I received this book from NetGalley.

Debbie Macomber has the unique ability to create characters that you wish you knew. This is her second book set in the town of Oceanside. The first book was Cottage by the Sea. It is not necessary to read Cottage by the Sea first, this book simply shares location and some characters.

Willa and Harper Lakey are as close as sisters can be. They live together but their personalities are vastly different. Harper is outgoing, friendly, and flirty. Willa had to shoulder responsibility early and is introverted. In this deeply touching book, Willa has to deal with the reappearance of her sister’s cancer. Willa and her sister Harper lost their mother years ago. Their father turned to alcohol to ease his pain and escape from responsibility. Willa assumed the role of caretaker for her family.

When Harper was diagnosed with leukemia, Willa was with her every step of the way. Recently Harper has been acting very impulsively – which isn’t her usual behavior. Willa has taken tentative steps toward a relationship. It is time for Harper to be tested to see if she’s still in remission. Willa is worried and her overprotectiveness is frustrating her sister. Harper is focused on training for a climb and refuses to think about anything else. How can Willa focus on romance, her broken relationship with her father, and the potential reoccurrence of her sister’s cancer?

This novel involves tragedy and triumph. It is a deeply emotional look at a family and friends coping with cancer. You feel the pain and devastation of the family. Cancer is an ugly and difficult disease that wreaks havoc on so many. This story will tug at your heart as you see how Willa navigates her relationships. Debbie Macomber has once again written a book that pulls you into her world and you never want to leave. This is a fantastic, long-awaited second story about Oceanside. that will leave you longing for a third story.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

Additional Thoughts: This book is dedicated to a dear friend of Debbie Macomber who passed away from cancer. No doubt, she has honored her friend in an amazing, touching manner.