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Award-winning and USA Today Bestselling author P.D. Workman’s compelling and poignant account of Native teen Nadie Laplante’s quest for meaning and purpose. This thought-provoking and eye-opening story of poverty, prejudice and addiction will inspire readers of all ages and remind them that they are not alone.

Nadie is a bright, caring teen growing up Manitoba Cree growing up in abject poverty. She tries to balance school attendance, caring for her younger cousin Luyu, and spending time with handsome, impish Mouse, her best friend and confidante. Together, they strive to find the path to happiness on the reservation.

But tragedy strikes and Nadie’s is devastated by Luyu’s accidental death. Unable to find comfort in Mouse’s arms or Grandfather’s traditional mourning rites, Nadie leaves the band and strikes off on her own, searching for meaning and a new life in the outside world.

Can Nadie find happiness and a place of her own in a foreign world where she is abused and discriminated against? Completely alone for the first time in her life, it is a challenge such as Nadie has never before faced.

“P.D. Workman’s skilled narrative of Nadie and her poignant journey to wholeness is a thoughtful expose of shattered dreams and tragic youth sure to resonate with every reader.”

“An inspiring book which can encourage the reader to face the challenges in life’s journey and to accept the lessons that come as a result.”

By the author of the award-winning Ruby, Between the Cracks, this engaging and unforgettable story of Nadie’s journey to find a place in the world amidst heartache and hopelessness will inspire you to face your challenges with courage and become a happier and stronger person. 

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And now you can get the prequel story, Darkness Before the Dream!

Prequel

“Brilliant masterpiece”

“Easily one of the most thought-provoking and compelling reads of the year, Ms. Workman has written a masterful contemporary account of one native teen’s journey from home and the possibilities for hope even for those drowning in poverty, prejudice, and addiction … A must-read tale for any book lover!”

“P.D. Workman’s skilled narrative of Nadie and her poignant journey to wholeness is a thoughtful exposé of shattered dreams and tragic youth sure to resonate with every reader.”

“An inspiring book which can encourage the reader to face the challenges in life’s journey and to accept the lessons that come as a result.”

“An amazing book, very well written; a heartbreaking story of loss, suffering, and self-realization.”

“I enjoyed this from the bottom of my heart.”

“My hat goes off to P.D. Workman for bringing such an amazing story to the market with emotional detail and intriguing characters. I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone.”

“The author’s writing was so good. At first I thought this book would be a difficult read since I don’t normally read books with cultural substance but the way it was written in an engaging way made the experience enjoyable for me.”

“What I found absorbing, what caught me up unaware was the power of this writer to translate Native American experience without once falling into any subtle sense of stereotyping.”

“An absorbing and satisfyingly complex tale.”

“This excellent and realistically wrought story will bring you to tears.”

“It was a GREAT read! I could hardly put it down. Very insightful. Will definitely read more of PD Workman’s books.”

Easily one of the most thought-provoking and compelling reads of the year, Ms. Workman has written a masterful contemporary account of one native teen’s journey from home and the possibilities for hope even for those drowning in poverty, prejudice, and addiction. Examining hard concepts such as death, rape, abuse, neglect, addiction, and wounds passed down from generation to generation, this story is full of raw emotion that will bring the reader to tears, yet unable to put the smoothly-paced story down. With true-to-life characters both good and bad, Nadie is inspirational. It isn’t because she’s perfect but rather because she is far from it and somehow manages to find the courage in the end to become someone who can help bring her tribe forward. A must-read tale for any book lover!

Sarah E. Bradley, InD’tale Magazine

My hat goes off to P.D. Workman for bringing such an amazing story to the market with emotional detail and intriguing characters. I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone.​

Valicity Garris

This book is a compelling, well-written story… It fills a void in the today’s literature and creates a discourse regarding a marginalized part of the fabric of Canada. The book resonated with me as it is about being brave and knowing… what it means to be resilient. The book will appeal – and will provide insight – to a wider audience. This book is a winner because it is not a long book and it is a perfect cure for cabin fever: as an avid reader you get a sense of accomplishment when you finish a book!

Melissa Atkinson, What’s Up Yukon

The author’s writing was so good. At first I thought this book would be a difficult read since I don’t normally read books with cultural substance but the way it was written in an engaging way made the experience enjoyable for me. It was fun to read Nadie’s journey and her self-realizations. I became intimately involved and sympathetic to her as she took decisions after decisions.

Pearl

I have always wanted to learn more about the Native American culture. I think I learned a little more in this book. This book was great. This book was sad but gripping. I enjoyed the characters and the story line. I cried with these characters and smiled when they did. I think the author did a great job with this book.

Riley Amos Westbook

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“Every single one of [P.D. Workman’s] books has spoken to me … And I have found strength in the books I’ve read.”

“This is one author I certainly will be looking out for, I can’t recommend her enough.”

“I’ll read anything by P. D. Workman that I can get my hands on.”

“Every book by PD Workman that I’ve read has been a gripping one, however different the genres are, going from lighter mysteries to really dark ones… this is one of my favourite, most dependable authors.”

“P.D. Workman is an incredibly versatile writer. No matter which of her books I read I am drawn into a great story and honestly, I don’t think I’ve followed another author that could go from cozy mystery to YA to a PI series dealing with mental health issues. Really enjoy her books!”

“[P.D. Workman’s] stories are so believable and you can’t help but feel like you know these people. You find yourself crying, laughing and feeling the characters emotions. Now if an author can make you cry and feel every emotion in a story, she is one hell of an author.”

“P. D. Workman, does not shy from probing the deep psychological scars of childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction. Also characteristic of this author, these extremely sensitive issues are explored with extensive empathy, described with incredible clarity, and portrayed with profound insight.”

“Once again P.D.Workman has created an intense psychological mystery that impacts a wallop of thought induction. The writing is so well developed and draws you into the characters story.”