"So they say," she remarked, because she was still alive now after, what, four visits?

"You know different?"

She smiled. "I know karate."

The movement of his cheek might have been a smile or a wince, though it was lost when he hung his head. After a minute, he straightened and took another drink of water. Then he climbed down the ladder.

Not trusting him, Charlotte stood. "Another few minutes, and you'll be done," she said, studying the small strip of remaining shingles. "What's next?"

He stood an arm's length away, seeming taller than he had the night before, when she'd passed him on the drive. "If you've done a roof, you know," he warned. The slightest pat of his thigh caused a rustle in the bushes.

Tar paper was next. But the dog was at his side now, so she put a smile on her face, turned, and sauntered off.

Karate might protect her from the man, but the dog? She didn't know which was more dangerous-or whether either was, certainly a thought there.

Also by Barbara Delinsky.

The Forever Instinct.

First Things First Straight from the Heart.

The Scent of Jasmine.

What the Waves Bring.

Home Fires.

Pictures of You Don't Tempt Me.

Silken Sands Hold My Heart Call My Name.

Amber's Embrace Warm Hearts.

PRAISE FOR BARBARA DELINSKY ...

"Delinsky is a first-rate storyteller who creates believable, sympathetic characters who seem as familiar as your neighbors."

-Boston Globe "Delinsky combines her understanding of human nature with absorbing, unpredictable storytelling-a winning combination."

-Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Delinsky has a knack for exploring the battlefields of contemporary life."

-Kirkus Reviews "Delinsky does a wonderful and realistic job portraying family dynamics."

-Library Journal "A writer who continues to earn her bestseller status."

-Bookreporter.com "Delinsky never fails to entertain."

-RT Book Reviews ... AND HER BESTSELLING NOVELS ESCAPE.

"Great summer read."

-People "Delinsky nails it in her trademark latest, a captivating and moving story about a woman who's had enough of her life and wants a fresh start.... [She] keeps the story moving with some nice twists on a familiar plot, rich characterizations, and real-feeling dilemmas that will keep readers hooked."

-Publishers Weekly "Another appealing page-turner."

-Bookreporter.com.

NOT MY DAUGHTER.

"A topical tale that resonates with timeless emotion."

-People, 3 stars "Delinsky proves once again why she's a perennial bestseller with this thought-provoking tale ... Timely, fresh, and true-to-life."

-Publishers Weekly "Emotionally intelligent ... Mother-daughter bonding, knitting, and a ripped-from-the-headlines plot from Delinsky offer her fans what they want-high drama and realism."

-Kirkus Reviews.

WHILE MY SISTER SLEEPS.

"Graced by characters readers will come to care about, this is that rare book that deserves to have the phrase 'impossible to put down' attached to it. Delinsky does a wonderful and realistic job portraying family dynamics; the relationship between Molly and Robin, in particular, is spot-on. This touching and heartbreaking novel is highly recommended."

-Library Journal THE SECRET BETWEEN US.

"Barbara Delinsky can be counted on to deliver straight-forwardly written, insightful stories about family relationships. Her new novel, The Secret Between Us, is one of her best."

-Boston Globe "Relationships are brought to the limit in Delinsky's splendid latest exploration of family dynamics."

-Publishers Weekly (starred review) "[A] page-turner ... In addition to being immensely readable, Delinsky's latest is thought-provoking; readers will inevitably pause to consider what they would do ... Highly recommended."

-Library Journal "A polished drama ... Delinsky does a fine job creating sympathetic characters with personal problems ... Well-crafted and satisfying."

-Kirkus Reviews FAMILY TREE.

"In frank, unencumbered prose, Delinsky's sixth novel raises intriguing questions ... making for engrossing reading."

-People.

"An illuminating view of one family's search for the truth when their world turns upside down. The characters are vividly drawn with masterful detail in this one-of-a-kind book. As the author delves deep into a controversial and timely social issue, she exposes the societal hypocrisy and the ramifications of events that hit too close to home."

-RT Book Reviews (Top Pick).

AN ACCIDENTAL WOMAN.

"Warm and charming ... The multiple layers of interlocking characters and plotlines add up to one transfixing and thoroughly satisfying story."

-RT Book Reviews.

About the Author.

Barbara Delinsky is a New York Times bestselling author with more than thirty million copies of her books in print. She has been published in twenty-five languages worldwide. A lifelong New Englander, Barbara earned a B.A. in Psychology at Tufts University and an M.A. in Sociology at Boston College. Barbara enjoys knitting, photography, and cats. She also loves to interact with her readers through her website at www.barbaradelinsky.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bdelinsky, and on Twitter as @BarbaraDelinsky.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this book are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

Previously published separately as Knightly Love and Sweet Serenity.

LOVE SONGS.

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