Lauren Keller had left Wisconsin to become a doctor in Africa, where she excelled in medicine and failed at love. Her broken heart sends her reeling back to her hometown, where she establishes herself as a cashier at the local diner, determined to cut herself off from career, friendship or romance.

Ben Hanson has made some big mistakes in his young life, but he returns to his hometown hoping for a chance to change and leave behind the mess he made. Once back in Wisconsin, he soon learns that he's not the only one with secrets to escape; his family is still fractured, unable to uncover or admit the truth behind his cousin's death a decade earlier.

As Ben tries to unravel the mysteries surrounding his cousin's death, and as Lauren cautiously starts to explore the world outside the diner's door, their paths intersect. Damaged, searching, each could be exactly what the other needs. But secrets and wounds are hard to hide, and harder still to overcome. A compelling family drama, and a sweet and surprising love story, THIS BRIGHT RIVER confirms Patrick Somerville's status as one of the most exciting young writers at work today.

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