"Latest book set in Chandler, CA is excellent."

Michaela "Mike" Marconi, the plumbing sister of the Marconi Construction Company, has no plans to settle down any time soon -- if ever. She's had plans made for years to build her dream house on her dream land, but those plans go down the drain when she learns the property she always wanted has been sold to Lucas Gallagher, research scientist. Circumstances force them to lean on each other, even though they can't be in the same room without falling into an argument. Soon sparks are flying for another reason, but the past comes creeping back, making happily-ever-after doubtful.

This book is the latest installment in Ms. Child's series about the loves and lives in Chandler, California. As usual, she gives us fascinating new characters, while reintroducing us to the residents we've known from the beginning. This time was just like previous experiences with this author's books. As soon as I opened the front cover, I was pulled into the story, rooting for the heroine, and later was sorry the story was ending. A good read.

Reviewed by Lory Martin
Posted January 10, 2005

Summary

Lucas Gallagher is the geek who bought the land Michaela "Mike" Marconi wanted for her dream house. She thinks he's infuriating, annoying and totally rude. Yet, he gets to her more than any other man ever has. But though Lucas may be a scientist, he's the rock star of scientists. His inventions have made him millions, his research is reshaping the study of medicine and he holds patents for numerous technological marvels. But now, when it means everything, he's failed. His younger brother, the family's 'golden child' is dying of cancer and Lucas, despite his brilliance, can't help him. In Chandler, he tries to hide from the world he knows. Mike tried running away from her problems when she was a kid. When her mother lay dying, Mike ran. When her world crumbled, Mike hid. And she's learned that the only way to win is to stand your ground and keep trying. She doesn't understand what Lucas is talking about half the time, but she knows exactly what he's feeling. And while criticizing his complete lack of architectural ability, and remaking the house he's trying to build, Mike finds herself slipping into Lucas Gallagher's life. She wakes him up and he shakes her up: the two of them are complete opposites, and nothing can keep them apart. Until Lucas's brother Justin comes home to die.