Description

Is running away the answer, or is it the beginning of something new? At thirty-eight, Claire Perkins carries the weight of scars left by an abusive childhood. Returning to her hometown for her mother’s funeral awakens old wounds she can no longer ignore. With nothing but the need to heal, she chooses to retreat into solitude and reinvention.

Pigeon Grove, a seemingly sleepy southern town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, becomes Claire’s refuge. But what starts as an escape quickly transforms into a journey of rediscovery. Among quirky locals like Hank, the produce shop owner with endless trivia; Lizzie, the estranged niece yearning for family; and Jack, a sketch artist haunted by his own past, Claire begins to see that her path isn’t about hiding—it’s about connecting.

Through unexpected friendships, second chances, and the gentle pull of community, Claire learns that healing comes not from running away, but from allowing herself to belong.

A heartfelt story of resilience, love, and finding home where you least expect it, this novel will touch anyone who has ever longed for a fresh start and a place to truly belong.