Getting to Goose Neck Bend

Norly Wade is forty-five and fed up with her self-absorbed, controlling husband. The catalyst for big change comes in the form of … a cat. When Norly's sister finds herself in dire need of a temporary emergency home for her beloved feline Haley, Norly raises her hand—and Richard raises a fit. He gives Norly a choice: Me or the cat. Norly chooses the cat, and together, she and Haley head south toward the Oklahoma hills where Norly was born. Her search for a pet-friendly rental takes her to rural Goose Neck Bend, where she happens upon an elderly man hanging over his mailbox, having fallen ill. Norly stops to help the widowed, childless Oscar, a simple act that brings an unlikely cast of characters—and a mystery and a baby—into her life.

When Norly Wade's sister needs a temporary home for her beloved cat Haley, Norly raises her hand—and her self-absorbed, controlling husband Richard raises a fit. He gives Norly a choice: Me or the cat. Norly chooses the cat, and together, she and Haley head south toward the Oklahoma hills where Norly was born. Her search for a pet-friendly rental takes her to rural Goose Neck Bend, where she happens upon an elderly man hanging over his mailbox, having fallen ill. Norly stops to help the widowed, childless Oscar, a simple act that brings an unlikely cast of characters that changes the trajectory of her life. Just as Norly feels like she's putting down roots, she discovers she's expecting—and her finances are dwindling. In order to maintain her independence from Richard, Norly must find some means of financial support. She takes a leap of faith and buys the local corner store, and soon, she's faced with an old mystery that could bring Oscar the kin he longs for— and an injury that could force her back to Richard.

Marjorie Bailey lives in Lincoln, Nebraska. She writes novels, short stories, poetry, and essays and builds miniature homes.