Finding Home, Finding Me

When inept, alcoholic parents of the 1970s hit a rough spot, they send their 7-year-old daughter Aliza from their apartment on Chicago’s south side to ‘spend’ time with Uncle Hank while they pull their lives together. Hank’s stable and secure family owns a ranchette in a small Montana town. What was meant to be a few weeks turns into seven years as Aliza fills in love with good people, hard work, and the beauty of the mountains. Sadly, she is eventually forced to return to Chicago and face her disappointing family realities.

Aliza quickly decides her life will not be spent there. She will make a better life for herself, even if she has to do it alone. Aliza works hard, saves money, and eventually returns to the mountains to build a new home for herself and her cat on an old cabin.

Living alone, facing harsh weather, wild animals, and the challenges of mountain life, Aliza learns that independence alone is not enough. She begins to break down her walls, accept help, and open her heart to new friendships, faith, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

When the 2008 recession affects her finances, Aliza is forced to find new opportunities. A chance response to a local job ad leads to a two-week adventure with a single man from Boston looking to experience life in the Montana wilderness. He may be her toughest challenge yet.