A Home out of Ashes (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781778236723)

Rett and Harry are partners with a vision for their family. They know how they want to live. The only problem is doing it.

Nurse Rett is used to being in charge. She's the Madison sister who can solve any problem. Her husband Harry's been the stay-at-home parent, juggling babies, meals, and playdates. When he gets the chance to finish his environmental studies with a researcher out West, both he and Rett are ready. He leaves amid fanfare and dreams for their family's future.

But Rett's job goes south, money stops flowing in, and Harry's out of touch in a field camp in northern Manitoba. Rett handles things, moving her family back to Stella Mare and taking on chickens, goats, homesteading and homeschooling, but when she's accused of wrongdoing, her kids melt down with anxiety, and her handsome neighbour comes on strong, she falters.

Harry's life in field camp is thrilling at first but soon becomes challenging. Conflict with his project manager, misdirection by the big boss, and the vast unending wilderness take a toll. Disconnected from home and his wife, it's hard to remember why he's even doing this. All he can think about is getting home, but he's not sure Rett will want him after what he's put them through.

She's a purported murderer and unfaithful; he's a failed scientist with no ambition. Neither one feels worthy of the love of the other. This distance might be unbridgeable.

This third volume in the Sisters of Stella Mare brings back the Madison sisters, holding each other up through the struggles of everyday life. Plus dogs, kids, chickens, goats and the pleasures of small-town life.