"Several plot twists keep this contemporary romance quite interesting."

Valerie Simms is a superior court juvenile judge in Mesa, Arizona. She and her twin sons, Brian and Blake, have been picking up the pieces of their lives since her husband's death. While driving under the influence, he had an accident, killing himself and a small girl.

Kirk Chandler is also picking up the pieces of his life. He devoted so much of his time to acquisitions and disbursements that he was never there for his family. Now divorced, he's working as a school crossing guard, lunchroom monitor, playground monitor and basketball coach. He works with these kids to atone for the time he didn't spend with his own. Kirk takes an active interest in the children that go to his school, especially Brian and Blake. He talks with Valerie and soon finds they have more in common than he would've thought.

There are several plot twists, some expected and some not, that keep this story quite interesting. With Valerie's court cases, Kirk's hidden life, along with Brian and Blake's challenges, this story moves at a brisk pace.

Reviewed by Delia Larkins
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted December 10, 2003

Summary

Kirk Chandler and Valerie Simms—two people who'll do anything for children.

Valerie is a juvenile court judge. She spends her days helping troubled kids—including her own fatherless twin boys.

Through her sons, she meets Kirk Chandler. Kirk's given up a successful corporate career and dedicated himself to helping the children in his Phoenix community...as a basketball coach, as a crossing guard, as an adult who encourages them to strive for the best.

Kirk becomes an increasingly important part of her family's life, even spending Christmas with Valerie and her twins. And Valerie discovers that she and Kirk not only share a commitment to protecting children, they share a deep attraction—and a personal connection that shocks them both.