When the gleaming World Trade Center towers come tumbling down on September 11th, so do the seemingly perfect lives of ten year old twins, Samantha and Andrew Bennett, and their mother, Rachel. Can they build a new life without their father, Ben? Can they honor his last wish? After many difficult decisions, the answer seems to be "yes." Then, when a stranger appears on the scene, reviving sorrows and revealing hidden emotions, their fragile new life is threatened. Set on the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard, Windswept is a story of loss and healing. It is a story about the strength of family. Above all, it is a story about the power of love, friendship and knowledge to effect change. And then, of course, there's that pirate business! Includes Readers Guide. "Windswept" is Kate Hancock's first published novel, but she has been writing for the theater for many years. She has written script and lyrics for dozens of plays and musicals for children. She has also written several pieces for adult audiences, including two plays: "A Visit Home" and "Daylilies"; and lyrics and co-book for three musicals: "The Playboy of Ballyduff" and "So Nice to Come Home To," both with composer and co-book writer Richard B. Evans; and lyrics for "Lighthouse Point," book by Rick Herrick, music by Ben Willmott. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and The Dramatists Guild and she is an alumna of the Lehman Engel-BMI Musical Theater Workshop for composers and lyricists. In addition to her writing, she taught 4th and 5th grade for 16 years, primarily at Willard School in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and she has also been a professional stage manager for over 35 years. She holds Masters Degrees in education and theater history and criticism and lives on the island of Martha's Vineyard with her husband, Fred.