Heather Mateus Sappenfield Knihy

Set against the diverse backdrop of the West, this collection features seventeen stories that explore the intricate lives of characters ranging from skiers to suffragettes. Themes of personal struggle and societal expectations are prevalent, as seen in tales of young girls navigating adult complexities and a pregnant gold-digger seeking redemption. With a mix of humor and poignant moments, the narratives reveal how individual desires often conflict with societal values, weaving a rich tapestry of human experience and resilience.

On an ordinary Monday, Rill Kruse left for third grade with a dad, but when she came home, he'd been stolen. By a river. One year and thirteen days later--on the first morning of summer vacation--Rill still insists he's trudging home. Her mom has become a practical woman. Her older brother, Eddy, now calls her baby and dork. Gus, second-in-command at Kruse Whitewater Adventures, Rill's family's rafting company, has gone from being her dad's "risk bro" to her mom's guardian angel. Joyce, company secretary, arm-wrestler, and mechanic, still calls Rill a fingerling, but, after learning what a cheater water is, Rill wishes she'd stop. When Rill's cat, Clifford, leads her to the family tree fort on the mountainside behind home, she discovers a stowaway, Perla. To help Perla, Rill embarks on an adventure that tests her understanding of the world, of loss, and of what it means to be a friend. In the end, what Rill discovers will nudge her--and all those she loves--toward healing.