Just Married #44

Donna and her friend Gail spend a summer at a beach cottage, where Gail is startled by a mysterious boy, Pete, who quickly captures her attention—first through a staged rescue, then through his playful persistence. Though initially wary, Gail finds herself drawn to Pete’s charm as their time together deepens into something more.

After the sudden death of her husband Alex, widow Cindy finds solace in her late husband’s business and eventually begins a passionate romance with Cal, a man who awakens her emotions. As their relationship deepens, a troubling phone call from Cal about a desperate financial need leads Cindy to investigate — only to discover he’s been lying about a nonexistent investment. The story follows her heartbreak and the painful realization of what she’s learned too late.

Cara, a brilliant but self-conscious high school girl, grows tired of being overlooked because of her intelligence and decides to transform her appearance to fit in with her peers. Her bold new look earns attention from boys and curiosity from girls, but when she’s asked out by Hank—only to learn he’s already dating Lucy—she begins to question whether she’s traded one kind of loneliness for another. As her confidence wavers, a heartfelt conversation with her quiet friend Dick reminds her that true connection comes from authenticity, not appearances.