Just when we need a boost after winter, along comes a romance novel sounding like springtime. THE SPRING AT MOSS HILL is sixth in a series by Carla Neggers, called Swift River Valley.

The town of Knights Bridge, Massachusetts, has a recent arrival called Kylie Shaw; she illustrates children's books and leads a quiet life. Her apartment in a renovated hat factory called Moss Hill is one of four, and she is about to get a new neighbour who is a private investigator. Daffodils are in bloom, trees are leafing and spring is definitely in the air. I particularly like that we get a believable history of the area, from the creation of a reservoir to lumber mills and the decline of the hat industry.

Kylie is not just illustrating old fairy tales, she has had a hit with a created family of cartoon badgers. But that work is under a pseudonym, and she's too shy and private to tell others. She resents the presumed snoopiness of a PI and just wants to be left alone, but it doesn't work out that way. Because this is part of a series, there is a chapter full of Russ Colton, PI talking to friends who gossip about him and several other series characters. If you are new in town this will provide too many names at once, but you can skip lightly through the chatter and resume following Russ in the next chapter, now we know he is ex-Navy and has friends.

Russ notes the beautifully scenic mill where he now lives is quiet, and Kylie doesn't lock her car or bicycle. He's got a job to do here, and he's not sure if Kylie is part of the job or a possible diversion. The community room at Moss Hill is going to start hosting some events, and a rumour is being spread that safety standards were ignored during construction—fire codes and so on. Russ needs to find out the situation fast in order that the job can proceed. Not much of a job, but he's helping friends. He has to wonder if privacy-loving Kylie is the one starting the rumours. And why is she so secretive? He decides to get to know her better.

I have to say I found Kylie one-dimensional, though sweet, and could see no real reason for her avoidance of recognition. I don't think the community would be unwelcoming if they did know. Knights Bridge is a small town with nothing much to do but gossip, run family firms and get romantic. This is a quiet-paced excursion for us and while the tale will suit fans of Carla Neggers, those who prefer a more dramatic storyline may want to pick up a romantic suspense story. On the other hand, THE SPRING AT MOSS HILL makes a nice relaxing read, and the romance is suitable for any reader.