Snowfall at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs (2008, Paperback)

This is part of the Lakeshore Chronicles by Ms. Wiggs. It is another wonderful story in which you will wonder if one moment in time can change your whole life.
Sophie Bellamy has a career in international law and enjoys helping people in war torn nations that have been oppressed. Her noble cause that she has devoted herself to for so long, suddenly turns violent in a hostage situation that barely leaves her surviving. She now longs for a return to the place she once called home, Avalon, a little mountain village on the shores of Willow Lake. She hopes the idyllic setting will be a haven but not so. There is a rift in her family that puts the place off bounds. She is determined to repair strained bonds. While doing so, she meets a handsome veterinarian, Noah Shepherd. Noah has a magical touch with the animals that Sophie greatly admires, but it seems his luck with women is not so magical.

You will root for Sophie and the problems that occur and hope it is in the stars that through Noah she will find her redemption, her healing. All in time for the first snowfall on Willow Lake! Ms. Wiggs details human relationships like a master in this beautiful story.