Mary-Beth Manning

A trip to the past helps a teenager learn to appreciate her mother

Thirteen-year-old Jessie is in love with Michael, a 17-year-old guitar instructor and aspiring musician. When she finally captures his interest, she lies and tells him she's 16. But what will Michael do when he discovers the truth?

A city-bred grandson moves to his grandparents' farm during the Great Depression and grows up enough under their tough care to help his grandfather deliver a surprise gift on Christmas Eve to their community church with the help of a phantom stranger.

This is the story of a 40-year-old divorced teacher whose life is changed by her decision to enter the Boston Marathon.