A line in the sand

Wilson (A Spot of Trouble) kicks off this delightful rom-com with workaholic marine biologist Max Miller reluctantly returning to his seaside North Carolina hometown after being passed over for a promotion at the National Aquarium. He's determined to help save his uncle's failing Turtle Beach Aquarium and Sea Turtle Hospital--and his first move is to cut costs by firing the aquarium's resident mermaid, Molly Prince, even after she saves him from drowning at the beach. Molly's devastated. She's always loved posing with aquarium goers in her mermaid costume (and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ursula, looks quite fetching in a lobster costume as well). The town rallies around her, showing their support through mermaid-themed cupcakes, among other things. The more Max learns about her, the more he too joins her list of fans, which soon leads to love. But will the aquarium's financial struggles and interfering parents capsize their budding relationship? The journey to the answer is witty, smart, and tremendously fun to read. Wilson's charming supporting characters (especially Turtle Beach's animal-loving, matchmaking senior citizen crew) bolster the feeling of small-town charm--and Ursula steals every scene she's in. This is a can't fail beach pick. (Aug.)