Connor O'Rourke has been in love with Jess Dunn since he was twelve years old. He currently has an on-again, off-again relationship with her, but he's ready for marriage. Jess, however, is not. She's perfectly satisfied with their current arrangement and turns him down when he proposes. She has too much on her plate with her special-needs brother, Davey, her new job, and the always present worry about her past reputation from high school in her small town. 
 Most of the characters are back from Ms. Higgins Blue Heron series which just adds to this very enjoyable story. Both Connor and Jess are engaging and well-drawn characters as they fight their way towards each other. There were several times, Connor on a series of dates set up by his well-meaning twin sister, when I just laughed out loud. I've learned with Kristan Higgins books that I can't read them in public if I don't want to embarrass myself. 
 It's a sweet story and I enjoyed it very much. Now I can't wait for the next one in this series.