The Things We Wish Were True

In this novel we follow multiple characters stories through the summer of 2014 in Sycamore Glen. We have Jencey, a mother returning with her two daughters, Pilar and Zara, back home after her husband’a arrest and is left with nothing. She is returning home to live with her parents as she figures out what her next steps are. Bryte  is married to Everrett, and her son Christopher. Bryte and Jencey were friends in high school, but haven’t really spoken since, not since Jencey suddenly left. Everrett is trying to connive Bryte that they should have another child, however, Bryte is reluctant and is thinking about returning to work. There’s Zell, the older neighborly lady whose children have all left home. Zell is married to John and is constantly helping out her neighbor Lance who has two children, Lilah and Alec. John keeps warning Zell not to get too involved in the children’s lives.  Lance needs help as his wife recently left and he finds himself as a single parent, and Zell is willing to help as much as she can.   Finally, we have Cailey and her brother Cutter, two young children who live with their mother, who is struggling to make ends meet. They are new in town are don’t know anyone.  Cailey is left in charge of Cutter, as their mother is working two jobs.

These characters are all brought together after an accident at the local pool, where they spend most of their summer days with their children. While the children swim, the parents socialize, just as their parents had growing up. We see their stories as they intertwine. Jencey, Bryte, and Everrett grew up together, were friends, and Jencey and Everrett even dated in high school. What issues will this bring up now that she is back in town? Everyone also seems to have a secret. How will these secrets affect the people they are keeping them from once they come to light?