Moonlight Cove (Chesapeake Shores # 6) by Sherryl Woods

Jess O’Brien has overcome a lot—the challenges of attention deficit disorder, the near bankruptcy of her beloved Inn at Eagle Point and her self-perception as a screwup in a family of overachievers. Now she’s ready to share the future with a man. Her friends persuade her to join a dating service—but she gets no takers! Which is fine with her childhood friend, psychologist Will Lincoln, who’s already chosen the perfect man for Jess: himself.
Will has loved Jess practically forever. He knows her faults and her strengths. But for all Will’s sincerity and charm, Jess fears he views her as some psychological case study. With her family and the town of Chesapeake Shores behind him, Will finally makes his case. But is it enough to convince Jess to take the risk of a lifetime? (synopsis from Netgalley.com)

The O"Brien family saga continues with Jess O'Brien's story. As the youngest girl, Jess has had a tough time in comparison to her very successful siblings.  She has ADD and has struggled with the effects on her personal and professional life. Her Inn at Eagle Point business was going under until her sister and father stepped in to put her back on track.  Every mistake she makes has her feeling like she is on the brink of failure again. Her parents separation when she was little has tainted her perception of marriage and love.  Even though her parents have worked out their issues, Jessica still has a hard time letting go of her resentment toward her mother.

Will  Lincoln has loved Jess since they were teenagers.  He is a successful psychologist who has started a dating service for the Chesapeake Shores community. Jess has applied, but Will has not put her in the database, so she gets no responses, which doesn't exactly boost her self esteem. Will is torn between trying to make Jess see what could work between them and moving on with his life.

All of the books in this series have a theme of miscommunication between the couples and personal growth in them and this one is no different. Jess needs to look at her life through an adult's eyes and take some chances.  Will realizes he needs to let Jess work through her fears but be there for here and validate some of her issues. It takes time and effort and Ms. Woods doesn't insult us by easily wrapping everything up in a tidy package. This book is a great addition to the earlier ones in the series and like those books, leaves you eagerly waiting for the next one ( Mack & Susie's story finally)!

Library note: This book will be available in the NEW paperback section at RPL after 4/26/11. The earlier books in the series are also in the library as paperbacks. Some are also available in large print or on audio CD.  Try some of the authors other books as well!