Beyond the Pear Blossoms
Four friends. Three weddings. Two paths.
Tori has kept men at a distance while pursuing her goals and has relished in the friendships she has built. Upon returning to Oregon after college, she quickly realizes the number of weddings and engagements are increasing around her. She trips over the roots of her small town as each relative only seems to care about the prospects in her dating life. By happenstance (or Fate?), she reconnects with an acquaintance and sees him in new ways. She quickly finds herself in a relationship with more depth and trust than she ever thought possible. Their connection is powerful and deep, yet ends as quickly as it began.
Was it Tori? Was it him? Was it something they could figure out? Do the things she wants most in her life just not align? Isn’t this relationship what Tori has been working towards her entire life? Tori looks to her closest friends who know her best to help her untangle these questions, even though the answers fully lie with her.
Beyond the Pear Blossoms is a deep exploration into the heart of the relationships we build, our competing desires, and the decisions we make. It’s a journey through the moments of being lost, a reminder of the places where we feel found, and ultimately what it takes to choose our way.
Novelist Shawna Rodrigues
Wherever you purchase your copy of Beyond the Pear Blossoms you will have the bonus of knowing that part of your purchase is going to support an important cause as 50% of all net royalties received by the author will be donated to support housing efforts for those that lost their homes in the Almeda fire in Talent and Phoenix, Oregon in September 2020.
Talent was Shawna’s hometown, and it has deeply touched her how the Rogue Valley has shown unity and resilience as they’ve responded to the tragedy of over 2500 homes being lost to the tragic wildfire. This is her little way of trying to do more to support the long-term stability of this community and their efforts to rebuild.
Book Acknowledgements
Raised in a beautiful small town in Southern Oregon, I have a deep love and gratitude for the gift of this place and my family (Travis, Dyana, Kricket, Arieawna, my dad Raleigh, and my much beloved and profoundly missed mom; Linda). I also had the unique and divergent opportunity in my mid-twenties to, as I say it, grow up in Boston. I dedicate this book to the family I gained there (yes, Emily, Carolyn, Kate, Bridgid, Tim, BJ, Cee, Alex, Sarah, Melissa, and all your beautiful kids—I mean you!). You are my family away from home, and that endearing connection is an essential part of my life’s joy.
The nearest and dearest of this family are Will and Adrienne. I don’t think either of you realize how many times you’ve picked me up off the ground and given me the courage to combat another round. You two have mastered the art of being right here with me, no matter the geographical challenge or the litany of other battles in our lives. Without the two of you, I don’t think I ever would have had the courage to bring any of my stories to the light of day.
This leads us to my greatest support: Robie. You are my family and my home, no matter where we may be. Your presence in my life is the single most pivotal catalyst that made finishing my first novel possible. You make each moment a little brighter, simply because you are now a part of it. I love you more than I ever thought possible.
I also need a special thanks for Emily and Will who quickly volunteered and found the time to read the first draft of this novel. I appreciate your wisdom and feedback.
Giant hugs of gratitude for the curated group of people in my Book Launch Brigade. Your thoughts and insight were incredibly valuable during the last stages of bringing this novel out into the world.
There are two important characters in this book to acknowledge. Though the specific dialogues in this novel with Grandma LaRue and Grandpa Ralph did not occur in actual life; I named these characters after, and meant to capture the spirit of, two amazing people who are incredibly dear to me and my family. Much love.
And finally, a shout out to Ben. Thank you for the lessons, the grace and, most of all, your friendship.
To all the others I hold dear, I love you just as much as I did yesterday, even if your name isn’t here.