This is a feel-good romance with extra credit for dog lovers. The blurb on the back cover offers a good summary: “A burned-out veterinarian takes a much-needed beach vacation, where a charming surfer makes waves in her love life and a unique foster pup renews her passion for her work.”

I enjoyed another book by prolific author Victoria Schade (Who Rescued Who), so hoped this one would also be as good – and I think it’s even better. I didn’t know that Schade was a dog trainer and speaker who serves as a dog resource for the media. But her knowledge of dogs shone through in this novel, adding another dimension that made this exceedingly readable.

The book takes place during one summer on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts, where veterinarian Morgan Pearce goes to heal from her overly stressful job. Dogs and surfing are juxtaposed with more serious themes of compassion fatigue, suicide, and bullying as well as forgiveness and family. Morgan learns that “the mistakes of the past didn’t define the future. That fences could be mended, and bridges rebuilt if they were given the proper care and attention. That forgiveness felt better than grudges.”

This would be a great summer beach read, or any time of year. I highly recommend. ( )

The heavy emotional toll of Morgan's career as a veterinarian sends her into a tailspin. Long time clients, with a fussy, diabetic dog, offer relief and a summer of dog sitting little Bernadette on relaxing Nantucket. Schade knows her dogs, they are written with great qualities and voices of their own. I like her books a lot because of this. Morgan isn't sure a summer fling is smart, but entrepreneur Nathan can at least teach her to surf. Cute, fulfulling read for the end of the summer. ( )