A Girl by Any Other Name

Book excerpt: Everyone tells him he needs to move on, but how can a man function without his heart? Ten-year-old Caleb Tanner wants nothing to do with Sylvie Cranston, the annoying weird girl who moves next door to him and gets him in trouble for swearing. But at twelve, they become friends when he teaches her how to hook a fishing line and she shows him the value of a selfless act. At fourteen, he falls in love with her. At sixteen, she dies. Or so he's told. But Cal never believes it. Sylvie has become part of his soul. He knows her like the steady beating of his own heart. He'd know if she was dead. Cal looks for her, prays for her and finally he just waits for her. Nine years later, she walks into the community college English class Cal is teaching. Only this girl claims her name is Sophie Becker and she doesn't know him. Cal knows better. He's determined to get the girl he loves back-and protect her from the danger that took her away all those years ago.