Her heart bursting with pride, Hilary Wynn watched as her handsome, athletic 18-year-old son, Seth, happily joked with his friends while making their high school graduation video. Balancing her life as a nurse with being a single parent since her unexpected divorce from Eric when Seth was small had not been easy for her, but she had survived thanks to her faith and her loyal circle of friends.

As Seth and his friends dropped hints about participating in the unofficial, but traditional, graduating class bush camping party, Hilary was not thrilled with the idea, but she knew these kids and knew they were solid and had good values instilled in them. Besides, what serious harm could come from it?

But, Hilary's tightly controlled little world was about to come totally unraveled. Her ex wanted to come and bring Pam, his second wife, along with their young children, Ben and Lily. How could she put up with their interference at this happy time? They had everything and she had been abandoned! Now she would be alone again with Seth going off to college. As Hilary mentally steeled herself for their visit, she had no idea of the tragedy that would happen. Will she have the fortitude and courage to do what is really needed?

This is the first book by Deborah Bedford that I have had the pleasure to read and it definitely won't be the last! I stand in awe of her idyllic and timely writing style that places the reader totally inside the thoughts, feelings, and fears of Hilary Wynn as she thinks about her own actions and the perceived actions of others. While an easy to read book, it thoughtfully grapples with the immediate and long-range impact of unintended consequences and bitterness. I could really identify with the need to bite back on the quick sarcastic response, whether spoken or not, and the negative feelings it spawns. In the discussion questions at the end of the book, the author notes that she wrote the book as a contemporary version of the Biblical story of Hannah. She has truly succeeded in her mission of making this an inspiring story! A treasure. to enjoy and share with friends!