A moving story about family, forgiveness, and unexpected love—where the fault lines of a fractured past become the foundation for building something new.
Eden Hawthorne spent idyllic childhood summers in Grand Trees, a mountain town perched along a restless earthquake fault in the heart of California’s fire country. But her family and future were shattered there, and she vowed never to return—until news of her estranged mother’s illness forces her back twenty years later.
Still reeling from her recent divorce, Eden has to confront her mom’s found family, including single father Caleb Connell, who blames Eden for the seismic rift that drove her away. But as they move beyond a battle of wills, Eden and Caleb discover shared wounds and intertwined histories—and succumb to an attraction that feels fated.
When her mother’s condition worsens, Eden faces an impossible choice between the man she’s falling for and the mother she’s just beginning to forgive. And with time running out, Eden fears her decision will doom her to relive the aftershocks of past heartbreak.
About the Author :
Mara Williams is the author of The Truth Is in the Detours. She drafted her first novel in third grade in a spiral notebook—a story about a golden retriever and the stray dog who loved her. Now she writes novels about strong, messy women trying to find their way in the world. When not writing or reading, Mara can be found enjoying California’s beaches, redwoods, and trails with her husband, kids, and disobedient dog. For more information, visit www.marawilliamsauthor.com.
Review :
“With the perfect mix of dreamy romance and affirming self-discovery, The Epicenter of Forever is the kind of novel that cracks your heart wide open and leaves your emotions trembling long after the last page. Williams’s writing is wonderfully rich, her characters layered, and the rugged MMC—did someone mention ‘biceps’?—is as swoon-worthy as they come. But I double dare you not to fall in love with the small California mountain town of Grand Trees. You won’t want to leave.” —Lauren Parvizi, author of Trust Me on This
“Perfect for fans of Annabel Monaghan, Mara Williams’s The Epicenter of Forever weaves together old hurts and new love. Eden is an instantly relatable protagonist, and I loved watching her navigate her divorce, her relationship with her mother, and her growing feelings for Caleb and the people of Grand Trees. Insightfully written and emotionally rewarding, I devoured every page.” —Emma Barry, author of Bad Reputation
“What a cozy, heartwarming, and searingly hopeful romance. The Epicenter of Forever took me on an enchanting ride full of emotional longing, gorgeous prose, idyllic nature, and sweeping grand gestures. With a thoughtful portrayal of fractured family dynamics and beautiful examples of how to heal—all set amid a budding yet soul-deep romance I could not get enough of—Mara Williams has to be on your radar.” —Clare Gilmore, USA Today bestselling author of Never Over
“Atmospheric and romantic, The Epicenter of Forever is a heart-swelling book about going back to your roots to make way for a hopeful future. Mara Williams crafts a story of a woman still in pain from long-forgotten wounds, a family torn apart by past mistakes, and a man who would help them all heal—set against a lush California forest backdrop. Readers will fall hard for Grand Trees and all of its quirky residents just as they’ll root for Eden and Caleb to find their happy ever after. An enchanting small-town romance that is sure to warm your heart!” —London Sperry, author of Passion Project
“Poignant, heart wrenching, and filled with steamy tension, The Epicenter of Forever is a lyrical, evocative portrait of reconnection, rewriting memories, and risk-taking beyond the narratives we and our families have set for ourselves. You won’t be able to set foot in Grand Trees without feeling completely enraptured by Eden and Caleb’s love story and Williams’s thoughtful prose.” —Katie Naymon, author of You Between the Lines
“Swoony, tender, and addictively steamy, Mara Williams’s The Epicenter of Forever provides a beautiful exploration of the way love in all its forms can heal past hurts that had me desperately turning the pages while praying it would never end.” —Amy Buchanan, author of Let’s Call a Truce
“A rich, layered story about forgiveness, family, and starting over, The Epicenter of Forever is the kind of book that teaches you something about yourself and will leave your heart racing. Williams weaves her signature wit and lush prose through a California landscape filled with big trees, bigger feelings, and love that shakes the world. This was the most magical, immersive, heart-pounding read I’ve had in ages. The Epicenter of Forever is a triumph of emotion from a stunning voice in fiction.” —Isabelle Engel, author of Most Eligible
