"...a story of hope, resilience, and the power of kindness." - Laurie Buchanan, award-winning author

"This heartfelt, realistic novel . . . handles a serious topic with care." - Kirkus Review

Taking only what they can quickly pack, 11-year-old Mardella Houston and her mom flee from an abusive home to start a fresh life in the small town of Haven, Minnesota. But Mardella's sure she's to blame-if only she hadn't dialed 911, none of this would be happening. Her dad wouldn't be in jail, her mom would still have her old job, Mardella would still have friends, and they wouldn't be starting over.

Fortunately, her mom's new job at Rest Haven Senior Living gives them somewhere to live-but the over-age-65 residence is a boring, run-down, funny smelling place. Even so, Mardella volunteers to make their new home as cheerful as possible. Through these colorful projects, she is surprised that she soon has new friends-of all ages. But when her father gets out of jail, determined to find them, Mardella realizes she's made another terrible mistake-one that might destroy their chance at happiness. This time it's up to her to fix everything and keep her mom and new friends safe.

This moving story for middle-grade readers sensitively addresses a tough topic through the eyes of a preteen. It's a story about misplaced guilt, intergenerational friendships, and an unlikely found family as Mardella discovers her inner strength and the true meaning of home.

AUTHOR

Valerie Biel

Circle of Nine: Beltany Book One in the Circle of Nine Series

Beyond the Cemetery Gate: The Secret Keeper's Daughter

Haven

Circle of Nine: Novella Collection (Circle of Nine Series Book 2)

Circle of Nine: Sacred Treasures (Circle of Nine Series Book 3)

Circle of Nine: Mercy in the Mist (Circle of Nine Series Book 4)