Since the death of his wife, author Ford Newcombe has lived a life of solitude, barely able to put pen to paper. If there's one thing that Ford needs it's inspiration, and it finally comes in the guise of Jackie Maxwell-a smart, sassy university researcher with just enough attitude to match Ford's sharp intellect. As Ford and Jackie grow closer, they discover a connection between their lives and the past, a connection that not only helps them solve a long-ago crime but offers the promise of new love.

Jude Deveraux is the author of thirty-one New York Times bestsellers , including Wild Orchids, Holly, The Mulberry Tree, The Summerhouse , and Temptation . To date there are more than fifty million copies of her books in print worldwide. Jude Deveraux lives in North Carolina with her seven-year-old son.