Moonlight on Butternut Lake: A Novel

From the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Up at Butternut Lake comes the third novel in the Butternut Lake series—a dazzling story of two wounded souls seizing a second chance at life and love.

On the run from her abusive husband, Mila Jones flees Minneapolis for the safety and serenity of Butternut Lake. Ready to forge a new life, Mila's position as home health aide to Reid Ford is more than a job. It’s a chance at a fresh start. Though her sullen patient seems determined to make her quit, she refuses to give up on him.

Haunted by the car accident that nearly killed him, Reid retreats to his brother’s cabin on Butternut Lake and lashes out at anyone who tries to help. Reid wishes Mila would just go away. . .until he notices the strength, and the secrets, behind her sad, brown eyes.

Against all odds, Mila slowly draws Reid out. Soon they form a tentative, yet increasingly deeper, bond as Mila lowers her guard and begins to trust again, and Reid learns how to let this woman who has managed to crack through his protective shell into his life. While the seemingly endless days of summer unfold, Reid and Mila take the first steps to healing as they discover love can be more than just a dream. 

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author comes a dazzling story of two wounded souls seizing a second chance at life and love.

On the run from her abusive husband, Mila Jones flees the big city for the safety of Butternut Lake. Ready to forge a new life, Mila's position as home health aide to Reid Ford is more than a job. It's a chance at a fresh start. Though her sullen patient seems determined to make her quit, she refuses to give up on him.

Haunted by the car accident that nearly killed him, Reid retreats to his brother's cabin on Butternut Lake and lashes out at anyone who tries to help. Reid wishes Mila would just go away . . . until he notices the strength, and the secrets, behind her sad, brown eyes. And while the days of summer unfold, Reid and Mila take the first steps to healing . . . and love.

Praise for Up at Butternut Lake: “A great, emotional read for every woman who must face the past before moving forward” - #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods

“A heartwarming story of the power of love, family, and persistence against odds.” - Booklist

“A sweet romance wrapped in several interesting storylines. It’s easy to root for the happiness of all the leads.” - New York Journal of Books

“Well-written with realistic characters...this novel is one that you will find yourself wanting to finish in one sitting...Readers who enjoy this story will rejoice at the thought of more novels in the future set in this charming little town.” - San Francisco Book Review

“A delicious setting and a heroine to cheer for, Moonlight on Butternut Lake is my favorite kind of book, one that treads that pleasurable line between romance and women’s fiction. Enjoy! ” - Susan Elizabeth Phillips

“Mary McNear takes the reader on an emotional journey with this story of second chances, starting over, and the healing power of love. A book to relax, enjoy and savor any time of year, but especially during the long, lazy days of summer.” - Susan Wiggs

“This charming debut should attract fans of Susan Wiggs and Luanne Rice.” - Booklist