What Matters Most is the latest in a wonderful collection of standalone stories, all set on Nantucket Island. Emma has dragged herself through life ever since her soldier husband Cam was shot and killed in action. Their son CJ is all that keeps her going, personal dreams now set aside.

Jamie is a man on a mission. He’s also a man with a secret that could tear Emma apart. He arrives on the island, intent on trying to make amends, but he never expected falling in love would get in the way. As he grows closer to Emma, he loses the resolve to share his secret, knowing that deeper he falls, the more they’ll both shatter when the truth comes out.

But Emmas has begun to live again. And so has Jamie.

I enjoyed What Matters Most very much, because a very difficult experience, moving through grief and back to joy is handled sensitively, and by two characters who have the bravery to face the hard things.

As a happily married military wife, Emma’s story resonated with me on a deep level, and I thank Courtney Walsh for her efforts to portray this scenario authentically. The glimpse of Cape life was a lovely escape and the romance made me blink back tears a couple of times.

I definitely recommend this sigh-worthy summer read.

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