Compelling story ( )

Moondust Lake by Davis Bunn is an engaging novel of healing and love. Although this newest release is the third installment in the Miramar Bay series, it can be read as a standalone.

Buddy Helms has finally worked up the courage to leave his family owned company. Patriarch Jack Helms runs the company yet he refuses to acknowledge his son's accomplishments. At the same time that Buddy is moving on, his mother Beth makes the shocking decision to leave his father. Beth is hoping her departure will convince Jack to take her seriously when she asks him to go to therapy with her. Beth also implores Jack and his sister Carey to get counseling to help them work through the damage Jack has done to them. Buddy complies with her request since he is already taking steps to regain control of his life. His sessions with Preston Sturgiss force him to reflect on what he wants for the future. Buddy also encourages Carey to discuss her problems with counselor Kimberly. Will Buddy finally disentangle himself from his dysfunctional relationship with his father? Can Beth convince Jack to confront the demons from his past? And will Buddy and Kimberly act on their unexpected attraction?

Buddy is a caring and compassionate man who finally realizes it is futile to continue his attempts to receive validation and appreciation for his hard work. With a couple of serious job options on the table, he is uncertain which he will chose and he remains concerned about what will happen to his team who worked with him at his father's company. Buddy is also in the midst of an identity crisis since he has always lived under his father's shadow. He is completely open and honest in his therapy sessions and his exercises with Preston provide him with valuable insight about himself. A quick retreat to Moondust Lake provides him the opportunity for reflection but will the peace he finds continue once Buddy returns home?

The characters are interesting and well-drawn with relatable strengths and flaws. Jack is a particularly nasty man and since he is portrayed at his worst, it is difficult to understand why Beth has stayed with him for so long. Although Kimberly is a counselor, she has yet to recover from her divorce a few years prior. The romance between Kimberly and Buddy is rushed and has an insta-love feel since they are only together for about a week. It is also notable that Buddy and Carey are receptive to therapy but the speed in which they resolve their issues is unrealistic.

Moondust Lake is a lovely story of reconciliation, family and love. The storyline is interesting and it is easy to relate to the issues the various characters are working to overcome. Old and new fans are sure to enjoy this heartwarming addition to Davis Bunn's Miramar Bay series. ( )