The master of witty smart conversation Carr has once again struck gold with some very interesting characters whose varied backgrounds give her so much to work with, there's never a lull in the action. I just have to fit in an example. A man admits as a teen the first thing he noticed was hair and boobs and explained you don't get a chance to know more without that initial attraction. His date asks what happens if the woman isn't interested and he answers if you never get to know a person's traits and talents then you remember hair and boobs - Vintage Carr.

This is a story about people finding their strengths. Still smarting over divorces and deaths they fashion a controlled life that gives them security even if it doesn't provide for other needs. Thunder Point is a small town bordered by mountains and beach valley and suffering many of the problems of small towns. But what it lacks in wealth potential it more than makes up in community spirit and compassion.

Not too difficult to understand why the local high school football games are the social event of the week. The bleachers are filled to overflow every game night and stars are made on the field. But remember these are teenagers with underdeveloped egos so at times there are problems.

Sarah thought this an ideal place for her brother and her to finally settle down. She needed space from her ex and Landon would be in a good school. They were new to the area, Landon makes a name on the football field which means making a few enemies. He doesn't say anything to Sarah since her plate is already so full. But he does confide in newcomer Hank Cooper who has just arrived from Virgin River to settle his friend Ben's estate. Ben carefully looks over his little community. Quiet and unassuming but his presence is felt by those that need him. Cooper is learning what Ben asked is not an odd request but in fact a favor.

Sarah is uneasy about this friendship between her teenage brother and this stranger and so she boldly confronts Cooper. Cooper is impressed with this gutsy gorgeous tough broad who shares his love of flying. It would seem his time in Thunder Point has taken an interesting turn. Carr tackles the tough topic of bullying. I applaud her perspective that there are just some people who are downright mean and when they fail to harness it you have to be aware. Keeping a closed mouth is not the best avenue. You need to speak out or else. Nature or nurture well sometimes it's a tragic combination of both. I was going to say that was the central theme and of course Carr did an amazing job of dealing with a prevalent problem. But then I read on and the ah ha moment is that she is telling some great stories , yes plural, of people conquering fears of getting hurt and hiding true feelings. This is a story of falling in love in the adult sense of it. Can't even begin to tell you which story is my favorite, they all touched my heart and made me sign and smile. Have doubts about Carr's genius you won't after this absolute gem. Here's my suggestion run don't walk and get THE WANDERER.

Book Summary

Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land's unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he's been left an old friend's entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community's destiny in his hands.

Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful.

With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home.