In local author Patti Callahan Henry’s new release, “Coming up for Air,” Ellie Calvin is at a turning point in her life. Her mother has died and she can’t bare her husband’s touch. This is the perfect time for her to get away to her mother’s old summer stomping grounds in Bayside, a small coastal community in Alabama. Along for the ride are her mother’s diary, filled with stories of her youth and a mysterious love, and Hutch, the first (and perhaps only) man that Ellie has ever really loved. Hutch is working on a documentary featuring the life of Lillian Eddington, Ellie’s mother, and is looking for answers that only Ellie can help provide. Hidden between the pages of her mother’s diary, there seems to be more questions than answers, so together Ellie and Hutch work to solve the mystery of the person Ellie thought she knew. Is it possible to work so closely with an old flame and not fall back in love? Ellie will find out as she and Hutch spend hours working to uncover the true Lillian Eddington.

Henry does a great job evoking the emotion of a wife and mother rediscovering herself in the midst of personal turmoil. If you’re from the Atlanta area, then you’ll find comfort in the familiar sites and scenes mentioned throughout this book as you escape into Ellie’s life and dilemmas. You’ll also envision yourself riding alongside Ellie as she drives down I-85 away from the city and into the next chapter of her life.

Join us for Sinless Margaritas, sweet treats and more as we celebrate the launch of this new novel from 7 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 15 at Room & Board in Atlanta!