Reclaimed Baggage

Barbara is a widow, a recent retiree, and a liar. She tells lies like she drinks hot coffee—easily and often. Yes, this macaroni salad is homemade. Yes, I love your new dress. Yes, my children have the same father. The way Barbara sees it, lying can help smooth out life's bumpiest roads. She would know; she's been walking them as long as she can remember.Now, her three kids are independent and grown, and Barbara's helpful lies are catching up with her. She blames everything but herself: bad luck, stubborn children who no longer listen to their mother, questionable advances like DNA testing. And when her oldest daughter, Jenna, announces her plans to carry a baby for another couple, Barbara feels compelled to intervene. She doesn't want Jenna leaving a trail of regret—she knows a little something about that.Enter Stewart, a recovered alcoholic who doesn't lie about anything. At first, Barbara closes herself off to the idea of romance, but Stewart is persistent and patient. Barbara begins to wonder if maybe she's capable of change, after all this time. To keep her family together, she might have to try.