by Sally John

Hearing about earthquakes is disturbing, but when Teal sees the highway fall right before her eyes, it is a life changing experience.  Of course the first thing one would do is reach for the cell phone and call your loved ones.  Lines are jammed and towers are down, so Teal isn’t able to make a connection with her husband, River, or daughter, Maiya.  When she finally has reception, she receives the news that River is in the hospital.  Of course they survive all the trauma, but it brings about questions that Teal would rather leave unanswered.  Maiya wants to know who her biological father is.  Teal has never told anyone, not even the father.  It’s a door she was hoping to keep shut forever.  Teal’s own family, sister, brother, mom, stepdad, and her own father who left and never came back,  has been estranged.  But now that trouble has come to them, she must return to her home town and face issues she’s hidden away for far too long.  Sally John delivers a touching story about life’s unexpected detours and the courage it takes to erase the lies that can echo in our hearts.