Jonas Smith remembers Nest Lake, Maine as the place he found a friend, and a summer of peace. Five years later he has a short trip planned with his band to go back to that place that recharged him so well. He is also hoping that friend he made is happy, and maybe he’ll see her for a moment while he’s there. He spent one night with her all those years ago, and didn’t tell her who he really was, but part of him has never forgotten the girl or the love.

Kira was heartbroken when he left and didn’t answer her letter, but she had to continue living her life, especially after she learned she was pregnant. Moving on meant moving in with her brother in Boston and slowly continuing her degree. She is not finished with that degree yet, but she has a beautiful, spunky 4 year old daughter who brings out a light in those around her. Kira didn’t mean to keep their child a secret, but after a few attempts to get ahold of him, she decided they were fine without him, never expecting he would reappear in Nest Lake. 

I loved Jonas. He is under a lot of pressure to hold his band together. His bandmates both have issues they are hiding that causes more tension than they’ve ever experienced. 

Kira frustrated me at times, but by the end I was fully on her side. My biggest frustration was with the way she tried to get in touch with Jonas when she found out she was pregnant. She tried a few things, but it didn’t feel like she went to a whole lot of effort to get in touch.

When the secrets come out, there is still a lot to sort through, including how Jonas will handle things now that he knows he has a family out there. 

As the beginning of a series, this book only vaguely introduces many of the side characters, leaving Jonas’s bandmates a bit of a mystery - perfectly setting up their own upcoming books. But the side character who nailed it for me is Adam. Kira’s brother is one of my favorite characters in the whole book. His support, understanding, and ability to be a sounding board were exactly what Kira needed throughout this journey. 

I am looking forward to seeing what secrets the other band members are hiding. I can’t say I liked Quinn in this book, though I’m sure we are not supposed to like her here, but I am also curious about her story. Nix has his own hidden demons and though he is a mess here, I can’t help but have a soft spot for him.