A tender, heartwarming novel of unlikely friendships and second chances, perfect for fans of Monica McInerney and Maeve Binchy.

Vivian Molloy hardly expected to retire early from teaching, but for her husband, Dave, she'd do anything. But when Dave abandons her after a weekend away, she returns home to their picturesque town in Tasmania, shell-shocked and alone with nothing to fill her days.

When an old colleague tries to rope her into teaching a writing class at the local library, Vivian is hesitant. How can she teach with her life falling apart? But it is the people she meets that help her remember who she is. Marilyn, tough-as-nails, has a secret passion for reading and a complex family life. Sienna, a young single mother, is trying to outrun her painful past. Quiet Oscar is housesitting for his sister, retreating from the mainland after losing his job.

As the writing class becomes a refuge and strangers become friends, its members will face decisions that will change their lives, and come to realise that when one door closes, others open in its place.

Praise for Esther Campion:

'An insightful and compassionate novel about loss, love and second chances . . . Esther Campion is an astute observer of human society and brings to her work a gentleness and sense of hopefulness that is immensely welcome' LIVING ARTS CANBERRA

'Warm, wise and full of humour' CATHY KELLY

'Join[s] the captivating Maeve Binchy in the pantheon of popular Irish novelists' IRISH SCENE

'An intelligent novel. Esther Campion has woven a poignant story about that journey everyone takes to find their own beloved place in the wide world' BETTER READING