Heart Throbs #29

Ann Garver is blessed with striking beauty, but in her small hometown of Holton, that asset becomes a curse—boys are too intimidated to ask her out, convinced she's out of their league. Desperate for a fresh start and genuine connection, Ann moves to the city hoping to escape her reputation and prove she's just like any other girl. When she meets Jack Evans through her new roommate Jean Brett, she finally sees a chance at real romance—but her past insecurities and schemes may sabotage everything she's been searching for.

Marilyn has spent her eighteen years under the watchful eye of her aunt Vera, who's shaped her into a future businesswoman while warning her away from romance—until the arrival of Andy Burke, an ambitious contractor working on the dress shop, awakens her to what she's been missing. When Marilyn finally confesses her secret romance to Aunt Vera, the revelation triggers a health crisis that leaves her torn between the man she loves and her sense of obligation to the woman who raised her.

Marge Andrews arrives in the town of Elmont for a blind date with Harry Hanson, a charming but relentless class clown—only to discover a thoughtful, genuine person beneath all the wisecracks once they're alone together. As their dates deepen into real feelings, Marge becomes determined to reshape Harry's public image, convinced that if he'd only stop joking around, everyone would finally respect him the way she does. What Marge doesn't foresee is the cost of asking the man she loves to stop being himself.

Ruth has always felt held back by her shabby wardrobe, turning down invitations and avoiding the boy she secretly likes, Bob Aberle—until he asks her to a party and she finally accepts. When catty remarks from other girls about her homemade dress wound her pride at the party, Ruth pushes Bob away and withdraws from school life, convinced her appearance has ruined any chance with him. As she gradually joins clubs and activities at school and church, she discovers something that changes everything: the people who matter most care about who she is, not what she's wearing.