TWICE IN A LIFETIME is about taking chances and accepting that change can be good. Dorothy Garlock writes about opening one's eyes and heart and seeing the possibilities. In TWICE IN A LIFETIME, we are challenged to believe in coupling that doesn't seem natural or expected but that is very right. Garlock is all about taking that enormous leap of faith to find something you didn't even realize was missing.

Every person hopes for the everlasting love and marriage. But at times our expectations are just too great and life teaches us to perhaps settle for what might seem like a lot less. Garlock likes to have her readers believe that just because we face tragedy, loss and heartbreak there should always be that part of us that is open to possibilities -- chances -- and a second time for love.

Drake is a nomadic car racer that travels from town to town looking for his next race. Drake isn't looking for anything more. There was a part -- buried deep down -- that Drake seldom acknowledged. The part where he settled down and had a family. But there was never the impetus to take a chance -- no one special enough to give up the life he knew. Until Drake and his partner Amos wound up in Sunset.

Drake finds himself unusually preoccupied with the widow Clara and her son Tommy. He does something he never expects -- he delays leaving Sunset for his next race. What is so special about this woman who has so many problems and responsibilities any sane man would run? Sometimes there is no distinct reason for attraction. Drake is practically tripping over his tongue finding ways to spend time with Clara. And the more time he spends with her, the greater the urge to stop running and racing. But there are obstacles in his way. And candidly, Clara's path toward a new relationship is rocky as well. Clara has not been able to move forward since her young husband died in the military.

Clara is trying to deal with a nuisance of a boss, a mother with increasing health issues and a belligerent teenage son -- not to mention questionable means to support her family. She hasn't had anyone to depend on in years. Clara is weighted down with the same issues as many single parents. But Drake's presence in her life is giving her the gift of companionship, laughter and emotional support.

Clara knows that Drake is only one race away from leaving. Drake is looking for a sign to stay. Theirs is a very complicated relationship -- only time will tell -- and time isn't necessarily on their side.

Dorothy Garlock loves to write about small towns. In TWICE IN A LIFETIME, we are enmeshed in the goings on in a very small town -- barely a blip on a map. And yet Garlock wants her reader to realize just how much life is squeezed into this hamlet. Garlock's characters aren't always easy to like but that doesn't stop us from loving them. TWICE IN A LIFETIME gives you an opportunity to maintain a positive attitude when conditions are downright depressing. Good people deserve a good life. TWICE IN A LIFETIME clearly illustrates that even the best people face life as a challenge. Keep the faith and love will find a way.