Black Hills / Nora Roberts / 472 pgs

Lil Chance and Cooper Sullivan became friends when Coop was sent to South Dakota to spend the summer on his grandparents farm.  Lil's family were neighbors and she had a homemade batting cage, skills, and baseball knowledge.  Each year their friendship deepened as Coop made his annual trip to the farm.  Lil knows exactly what she wants form life - to become a wildlife biologist, protect her family, open a wildlife refuge, and marry Coop.  Coop is uncertain of his future, but knows he must become someone before he can claim Lil.  His wealthy father ties up his trust accounts and Coop is forced to pay for his own schooling and eventually opens his own detective agency.  He returns to South Dakota when his grandpa has an accident, and he realizes that his feelings for Lil have not changed.  As Coop and Lil investigate a serial killer who has selected Lil as his ultimate hunt, will they rediscover their mutual love?  This is most enjoyable, suspense-filled read, keen on family and conservation, with a most satisfying ending.