When Lightning Strikes: A Novel [Paperback]

“Hannah is superb at delving into her main characters’ psyches and delineating nuances of feeling.”—The Washington Post Book World

Romance writer Alaina Costanza has given up on dreams and fairy tales. Then one stormy night, she is suddenly plunged back in time to the wild, Western world of her newest novel. Disoriented and disbelieving, she is kidnapped by her own character, a ruthless outlaw known only as Killian. But this “dream” is all too real. Once wisecracking and invincible, Alaina is now a mother desperate to return to the child she left behind—one hundred years in the future. Yet Alaina and Killian will discover a love too magnificent to last a single lifetime. But for the sake of Alaina’s child, they must risk it all and fight for a future that depends on lightning striking . . . twice.

“Hannah writes with candor, tenderness, and vivid detail. Her characters are endearing and admirable.”—Publishers WeeklyKristin Hannahis the #1New York Timesbestselling author of many acclaimed novels, includingThe NightingaleandFly Away.She and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii.Chapter One

NEW YORK
PRESENT DAY

“So, Ms. Costanza, how much sexual research do you do?”
Even now, almost four hours after the Geraldo interview, Lainie winced at the offensive question.
She played and replayed it in her mind, every time coming up with a witty, stinging retort. So, Geraldo, how much research did you do before you blasted Capone’s basement on prime time?
Of course, she hadn’t said anything that clever or intelligent. Oh, no. Not her. She’d let anger get the best of her–again–and spoken without thinking. “Could you ask a stupider question, Geraldo? Really, inquiring minds want to know.”
She winced at the memory. She should have known better than to rl#K