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by Katy Michele (Author)
Rumi Matthews is desperate for a fresh start.
As a single mom, Rumi's sole focus is providing for her daughter and giving her the life she never had-one filled with love and security. She never thought she would be strong enough to break the cycle of abuse, not until the night her boyfriend takes things too far. Fighting for her life, Rumi escapes, vowing to never let anything-or anyone-ever get close enough to hurt her or her daughter again.
One year later, Rumi is content as a barista and thankful for the new best friend her job has given her. Though her circle is small, she is safe, and she is happy. But most importantly, so is her daughter. Yet Rumi can't help but wonder if she's still keeping the people around her at an arm's length. She doesn't need a partner-or want one after her last relationship-but maybe a few more friends couldn't hurt.
Enter Jack Hastings, the grief-ridden firefighter who recently came back to town.
After months of isolation-hiding in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, away from anything and anyone that reminds him of why he ran-Jack knows he needs to come home. He has yet to process his feelings about why he left in the first place and is now reeling with PTSD, but he's back in town, convinced that he can just put it all behind him and move on. He's struggling to reclaim a sense of purpose when he stumbles upon Rumi, full of questions she's too afraid to ask and a resilience he can't ignore.
The two find comfort in one another, learning to trust not only each other, but themselves too. Their connection slowly becomes something neither of them thought they were ready for but maybe something that could save them both. But, as their friendship deepens, will they be able to confront the pasts they've tried to outrun?
Together, Rumi and Jack learn that not all is lost when everything around you seems to burn to the ground. But rather, it is possible for something new to rise from the ashes.
