Thank you, once again, for continuing the journey. Those of you familiar with my first romantic work of fiction, "How Far We Have Come" will recall sisters Lee and Emily Davidson, their series of life trials, the hardships they faced; and the friends and love they found along the way. As that first tale came to its eventual end, we were left to wonder what would become of the new friends we had met and grown fond of.
Fortunately, "For Everyone, Someone" followed shortly thereafter. This second novel introduced characters who impacted us with their own life stories. It followed Lee and Brett, Lynn and Chris, and Patrick and Emily. But it also introduced us to Michelle and Rick, to Margarida and John, and to Harold and Heather. We learned of Michelle and Margarida's compelling story. We touched on stories of selflessness, and we witnessed families torn by violence and the loss of loved ones. But through it all, we discovered that no matter the trials, that life still has promise.
Next to follow was "Second Chances." It continued to follow the characters we already know and love. But we also met Jenna, who was drawn by destiny to Hal and his young daughter Heather. We met Jake Warren, school principal, and we re-visited Karen and her young son Bobby. Last, but not least, we touched back to Lauren Hunter, a single mom introduced in "For Everyone, Someone", and we met Mike Russell, a fifth grade teacher.
Shortly thereafter came "Meant to Be." This story follows many of the characters we already know. We pick up where we left off with Jake Warren and Karen, and Karen's son Bobby. We also pick up again with Mike Russell, Lauren Hunter, and Lauren's two children. But we meet Tara, a third-grade teacher, who moved from Rhode Island for her first year of teaching. We also meet Ben Davis, a young local pharmacist who owns a pharmacy/gift store but is also a volunteer firefighter for the town of Clairemont.
I now introduce "Work in Progress." This story takes a bit of a different turn. It is still centered in Clairemont, and touches back to some of the friends we have met on this journey. We pick up where we left off with Ben and Tara Davis, who had just learned some life-changing news at the end of Meant to Be. Within this story, however, we meet four new people, who will eventually become two new couples. This story follows new businesses that are springing to life, and the faces behind those businesses. We meet Greg Matthews, cousin to Justin, whose father's death brought him back to the town of his childhood. We meet Jessica Collins, reporter for the Sentinel. We meet Tim Baylor, a contractor from California. And we meet Olivia Miller, newly hired kitchen manager. New businesses. New opportunities for a small town. But reminders throughout to not lose sight of our priorities. Love. Family. The need to keep a balance. For, are we all not 'works in progress'?
This story is set in the small town of Clairemont, Connecticut. I have used a modern timeframe that takes us from 2012 into 2013. Please note that the town, characters, and events are not real, and any resemblance to actual persons or places is unintentional.
And now, again, please sit back and enjoy the journey.