Give or Take

by Patricia Duffy

Mizbie Baxter is known throughout small town Astor's high school for her tasty cooking. Often it comes as a peace offering after her feisty outbursts of temper. But after a year of successful teaching, comes this year's most challenging, strong-willed charges to her classroom. Could the fractious students be the cause of her haunting night terrors? Or is it envy of her girlfriend Jess, who has escaped her own embarrassment with a European cycling adventure? Maybe her intense relationship with Carl has pushed her to the breaking point. Mizbie explores her past in hopes of filling an emptiness, and uncovers a painful truth with harrowing consequences. Funny and fiercely protective, biting and brave, Mizbie gives at the expense of those who take.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2014