Publisher's Synopsis
Lynne and Betsy Parker are sisters and best friends. They were raised on a farm in rural Wisconsin by a mother who was a talented artist and as a result, they grew up appreciating and benefitting from the creative energy and company of other artists. When they were young, their mother purchased an old, rundown building outside of town and renovated it, creating an artist's studio that included unique rental space, drawing in other artists and providing opportunities for collaboration, along with a small income stream. Over the years, the building and the artists that occupied it-who all turned out to be women-became an integral part of the Parker family. The old building, because of its rough facade, became known as the "shack," and the women, by association, the "shack girls." Eventually, Betsy marries, and she and her family return to manage the farm. Lynne moves away and starts a career in Chicago, but the girls see each other often, and continue to stay close to one another. Lynne has created a pretty great life for herself in the city. She has a home she loves, a career on the rise, and great friends and neighbors. Everything seems perfect, until one summer evening, when her life is shattered by an act of violence that would change everything. Lynne is strong, and while she's fragile and broken, she knows she will eventually heal. It will take time to put her life back together, but she knows she won't have to do it alone - she has Betsy standing behind her to support her. Just as Lynne is getting her life back on track, the tables turn, and this time it's Betsy who needs Lynne's help. Betsy's cancer is diagnosed early. She's young and otherwise healthy, and doggedly determined to overcome the disease. While the shack girls are there to provide whatever love and assistance Betsy and her family need, it's Lynne who Betsy needs most. Lynne immediately drops everything and returns to the family farm to be there for Betsy. She steps in, takes care of the family, and keeps everything running smoothly, so Betsy can focus all of her strength on regaining her health. Soon, Betsy is well enough that she and Lynne can spend time at the shack exploring their own talents and absorbing the support and positive energy of the shack girls. But one day, unexpectedly, Lynne's past shows up at the shack and threatens the peace and stability that has just come back into their lives. Challenges and opportunities often flow into each other and, in the case of Lynne, Betsy, and the shack girls, each woman will learn about strengths and talents they didn't know they had, while growing closer to each other as sisters and dear friends.
