After the death of her bitter and demanding mother, Sara
Jolene Tilman finds herself alone in the world for the
very first time—and ready for a fresh start. Leaving
behind the pain and isolation of her former life, Sara
becomes Jolene, and moves into the aptly named Thank the
Lord Boarding House, a modest oceanside sanctuary that
houses eleven other “misguided souls,” as proprietess
Fannie Johnson thinks of them. Surrounded by strangers,
Jolene is forced to confront how socially awkward—and
achingly lonely—she really is. Taking care of others is
all she has ever known. Can she learn to take care of
herself? But as Jolene naively begins her stumbling—
sometimes treacherous—search for love and belonging, she
finds she is not alone…
Disillusioned by romance and material success, Richard
Peterson has decided to give up his high-powered
international career and return to his U.S. roots. On the
advice of a friend, Richard registers at Thank the Lord
Boarding House. But while he planned to shed the trappings
of wealth along with his business suit, he is taken aback
by the humble surroundings, including the down-to-earth
housemates for whom his status means nothing. Nonetheless,
as Richard is forced to turn inward, he is also drawn into
local life and discovers simple pleasures—including an
unexpected new friendship and a promising new
relationship.
Behind the scenes is Fannie Johnson, shepherding her
unlikely flock—two of whom just may surprise her. For in a
community where character is everything, Jolene and
Richard must struggle to find themselves at last.