Will her second chance cost her everything? Brenda Maxwell's successful career vanished in one disastrous day. Now she's traded her L.A. condo for a new life, settling in an off-the-grid cabin in rural West Virginia. But the seeming tranquility of Chestnut Springs is more of a challenge than she ever expected. Brenda's self-reliance is put to the test as she faces savage weather, a hungry bear, a jealous rival and a false arrest. Independence only goes so far. Can she find help among new friends? Praise for Chestnut Springs "Bova's writing is at its best in this novel as she describes the simple pleasures of gardening and cooking that slowly heal and transform her main character. At the same time, the author acknowledges the realities of rural life, from the perils of nature to the politics and prejudices of small towns. She is adept at weaving in contemporary concerns, including community drug problems and commercial exploitation of the environment. Her touch remains gentle throughout, her portrayals unflinchingly honest while still displaying a tolerance for human failing. "The characters and settings in Chestnut Springs are realistic and familiar, making it easy for the reader to become engaged in the story. I curled up with this novel on a rainy weekend and found it to be an uplifting and satisfying read and one that I highly recommend. It is ultimately a book about hope, and that is something we can all use." - Ann Eichenmuller, Chesapeake Style