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Pub date March 11, 2025

Four Elk Press

ISBN 979-8990418004

Price $18.99 (USD) Paperback, $14.99 Kindle edition

A woman’s pursuit of second chances becomes a battle between hope and hardship in Black’s compelling latest novel. After escaping an abusive marriage, Kim MacLean starts over in Seattle with her son, building a fragile haven in a century-old farmhouse near her sister. But when tragedy strikes again, she must lean on the wisdom of her mother, sister, and teenage daughter to confront grief, unearth hard truths, and redefine her path forward.

Black’s narrative is taut and affirming. She gracefully balances the weight of Kim’s struggles with moments of levity and grace. Set against the evocative backdrop of a century-old farmhouse, Kim’s journey intertwines seamlessly with her sister’s, creating a vivid and intimate portrait of familial bonds. Their shared challenges and triumphs highlight the complexities of sisterhood and the enduring strength of family. The story’s emotional resonance is enhanced by the wisdom of the women in Kim’s life, whose voices offer guidance, grounding her search for peace and clarity. Black captures the rhythms of life with striking nuance, skillfully portraying its highs and lows. Her writing feels deeply personal while remaining universally relatable. Themes of forgiveness, loss, and renewal are woven intricately into the narrative, adding layers of emotional depth and complexity. A deeply affecting exploration of connection and identity, the story stays with you well beyond its conclusion.

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