college he got his teaching credentials, so when injury slowed him down a coaching job seemed like the perfect compromise. However, this town with the attractive hillside covered in flowering dogwood holds a major issue for him. One of the founders of the local environmental scheme is the father he has never met. Aidan's not sure he wants to meet him.

Thomas O'Brien is mentioned frequently around town, and Aidan realises it would be difficult to avoid the man. Liz March, who runs a pet-related business and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, seems a lot more his style. Liz thinks that she doesn't need a man in her life, what with her dogs and shop and friends. If Aidan does decide to stay, that might change.

Past circumstances overshadow the ongoing tale as Aidan grew up with just his mother, who has now died; seems she never told Thomas she was expecting his baby, before he met the lady he married. Is Aidan's stubborn wish to be independent going to stop him from finding love? Liz has trust issues and dislikes that he keeps secrets - would she believe him anyway, if he did tell her?

The deftly winding circumstances, where half the town is related by birth or marriage, make this a busy tale and friendships are also strong, so the ladies arrange baby showers and share troubles. If you want some gossip try Chesapeake Shores for size and find out whether a trouble shared is a trouble halved or a trouble doubled. The characters are well drawn, lively and contemporary.

DOGWOOD HILL is a worthy addition to this series by Sherryl Woods and a fine, gentle romance.