Upcountry Paperback - 2010

From the publisher

JANE SCHUMACHER is a smart, spirited and often profane press secretary to the Governor of New York. Immersed in the thrilling world of political warfare, she is shepherding her popular and charismatic boss for a serious run for the White House. But after a visit to her doctor just before Thanksgiving, she questions whether any of her dreams will come true. Angered and shaken by the news, the high powered political operator abruptly cancels her holiday plans with her handsome Argentinean-born boyfriend to return to her upcountry New York hometown after many years of absence. Upon her arrival, Jane begins to doubt her decision as she encounters reminders from her troubled past. There are awkward reunions with a distant father, and with Joanne, her skeptical, dismissive fraternal twin sister. And then there is Denny, Joanne's vulgar and violent husband of twenty years. But throughout it all Jane remains haunted by the voice of her late mother. Thanksgiving dinner is a disaster, and as she storms from her sister's house, vowing never to return, Jane discovers her sister's painful secret. But return she does only to face a fateful dilemma: should she simply rescue her sister from Denny's evil clutches or take justice into her own hands? But for Jane Schumacher, however, nothing is ever simple. Nothing is cut and dried. The sisters flee the scene and embark on a cathartic journey through the Adirondacks in pursuit of a lifelong mission. And, as they rekindle a love that only twins can feel for each other, they share in a series of shocking revelations. Only then do they discover what is truly important in life-and in death. Set against an engaging backdrop of modern political times, Upcountry is a riveting, page-turning story of sibling strife, of affection and joy, sadness and grief, and finally redemption and rebirth.

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