The Fifth Season

"Very few stories are written by or about speech-language pathologists. Rose has written a gem, a story about a lonely widow, a supportive friend, a passionate lover, a faithful Christian, an involved mother, and a determined individual repurposing her life after tragedy strikes. If you don't understand what a speech-language pathologist does before you read this book, you certainly will when you have finished it. If you are a speech-language pathologist, you'll delight in this story about one of us who helps others regain the ability to communicate at work while she regains her ability to love at home. I can't wait for the sequel " Christy Strole, M.S., CCC/SLP, past president Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association Widowed speech-language pathologist Maren Kepple packs her youngest son off to college and decides to set new professional goals. She accepts a contract at a hospital near Chicago, leaves the security of working in the public schools of Edgelawn, and commutes to work She is challenged by patients with medical communication and swallowing disorders and intimidated by hospital politics. She receives support from old friends in Edgelawn, and a young surgeon with a growing interest in medical missions, at the hospital. Maren becomes romantically involved with two men, one in the city and one in her home town. She is unable to make a commitment to either, causing her life to be painfully divided. When her son becomes involved in a cult, a sequence of events transpires that leads her to make decisions that set her on a new course personally and professionally. Native American legend and poetry frame this unforgettable story and give clues about the conclusion. Long after the last page has been turned you will find yourself wondering what these compelling characters are doing now, in the next phase of their lives.