This was a fangirl buy because I wanted to know what happened to the character of Alissa I met in the Christy Miller series I read and loved as a teen. As a fangirl I was disappointed there was no cameo from any other characters from that series. I would have loved to read more about Alissa's daughter as well.However, not having cameos or having a big to do about a baby she gave up for adoption (this is all backstory so is not spoilers) is far more realistic.There are spoilers for what I suspect are previous books in the Glenbrooke series, and exposition for future books as well it seems.My gripe about the plot/romance of this is that a miscommunication leads the couple to take a major step in their relationship. (view spoiler)[ They jump from being friends to being engaged in one day because he believes she is dying. Not romantic (hide spoiler)]