Linette Collins is just beginning to get her life back together after losing her young husband to leukemia. She has fought her way out of grief and depression, bought and opened her own yarn store on Pier 39 in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, and is ready to face her future. Her mature assistant, Bonnie, offers her support and encouragement.

Francine Holden is a 36-year-old physical therapist with a romantic soul. Francine has never dated much and she doesn’t consider herself a physical beauty, but she still believes in love and tenderness. That nature flows over into her work as she compassionately encourages those who are facing life-changing disabilities.

Cain McClellan and Tim Mallory are mercenaries, the tough guys who political agencies call on when all diplomatic efforts fail. They are the storm-troopers, the rescuers, and the last resort. Cain is the respected leader of the group who is always there for his men. He never lets life get personal, because then he could be distracted and make a mistake that would cost him his life, or the life of one of his men.

Tim Mallory is the blustery, determined sidekick who has Cain’s back. When Tim is injured stepping on a land mine, he almost loses his leg; many times after that day, he wishes Cain had left him in the jungle to die.

Cain, Linette, Francine and Tim are on a collision course for love. Despite obstacles to avoid, misunderstandings to overcome, and real demons to defeat, their stories remind us all of what’s important and how easily we can lose those we love.

Author Debbie Macomber always brings her readers a story that makes them think and characters who make them smile. Her Blossom Street ladies introduced people to love and an opportunity to be swept away to a quieter place. Francine and Linette might start out as comrades of the Blossom Street crowd, but their lives and loves will quickly demand much more of them. This story is intense, and its characters will make your heart shout out to them as they struggle to find their way. This one is worth reading through in a day, as this reviewer did - it is a hard one to put down.