"Simone’s favorite student, Hannah Stark, seems to have a deadbeat dad. Mr. Stark brings Hannah to school late and unprepared for the day. As a former foster child who suffered at the hands of self-absorbed adults, Simone has a low tolerance for inattentive parents, and finds herself berating Mr. Stark for neglect. Soon, Simone discovers she’s had it all wrong. Hannah’s father is a widower, struggling to manage life as a single parent. Simone is overcome with guilt, but a friend saves her from spiraling into self-loathing and counsels her to seek Mr. Stark out to apologize. Upon taking this sound advice, unexpected affection ignites, but when Simone’s troubled past enters the picture, everything she holds dear is suddenly threatened. Will Simone be able to hold onto her treasured teaching position? Or will her past rip her away from her job and the chance for love?" -- Back cover.