"From the author of How to Save a Life comes a heartfelt story of two people finding the courage to choose love, no matter how hard it may be. Gemma thought she had her future all mapped out-a wonderful husband, a cute apartment, plans to start a family.But just months after her wedding, illness took her husband from her. And now she's trying to think up new dreams, when all she really wants are her old ones back. Across town, Dan's also rethinking his life. He's about to meet his twelve-year-old daughter, Casey, for the very first time. She's tracked him down because she needs a place to stay for the summer while she receives treatment for a brain tumor at the city hospital, and Dan is terrified he won't be up to the task of caring for her-after all, he's spent his entire life only having to look out for himself. But when fate-with the help of Gemma's scruffy terrier, Bear-brings these three strangers together one hot July morning, cracks begin to appear in the walls they've each built to protect themselves. And soon it becomes clear that this summer could change everything. Will Gemma, Dan, and Casey be brave enough to let love in and build a new life together? Or will they let fear keep everything they've ever wanted just out of reach?"-- - (Baker & Taylor)

From the author of How to Save a Life comes a heartfelt story of two people finding the courage to choose love, no matter how hard it may be.

Gemma thought she had her future all mapped out.  She had a wonderful husband, a cute apartment, and plans to start a family. But just months after their wedding, illness took her husband from her. And now she finds herself trying to think up new dreams, when all she really wants are her old ones back.

Across town, Dan’s also rethinking his life. He’s about to meet his twelve-year-old daughter, Casey, for the very first time. She’s tracked him down because she needs a place to stay for the summer while she receives treatment for a brain tumor at the city hospital, and Dan is terrified he won’t be up to the task of taking care of her; after all, he’s structured his entire life so that no one has to rely on him.

But when fate (with the help of Gemma’s scruffy terrier, Bear) brings these three strangers together one scorching July morning, there’s an instant connection among them. And it soon becomes clear that this summer could change everything—if only they’ll let it.

Will Gemma, Dan, and Casey be brave enough to let love in and build a new life together? Or will they let fear keep everything they’ve ever wanted just out of reach? - (Random House, Inc.)

Eva Carter is the author of How to Save a Life. Eva is a pseudonym for internationally bestselling nonfiction and rom-com writer Kate Harrison, who worked as a BBC reporter before becoming an author. She lives in Brighton on the English coast and loves Grey's Anatomy and walking her own scruffy terrier, who regularly volunteers as a therapy dog at the local hospital. - (Random House, Inc.)

Publishers Weekly Reviews

The emotionally scarred protagonists of this sweet, plotty contemporary romance from Carter (How to Save a Life) must learn to open themselves up to new love. Bristol, England, artist Gemma's husband died nearly two years ago and she can't imagine a future with anyone else. She pours her focus into time with her family and volunteer work at the local hospital, where she brings her therapy dog, Bear, to cuddle and comfort children undergoing cancer treatment. It's there that Gemma meets music festival organizer Dan, who's at the hospital picking up his 12-year-old daughter, Casey, following her outpatient treatment. Dan's only just met Casey himself, and he's trying to impress both her and her icy mother by hosting them in a borrowed, posh penthouse during their stay in town. Childhood trauma has left him terrified of fatherhood, but bonding with Gemma, who offers guidance and support, leaves him wanting to try harder to be part of Casey's life. Meanwhile, Gemma contemplates a major life decision that could create a barrier to a future with Dan. Carter makes her narrators—Gemma, Dan, and Casey—incredibly easy to invest in. Readers are sure to be moved. Agent: Alison Hunter, Trellis Literary. (Jan.)