A richly emotional account of the secret longings that can lead a woman to happiness... or to heartbreak.Having rebuilt her life after a devastating betrayal, Kate Bannister has finally returned to her hometown. Leading a quiet, solitary existence as the city librarian, she is busily preparing for a special appearance by a mysterious new author whose first novel, Gold Fever, has become an instant bestseller. But the news that Ashley Maclean is also coming to town quickly turns Kate's carefully controlled world upside down.Growing up together, Kate and Ashley used to be inseparable, first as best friends, then as lovers. Never doubting Ashley's love, Kate thought their lives were mapped out -- that they would always be together. But Ashley's family had other ideas. After catching the young lovers together Ashley's mother forced them to separate. Upon receiving the news that Ashley was about to be married, a distraught Kate left home, vowing never to let anyone get close enough to hurt heragain.Although Kate had convinced herself that the pain was behind her, the very mention of Ashley's name brings all of the old memories and feelings rushing back. What will she do if Ashley wants to see her again? Even worse -- what if Ashley doesn't?