The Cup of Life

Two futures. One woman. And one dirty secret.

1984 on an isolated farm near Wimbledon, North Dakota, Simon Anderson is coming of age. A victim of bullying and overbearing behavior, Simon trades baking, cooking, and cleaning for vice to escape loneliness and shame.
The sun peeks through gray gloomy clouds when he meets Nora. She likes baking, milking cows, and spending time with him. Inspired, Simon dreams of a future with Nora. But when Nora moves away, Simon is devastated. Once again, he seeks comfort in vice. And when his brother’s fiancé shows up at his door with less than sisterly motives, Simon’s dreams turn to nightmares.

Organic agriculture leads to a restaurant in Simon’s name and a family incident opening day. Much to the family’s relief, the town police officer John Golden, Nora’s ex-husband, handles the scene. When Simon drops by the local book store, Nora is behind the counter. Their love is rekindled. Simon reveals a side of manhood that isn’t popular and often goes unspoken. He pushes his past behind him, and even begins to dream again.

But John Golden isn’t ready to let his wife go. He sets out to target Simon’s restaurant and show him what a real man is. When the past Simon tried to bury resurfaces, so do his nightmares. Simon returns to his old habit. Instead of relief, he’s sucked in by an increasing vacuum.

And this time his choice isn’t merely a bad idea, but a fatal one.

“Gripping new novel will keep you wanting more.”

“Well told”

“My favorite in the series so far!”

“Captivating”

"Simon’s story is so unique, yet real.”

"I love how she incorporates current events throughout the book, it makes me remember what I was doing at that time as well."

"An entertaining read, I finished it in 3 days"

"5.0 out of 5 stars A GREAT ADDITION TO THE SERIES!"