Cathy Zane is a writer, psychotherapist and former Labor and Delivery nurse who draws on her many years of working with women and families to create narratives of growth and healing. As a lifelong reader, she believes in the power of story not only to entertain, but also to inspire, connect us to our common humanity and instill hope.

On the surface, Sarah Jenkins appears to have a perfect life: she has a strikingly handsome, wealthy, and successful husband; a precocious five-year-old daughter; and a beautiful home in an affluent Seattle neighborhood. Her quirky best friend and fellow high school teacher, Maggie, envies her. Surely, Sarah’s life is the recipe for happiness.

But Sarah is far from happy. She feels empty, anxious, and on edge, with a critical inner voice that constantly puts her down—and as the reality of her marriage and the details of her past emerge, her “perfect” life begins to crumble, and it becomes clear that she is living a lie. As she confronts her past, she slowly allows herself to open to the healing power of connection, friendship, and love. Can she quiet the critical voice in her head and learn to value herself instead?