The Balm

The Balm is a heart-warming comic and romantic story about family and the healing power of community. The novel's surprises unravel truths, which reveal characters' health struggles and anguish, uniting them as humans.

As the Snowstorm of the Century bears down on the town of Gilead, its residents are preparing to celebrate the life of one of its most prominent citizens. Twyla Fox, business owner, mother, grandmother, and loving partner, decided weeks ago to forgo any further treatment of her cancer. She was determined to take her destiny in her own hands and create a future for her loved ones without fear of the consequences or retribution. The snowstorm augments building tensions, but comedy offers relief.

Titus Dismas, one of two narrators, has served time and now finds himself in the close-knit town of Gilead. Titus is keen to continue his rehabilitation from his past by being of service to those kind-hearted people who have given him a second chance at life. Volunteering in the community and at Jester's Court, a local restaurant and social hub of Gilead, he assumes the role of observer as he sees all that is going on in the lives of the townsfolk. Illness, grief, betrayal, acceptance, and love are all on full display for his sharp eye, yet he cannot see love coming his way.