Book excerpt: Valerie has lived with heart failure for years, each beat a reminder of life's fragility. At her father's birthday party, she's suddenly face-to-face with Everett, her father's old friend and the man she has secretly adored since childhood. Everett, now fifty and struggling financially, attends the party out of loyalty to his friend, unaware that he will reconnect with Valerie, the vibrant girl who has always held a special place in his heart. As Valerie and Everett rekindle their bond, they realize life is about seizing precious moments. "Eternal Echoes" is a poignant tale of love, loss, and profound connections. Join Valerie and Everett on their journey as they discover that the heart's true desires often defy logic and transcend time.