Detour Ahead

Join twin sisters Gabby and Lucy in a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and resilience as they navigate family secrets, new friendships, and the inspiring legacy of a civil rights activist in the enchanting Adirondack Mountains.

In this emotionally layered novel of adventure, friendship, and historical and personal discovery, twin sisters diverge on different paths as Gabby seeks to find her purpose while Lucy's purpose is tested. The girls live on Tupper Lake in the New York Adirondack Mountains where their family rents out cabins to canoeists and hikers, and they help run the place. Their personal struggles rise as a mysterious kayaker begins shadowing the cove where they live; a secretive new girl moves to their town; and their father distracts himself by making more and more birdhouses and not being able to sleep.

Gabby finds courage to bring her dog regularly to the local nursing home and have him interact with lonely residents, while Lucy is a singularly focused swimmer who practices her laps in the lake and at regional swim meets. When Lucy finally wins her first meet, a torn bathing suit leads to harassment on social media and she withdraws into herself. Then, sidelined by an injury, she starts opening up to understand the complex truths of herself and those around her: her twin sister, a bully from school, and the new girl, who both her and Gabby befriend.