Marta Leduc longs to remember her childhood more vividly. The urge to make sense of the chaos and trauma remains strong even after she accomplishes her lifelong goal of publishing her novel. Generations of her family followed the same trajectory of their New Hampshire town. They thrived on booming millwork and then, upon the downturn, crumbled just as the uninhabited brick buildings did. When success is at her fingertips, Marta is faced with the reality that her past is always nipping at her heels. Like the lingering ache of whiplash, she understands the misfortunes she’s endured will always be a part of her. Encouraged by Terrance, Marta begins to imagine a life she never thought possible.
Carol and Marta must unite if they intend to change “what always has been” into “what could be.” When their fates intertwine, neither is safe from the forces that wish to hold them back. Will sheer determination be enough to keep them ahead of the next disaster?