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A young mom, a hotshot lawyer, a beleaguered landscaper, and a feisty widow sign up for a writers' workshop hosted by a professor who doesn't want to be there.

Their families, careers, and even the city they love depend on whether they champion each other's stories or write one another off.

Join Professor Harrington and his students as they eat and critique their way through Madison, Wisconsin's downtown food scene and struggle to get their stories-and lives-just right before the Christmas deadline.

"Delightful, debut novel filled with humor and hope"

"When a group of men and women from all walks of life and ages join a writing group for the first time conducted by a reluctant professor, surprises ensue. This was entertaining all the way through, an emotional rollercoaster. I began rooting for each of the characters-even those with sour attitudes at first. This reader got involved with each person's unique life and desperation, from a lawyer on the cusp of ruin to a dad losing touch with his family to a pregnant mom in dire need of support. The author also gives a glimpse of authentic Madison, Wisconsin, which I know well. This is a delightful debut novel filled with humor and hope."

Christine DeSmet, Fudge Shop Mystery Series and Mischief in Moonstone Series

"Amazing debut novel"

"Any aspiring fiction writer who's ever attended a writer's workshop will immediately identify with the truths in this novel. The tensions, the divisions, the preoccupations of all the participants are effectively rendered in what is ultimately an uplifting tale of five wildly diverse people coming together over a shared interest in completing and improving their unique stories.

"With a deft, comedic hand and the eye of a careful observer, the author develops not 5 characters but 6 with the city of Madison, lovingly rendered, becoming much more than just a backdrop for the events. (The Wisconsin tourism industry should take note of this book.) Each character realizes his/her individual character arc over a limited September to January period, a significant authorial feat when one considers most novels have only 2 main characters to fully develop. Then each individual's story line must be interwoven with the others so that pace is maintained and the entire story becomes one complete, fully entertaining and satisfying whole.

"I applaud the author for her an amazing debut and hope to see more from her."

Helen J.

Cover art by Evgenia Dolotovskaia