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.