Perception

by Maureen Hartman

Mia Ellis returns to her hometown after her father suffers a debilitating stroke. If it wasn't for her half brother, TJ, she wouldn't have. She had no love for her father. A man who'd gone to Haiti as a social scientist with an American NGO called Global Vision, then left when he learned he'd be a father. But when Mia confronts him in his hospital bed, unable to defend himself, he motions to the table beside him and says what she thinks is "All there."

"All there" turns out to refer to a chche of his personal journals, which take Mia on an unexpected journey that unravels the complexities of love and redemption. As she delves into his private thoughts, Mia uncovers a father she never knew--a man shaped by his own secrets and regrets.

PERCEPTION, the second book in the SPIRIT series, is a poignant exploration of family, forgiveness, and the untold stories that bind us together.

348 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2024

About the author

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Maureen finished college and moved to the Pacific Northwest. She’s always been engaged with the outdoors but finds her greatest joy trekking along a wooded trail, paddling her kayak on a clear mountain lake, or getting her hands dirty in the garden. All of which allows for quiet thought to chew on plot points and character development for her novels.

Reviews

[Lesley Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, Mia’s journey in Haiti was heart wrenching as she struggled with the abuse from her uncle. Her anger towards her father once she was in England was understandable and you could feel her struggle. The journals were a revelation and explained how Ellis had tried to return to Luisa.
Real page turner and very enjoyable.