SOMEBODY LIKE YOU the first book in a new series by Donna Alward takes place in Darling Vermont whose claim to fame -- such as it is -- is the kissing bridge. Darling is a typical small town. Everyone knows everyone and their business. But now the town is looking raise its image with tourists. So the idea of updating the famous kissing bridge photo was born.

Laurel has just returned home to Darling, albeit slightly worse for wear, with her marriage and job left behind. The job was good, but the marriage not so much. Seems her ex-husband Dan decided he should not have married Laurel or any woman for that matter. Ah, the closet door just recently opened for Dan you see but that didn't mean there wouldn't be any collateral damage -- in this case Laurel's heart, hopes and dreams.

Now home Laurel is devoting all her energy establishing her garden nursery called The Ladybug. Lots of dirty hard work but in many ways sort of therapeutic until Laurel's past catches up with her.

Sheriff Aiden Gallagher has the auspicious honor of being the targeted victim of a milk shake attack courtesy of a very angry Laurel. They were both in high school at the time -- Aiden pretty full of himself and Laurel candidly surprised by his attention. Needless to say Aiden proved himself unworthy of Laurel's affection and it's been the talk of the town ever since.

Aiden had attitude and that carried him pretty far except there are people you just can't fool and the Gallagher's were a large close knit family with eyes on the situation. They were probably the only ones in the town of Darling that even suspected that Aiden truly cared for Laurel. It was all just a case of teenage crushes gone amok.

Now Laurel's back in town barely sparing a look in Aiden's way. But Aiden's up for the challenge -- well at least he thinks he is. Two wonderful people who just don't trust their respective hearts. It's going to take a lot of hard work to get beyond their past to see if there is any future. Let's see if the magic of the kissing bridge can help these two learn to love and trust again.

Donna Alward has once again treated us to some truly awesome people in this new series that takes place in the small town of Darling. There are evidently many stories to tell about these folk and in SOMEBODY LIKE YOU we are kind of introduced to many of them. Laurel and Aiden are pretty complex characters that have to face their pasts before moving forward. Donna Alward is always very fair but honest in dealing with the challenges her characters face. That's how she keeps them real. And that's why I am such a fan.