Thomas James is the author of  Into the Stars (LuLu, $15.99 pb).

Thomas James spins a heartfelt tale about a man who has given up on love just as it comes trying to knock his door down.

Orlando Lafayette had his heart shattered early on in life by the supposed love of his life, Derek, who left him high and dry with their young daughter, Arianna. And while he continues to try and piece his life back together, the chance of a lifetime and a means of therapy appear as his best friend pulls some strings to produce the play he wrote years earlier. Father and daughter are soon whisked away to New York City where he meets Angelo, the attractive father of his Arianna’s classmate.

 Through book club meetings, chance encounters, and a few timid dates, Orlando becomes more at ease Angelo and willing to trust with his heart once again. As always, though, things are not what they seem, and secrets are being hidden from Orlando as whispers of Derek haunt his new life.