Leona Harper loves two things: her family and the small-town church her husband has pastored for the last eighteen years. Now that they're both gone, can she learn to love herself? USA TODAY Bestselling Author Lynne Gentry takes a heartwarming peek at second chances and the well-intentioned folks who inadvertently sabotage them. Come visit the small West Texas town of Mt. Hope for a generous helping of southern humor and hope. When tragedy strikes Leona Harper, the devastated pastor's wife summons her estranged children home. But parenting young adults in the glass house of the parsonage proves more difficult than reinventing herself. Determined to give her broken family a shot at a second chance, Leona begins the painful journey of putting one foot in front of the other. Reconciliation and healing won't come easy in this zany, trouble-filled, hilarious walk-through-grief adventure. Brimming with wit, authenticity, and southern charm, the Mt. Hope Southern Adventure Series explores the inspirational and emotional healing of a family. You’ll have to laugh to keep from crying. These stories are a touching addition to the small town, generational series of favorite authors like Ann B. Ross, Jan Karon, Philip Gulley, and Fannie Flagg. “Gentry is one to watch.” ~RT Reviews “Gentry’s small-town series sparkles with humor, heart, and southern charm.” ~Amazon Reviewer Read ALL the books in the Mt. Hope Southern Adventures series: #1 Walking Shoes #2 Shoes to Fill #3 Dancing Shoes #4 Baby Shoes #5 Santa Shoes If you loved the folks in the Texas town of Mt. Hope, you've got to meet the quirky women of Fossil Ridge ranch. #1 Flying Fossils #2 Finally Free #3 First Frost "Gentry always leaves readers wanting more." ~ Romantic Times on Return to Exile ( 4.5 Stars Top Pick) "Gentry made me feel things." -Amazon reviewer "You will laugh and cry." -Amazon reviewer "I'm rootingfor you, Leona!" -Amazon reviewer "Story of family, humor, loss, and strength." -Amazon reviewer Writing the Mt. Hope Southern Adventures series has been a return to my small town/comedy roots. Most of my readers know me as a Historical Sci-Fi author, so dipping my toe back into the wonderful people of my growing up years has been delicious. I hope you'll check out all my books at   lynnegentry.com . I love hearing from readers and try to answer every email. Laughter truly is the best medicine. Sooner or later everyone encounters setback or tragedy. When then bottom fell out of the ministry we'd worked so hard to build, it made me ask: Why do some thrive in conflict while others struggle to survive? And which one will I be? Years of ministry had afforded me the opportunity to observe people undergoing identical difficulties (divorce, loss of a spouse, illness, financial ruin,etc.) Some remained faithful, even emerged more committed to their faith. Others floundered and fell away? I've pondered the reasons and come to believe, those who make it are those who prepared ahead of time. The survivors grounded themselves in God's word,surrounded themselves with a strong support system, and regularly yielded their will to the Father before the storm hit. Thus, when life spins out of control, they rock on the waves, but eventually they grab hold of the Hand they knew well and allow Him to bring them to safe harbor. This is the assurance I craved, and the comfort I achieved by writing this book. I was prepared and that is why when it was my turn to sink or swim, I made it safely to the shore. You can too! Lynne Gentry authors short stories, novels, and dramatic works. She treasures time spent with family and her medical therapy dog.