Decoding Us: A Novel About Friendship

Four middle-aged friends embark on a week-long treasure hunting girls' trip as a distraction from the pressures of everyday life, but as it does, life catches up, and they are forced to face their struggles and insecurities.

Amy is concerned her third marriage is going the way of the first two. She has no escape because even her job is a source of stress and the mundane tasks drone on. She just needs a break to think.

Heather is bored and lonely with her two sons grown and moved away. She lost her identity when she became Tyler's mom and Cody's mom. She needs this trip to feel like Heather again.

Marissa is burning the candle at both ends, but the burnout is coming. Between her parents living with her and requiring her full attention to her teenage kids' demands, she needs to get away or lose her mind.

Denise was just diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. This may be the last fun thing she gets to do. Never wanting to be a burden to anyone, she doesn't mention it to anyone. Now, if only she can hide it from her closest friends, they'll only have good memories to remember her by.

They may or may not find the treasure, but they gain something much more valuable.