There's nothing wrong with reading as a way to escape to other places and times. Here are a few contemporary romances that fit the bill.

On Lavender Lane

By JoAnn Ross

Signet, 2012, $7.99

"On Lavender Lane" is another book from the author's Shelter Bay series. Madeline Durand, who is making a career as a TV chef, is humiliated when a video of her husband with his lover goes viral.

She decides to go home to Shelter Bay to help her grandmother, Sofia, who wants to turn her farm into a cooking school. Sofia has asked Lucas Chaffee, a former Navy SEAL medic who has returned home, to help with the renovations.

As it happens, Maddy and Lucas have a history, and Lucas is determined that he will not let Maddy get away from him this time.

Ross' readers know they can count on a good story when they see her name on the cover of a book.

Home Sweet Home

By Bella Riley

Grand Central, 2011, $5.99

Bella Riley's new Emerald Lake series kicks off on a high note with "Home Sweet Home," the story of Andi Powell, a young woman who couldn't wait to get away from Emerald Lake.

But Andi has returned because she needs to convince the townspeople to allow the construction of a new project. One person who is totally against the whole idea of change is the mayor, Nate Duncan, with whom Andi once had a relationship.

Even though the two are on opposite sides of the issue, major sparks fly every time they get together.

A Place Called Home

By Jo Goodman

Zebra, 2011, $6.99

Thea Wyndham and Mitchell Baker are named joint guardians of the three children belonging to their friends, who died in an accident.

The two of them barely know one another, and neither is really sure of their parenting skills - not that either wants to come out and say so.

Both are in relationships and it's painfully obvious that the significant others are not going to be happy about the amount of time they are spending with the children, who need continuity in their lives.

As Thea and Mitch feel their way at being parents, they also find their way to each other's hearts.

Heartstrings and Diamond Rings

By Jane Graves

Grand Central, 2011, $7.99

Brandon Scott inherits a matchmaking business from his grandmother. What he is hoping to do is set up a few matches, make some money and move on.

His first client is Alison, who has kissed her share of frogs, but hasn't found a prince.

Brandon doesn't have his grandmother's skill at matchmaking, but he does his best to find a few candidates - until he realizes that she is his perfect match.

Contact Faye Dasen at fdasen@thepilot.com.