Hello, It's Me

By Wendy Markham

     Since her husband's death, Annie Harlowe has had a difficult time keeping it together. She sells her handcrafts on consignment and works for a caterer friend, but she's still just scraping by. Since she can't count on finding the fabled Copper Beach treasure, she considers cutting off her husband's cell phone, but hearing Andre's voice message revitalizes her. That is, until he speaks to her. If only she could hear what he's saying through the static.

     Thomas Brannock IV has everything money can buy, yet his life is still lacking. He's had his fill of the mind-numbing social gatherings attended by Botox-frozen faces. Even the thrill of a hostile takeover has worn thin for this corporate raider. He needs to start living by his own rules.

     After Thom and Annie literally bump into each other, possibilities sparkle. First, Annie must lay her past to rest and decide if Andre really meant "forever by my side?"And Thom must decide if he's just using Annie to rebel against his mother's standards. Perhaps with a little help from beyond, Annie will open her eyes-and her heart-to new love.

     Ms. Markham has dedicated this work to the widow and widowers of 9/11 "in solemn memory of their lost loved ones." She handles Annie's grief honestly and delicately; she's neither maudlin nor detached. Thom is the perfect hero; he's sexy, patient and understanding. Annie's children are adorable and Merlin, the caterer, is a gem! If you're headed for the beach, be sure to pack Hello, It's Me. It's a little slice of heaven!