Book excerpt: An unpopular war raged in Vietnam and Barry McGuire's song "Eve of Destruction" remained relevant. The summer of '68 was riddled with violent civil rights demonstrations and antiwar protests. Amid the troubled times, another conflict brewed between two young people who struggled to beat the odds and save their love. Olivia Donotelo watched in alarm as the two-toned Plymouth pulled alongside the curb. Oh no! She wasn't ready to face him yet! Just home from a rejuvenating summer at the Jersey Shore, Olivia had mixed feelings about seeing Matthew again. Their ill-fated romance the year before had been doomed from the start, thanks to the devious actions of jealous friends and her strict Italian mother. Olivia had tried to cast him out of her heart, but memories of his strong arms and gentle kisses haunted her dreams. Matthew Langdon warily waited for Olivia to acknowledge him and hoped she would accept a ride home. Given their rocky relationship, he didn't know how receptive she would be. He hadn't kept his word about calling, but that didn't mean he hadn't thought about her-all summer long! Would she give him a chance to explain?