In this follow up to the much discussed BEGINNER'S LUCK, readers will find Hallie Palmer enjoying her new life in college.

Final exams are in full swing when Hallie's guardian, Bernard Stockton shows up.  It seems Bernard and his partner, Gil, have broken up, and Bernard is just devastated.  Bernard asks Hallie to return to Cosgrove County for the summer to work as Bernard and his mother's gardener.

In Cosgrove County, Bernard's vivacious mother, Olivia; Olivia's Italian lover, Ottavio; the house pet Rocky, a zealous chimpanzee; and then Hallie's own dysfunctional family all await Hallie's arrival.  Hallie's summer is off in full swing as everyone ask her to solve their problems.  As Hallie seemingly tackles the world, she wonders if she'll ever find time to address her own problems--financial woes, boyfriend problems, and thoughts of a mother who is pregnant with yet another child...

I missed BEGINNER'S LUCK, so I entered HEART'S DESIRE without any former introduction to the wacky cast of characters.  Regardless of that issue, I quickly caught up on the past and settled down into Laura Pedersen's charming, witty writing style.

HEART'S DESIRE is a Ballantine Books Reader's Circle pick.  The book is wrapped up nicely with a comprehensive list of discussion questions and interview with the author.  Another Hallie story is in the works, I can't wait to find out what happens next!