I've Been Running for Miles... and Found Myself

by Jill Hynes

At first glance, Piper Evans appears to be your average, worn-out single mom. What she doesn’t realize is that there is a strong, passionate, music-crazed spirit waiting to be unleashed within her. After a short-lived marriage and left to care for her two young children and ailing parents on her own, Piper finds herself in a rut and questions whether this is as good as it gets.

In an attempt to clear her mind, one night Piper goes to a concert and catches the eye of Miles Baker, a former member of Satire, her favorite rock band of the 1980s. Relishing this new-found attention, Piper throws herself full force into this new experience. She has no idea that this one, seemingly insignificant night of distraction and harmless fun will turn into a self-reflective, life-changing journey.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2016

Reviews

[Clifford Browder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure at first that this novel would hold me, since it's all about rock music, its stars, and their fans, about which I know nothing. It starts by Piper's telling how she and her teen-age friends attended rock concerts and developed crushes on the performers. The endless accounts of concerts, as Piper got older, seemed repetitious, and when she married, divorced, and became a single mom with two young sons on Staten Island, I wondered where this was finally heading. At 39 she admits she's acting like 19, attending concerts in hopes of connecting with the star performer Miles Baker, who is now in his fifties but still draws crowds, including hordes of lusty females, of whom Piper is now one. A gripping account of her mother's last days is a welcome relief from the endless round of concerts, but those accounts inevitably resume, with Piper pursuing the elusive Miles. Piper is no fool; she knows her pursuit is probably futile, but she can't help herself, and recruits a whole army of supporters -- friends, family, even her therapist -- to support her in her effort (it takes a village). It's her obsession that makes her interesting. Earthy and free in her speech, she tells it as it is. How it all comes out is surprising and makes the book an excellent read.

[Kimberly Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill Hynes' words resonated with me as she tells the tale of how Piper is able to live out wildest dreams and fantasies, rising from the mundane events and struggles of everyday life. Hynes' words are so genuine and relatable that Piper gives the everyday person the courage to make strides toward accomplishing their hopes and dreams and to appreciate living in the moment. Definitely would recommend this book and can't wait for the next!

[Kelly Adamo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the book!! Great story of Piper following a leader singer of a band and the relationship starting to grow! Also, Piper being a single parent and all her aspects of dealing with her sons and parents!! Very creative!!