Val would like to be able to tell you all about her adventurous life as an international jewel thief and the intriguing people who are enthralled by her every utterance, but that would be a second work of fiction in this book.

The truth is that Val was raised in a military family. One mom, one dad, one sister, one brother. The family moved around a lot, as one expects of families in such situations. Val became a hit-and-run student, leaving the scene of the school after a year or so each time. However, her unique upbringing allowed her to see things wouldn't most people only dream of getting to see in their lives. Perhaps that beginning is why Val find people so fascinating.

Val worked my way through a community college. It was just like a real college, but cheaper! She became a nurse many years ago and hasn't quit that day job yet. Writing is something that isn't nursing, and Val loves it, and all the great people she's met through the writing.

Currently, Val working on home ownershipm where she'll be able to lead a terribly serene middle-class life with her dog. A modest goal.

If you insist on knowing more about Val and have nothing better to do some rainy day, you can visit her recently hatched website, www.valbrownwrites.com. She'd be happy to hear from you anytime.

Anne takes on the job, despite the fact that it takes her away from her parents in Albuquerque. Her mother's health is failing badly, and her father relies on Anne to help with her care. Confident she can handle both her personal and her professional responsibilities, Anne heads to Wood Mill, ready to prove to Mr. Trent that Clearly Perfect Water Systems is equal to the task at hand.

One tiny problem… Mister Trent is really Ms. Trent, and not only that, but she's drop-dead gorgeous, to boot, not to mention a demanding employer.

Anne and Adehm find their way to workable relationships, both as colleagues and as something much more satisfying-until Anne's mother's condition deteriorates, forcing Anne to choose between fulfilling her obligations to Adehm and Big Tree and returning to Albuquerque to help her parents.

In the aftermath of Anne's choice, Adehm must face old demons that have haunted her for years. Like Anne, she too must decide what really matters in her life.

Everything was going so well, but now both Anne and Adehm have to contend with serious derailments of their plans. What will happen to their goals and dreams that were In the Works?

No matter how well you think you know someone, there is always a surprise tucked away somewhere. Never is this more true than in a family. In this popular sequel to Connecting Hearts, Denise and Randa learn that finding the other half of one's soul is only the beginning.

Life has a way of presenting a combination of surprises and challenges. What will the two women learn about their family connections? How will their discoveries affect them? Will these new connections drive them apart or serve to make their bond stronger?