As young children, Carolyn Kendall and Stephen Foster had loved returning to their summer homes on Lake Erie to enjoy both their holiday fun as well as to see each other again. They enjoyed bossing each other around and competing in their own games, such as chasing the shadows cast by the clouds to see if they could emerge again to the warmth of the sun. The two childhood friends became as close as can be and then one fateful day, they do become lovers. But, life experiences apart can make life complex and while they marry others, Carolyn knows she can't let Stephen out of her heart.

Now, her heart is breaking with more hurt than she could ever imagine. Her beloved and cheerful daughter, Emma, is hooked to life support machines and the doctor is afraid to let Carolyn cling to false hopes that Emma will make it out of the coma as a result of the car accident.

Why had she pushed to keep Emma's father in her life after the separation? To have this happen? Despite the crushing grief, Carolyn vows not to leave Emma so she can help her tiny daughter fight for her life. As Carolyn's parents worry about her health, they ask Stephen, now a lawyer in his father's firm to come and get Carolyn to move on. As they re-connect again, Stephen knows better and throws Carolyn a lifeline. Together, they strive to see if they can pull Emma through this ordeal. Now, can they beat the shadows that cloud their future?

Holly Jacobs has done a superb job in researching and writing a heartfelt second chance romance while realistically depicting the stresses and concerns around traumatic coma circumstances and how various people will react to circumstances. Mixed with humour and a few tears, you are sure to enjoy this everlasting love story.

Book Summary

As children…

During their families' summer vacations, Carolyn Kendal and Stephan Foster were inseparable—running in the hot sand, chasing shadows and building a friendship that would last a lifetime.

As teenagers…

Their friendship turned serious. Carolyn and Stephan found themselves exploring the intensity of first love—even if it was only for the summer.

And as adults…

Carolyn's daughter lies in a hospital bed fighting for her life. Suddenly Stephan is there beside her, offering support, strength—and enough love to last a lifetime of summers. Because when they're together, shadows don't stand a chance…do they?