“Everything can be undone.” That’s what someone tells Gracie Brannen, but she’s doubtful. After graduation, she walked away from everyone she knew with barely a word. Ten years later, she’s back. Even as familiar places and faces bring back old pain, Gracie finds hope in rebuilding old ties and forging new ones. Maybe everything can’t be undone, but perhaps everything can be overcome.

I don’t know what it is, but I am a sucker for a coming home story. After learning about the death of her mother, Gracie is returning to her hometown for the first time in ten years. Since she suddenly left town after graduation, she’s forced to face not only the people she left behind, but the questions that aroused with her sudden departure.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was Gracie’s story. As someone who grew up in a dysfunctional household, I found I could really relate to some of the incidences that occurred during Gracie’s childhood. I could also relate to how these kinds of situations can affect someone years later. Too often people assume that once a child is removed from a bad situation, everything will be okay. Even though Gracie was fortunate enough that her abusive, alcoholic father eventually left her family, she still struggles with the emotional and psychological damage he impacted on her.

Another great aspect of this story is the fact that Gracie is getting the opportunity to reconnect with her family, friends and even her past. It’s an opportunity that a lot of people would probably kill for. But it also serves to make this a compelling and heartwarming tale. If I had to recommend a book to a friend, this is exactly the book I would recommend. I can’t pinpoint a single aspect of it that I had an issue with and it’s only for the fear of spoiling the book that I have been holding back with my thoughts. In my book, this is a must read that every bookworm should check out.

Reviewer’s note: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

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