Book excerpt: A slice of Americana delivered with her characteristic warmth, endearing characters, and authentic Texan flair, the fourth Honey Creek novel by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomasbrings a sense of nostalgia to the town as some its older residents set out on a quest to realize dreams they long ago gave up on. Soon it seems the idea of chasing second chances is contagious as the rest of Honey Creek joins their journey. Now in mass market for the first time! In New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas’s tender and heartfelt novel set in the charming small town of Honey Creek, Texas, spring is in the air—and love is blooming too, as paths cross and hearts meet between residents old and new . . . Jessica Ann MacKenzie—“Jam” to everyone in Honey Creek—has fulfilled her dream of owning the best restaurant for miles around. Serving romantic candlelit dinners on Valentine’s Day is a reminder of another dream, one she’s just about given up on. Until, that very night, Sergeant Tucson Smith clambers out of the muddy river and onto her land, bringing the promise of something they’ve both been searching for. When McCoy Mason crashes on Interstate 45, he doesn’t just bust up his Mustang, his leg, and his relationship. He also loses his prospects of a job and apartment in Houston. Honey Creek, home to his estranged grandfather, offers a temporary respite. After all, what permanent use could a town so picture-perfect have for a man like him? At sixty-seven, Charles H. Winston III lives by order and routine. One of his cherished rituals is a regular lunch date with three lovely ladies at the Honey Creek Café, including the very proper Miss Lilly Lambert. But it’s not too late to surprise the whole town—or himself—by seizing a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. And there’s no better season than spring, a time of renewed hope and second chances . . .