Silverleaf Rapids

Bestseller Thomas returns to the world of her Ransom Canyon series with this sweet if old-fashioned–feeling 1990s-set prequel, which chronicles an abundance of love stories in the small Texas town of Crossroads. Staten Kirkland, 19, and his longtime girlfriend, Amalah, are settling in at Texas Tech when Staten’s grandfather, J.R., has a stroke. Staten drops out and returns home to help run the ranch, and Amalah tasks her best friend, Quinn, with being there for him. Meanwhile, the local high school has two new teachers: former college professor Charlotte Lane and retired Army medic Wade Parsons, who soon form a solid bond. In another story line, the always overlooked Peggy May Warner, whose family treat her like a scullery maid, comes to life when she meets and starts dating cowboy Duke Evans. Thomas throws significant roadblocks in the paths of each of her budding couples, and though the plot can feel meandering as it veers between different characters’ backstories, the chaste romances are all equally full of heart. With Ransom Canyon headed to Netflix this month, this is sure to find fans. (June)