Impressions can so often be misleading. Marriages, families and lives built on rocky foundations and based on lies are unhealthy at best and possibly explosive at worst. REDEMPTION BAY is about learning the truth concerning who you are -- the real you -- not the image you project publicly. Raeanne Thayne likes to get to the core of truth and in REDEMPTION BAY we watch her literally peel away layers of lies and subterfuge. Sounds rather like a spy novel than the heartwarming story about self- awareness and, of course, love. Yet love is indeed the signature prize in any Raeanne Thayne book and this one is no exception.

REDEMPTION BAY is the second in the Lake Haven series that began with a resounding bang with Angel Cove. This reader had already developed strong interest in this small town and waited anxiously for the next installment.

Small towns, small minds, big hearts and dreams, and unfortunately life altering lies. Some lies just happen and if no one gets hurt then it's better to let sleeping dogs lay. But then there are those that have been deeply buried -- or have they. These are the ones that can reap the most havoc once uncovered.

The town of Lake Haven is still reeling from the closure of its largest employer -- a boat making plant. Even after several years there are still residual problems. When MacKenzie Shaw becomes mayor, she finds herself continually fighting an uphill battle to keep her beloved little town alive and dare she hope prosperous. Of course she dreams of rebuilding the financial health which would add much needed funds to the town shrinking coffers. But MacKenzie isn't only bombarded with structural and budget challenges. Her community lost jobs and opportunities.

According to MacKenzie and many of Lake Haven folks, Ben Kilpatrick is to blame for the steady decline of their town. His return to town confuses many and brings their anger to the surface. MacKenzie has a long relationship with Ben's family and even she can't quite welcome him back home. But the burning question is why he returned after a lengthy absence; the man who single handedly dealt a death knell to his own hometown.

MacKenzie and Ben are forced to examine these motives. He uses logic in his decision making. She is the voice of reason. Put those two attributes together you should come up with a way to get beyond the past.

Ben's return to Lake Haven is going to be a surprising eye opening experience. Dealing with the animosity of the town's folk is just the tip of the iceberg. The only warm place for Ben seems to be in the company of his oftentimes hostile neighbor MacKenzie.

Ah, family drama: love it. And all Raeanne Thayne fans will too. REDEMPTION BAY is about coming face-to-face with your past. It takes courage and love. The characters have it in spades and you can't help getting firmly enmeshed in their problems. This is a great series and keeps getting better. Since there is still lots of summer left -- REDEMPTION BAY would be the perfect read at the shore.