Many of us have that one unrequited love that always seems to haunt us with the question: “What if?” For one woman, she’s spent her life asking that irritating little question, and yet she knows she and her dream man aren’t even in the same league. After all, she’s just a humble teacher and he’s her brother’s handsome, successful best friend. But when he makes a gesture that helps her through a difficult time, does it indicate that she’s not the only one who has been carrying a torch all these years? Find out in Susan Mallery’s thoughtful new novel, Before Summer Ends. We hope you enjoy this excerpt from her forthcoming book. —J&H