In this prequel to The Year of Losing Things , Beth Fitzpatrick finds herself suddenly catapulted from her idyllic days of high school popularity into the vast and uncharted realms of adult life, on an unsure quest for her ultimate purpose. Deeply loyal to her loving but overprotective parents and her younger, tempestuous sister, Beth nevertheless finds the resolve to remove herself from the safety of the life she's always known and to pursue her dreams of becoming a high school teacher. Still wracked with uncertainty about stepping away from the boy she had dated in her senior year, Beth unwittingly finds herself making the acquaintance of a thoughtful and caring man whose own dreams show him to be a kindred spirit. Before she even realizes what's happening, Beth is drawn into a deep and tender love that promises to fulfill everything her heart has ever yearned for. But when life suddenly and unexpectedly lurches into the deepest tragedy she could possibly imagine, Beth finds herself struggling to decipher what it all means—her dreams, her faith, her purpose. Can she rise above the tidal wave of pain that threatens to tear her entire life asunder and still discover what her heart so desperately longs for? This work of Christian fiction explores themes of faith, healing, and personal growth in the face of significant life challenges. While written with discretion and care, the story touches on sensitive topics that some may find emotionally intense and is therefore recommended for adult readers.