The one you're with

Mac and Edie have had a picture-perfect romance spanning decades, with the exception of a short breakup the summer they turned 21. Now nearing 40, the couple seemingly have it all, including two beautiful children, a thriving pediatric practice for Mac, and an interior-design career for Edie. All of this comes crashing down when a young woman shows up at Mac's pediatric practice, revealing herself to be a child from a relationship he had that long-ago summer. Now Mac and Edie must face the secrets they have kept from each other if their marriage is to survive; and while Edie is greatly hurt by Mac's undisclosed relationship she also has some memories of that summer that she has not shared. This story is a realistic view of the trials of a long-term relationship and reminds readers that marriage is a choice to love someone every day. Denton's fifth novel (after The Summer House, 2020) is a compelling beach read, and although it does touch on drinking and premarital sex, it is a good recommendation for a family-friendly relationship drama.

A family's idyllic home life is disrupted by a stranger in this excellent inspirational drama from Denton (The Summer House). Mac and Edie Swan have it all: a solid marriage, successful careers, two wonderful children, and a beautiful home in Spring Hill, Ala. But everything wasn't always so perfect: 20 years ago, when they broke up for a summer, Mac headed to the Gulf shore for a marina job and Edie went to New York for an interior design internship. Now, after a teenage girl with a striking physical resemblance to Mac shows up in Spring Hill, the facade of Mac and Edie's marriage begins to crumble. Riley Mills is Mac's daughter from a fling he had that summer, and his attempts to help her lead to Edie questioning his commitment. At the same time, Graham, a childhood friend of both Mac and Edie and now a well-respected architect, reappears after a 20-year absence that was provoked by his relationship with Edie that same summer. When Graham and Edie are partnered on a new project, Edie begins to play the "what if" game and turns to her faith for guidance. Fans of contemporary Christian inspirationals will love this powerful, contemplative family saga. (July)