When the ambitions of two former friends clash, a much-loved, small-town community school could become the casualty.

Sprucedale Community School principal Joyce Stone has dedicated her career to revitalizing struggling, small-town schools, but now, her career bucket list is empty. Retirement is the next step, or so she thinks, until an unexpected opportunity at the esteemed Silver Heights Preparatory School changes her plans.

Former trust fund baby Vanessa Landry is desperately trying to climb her way back up the social ladder after shunning her family's fortune to become a schoolteacher's wife. Her next move? Getting her daughter out of Sprucedale and into Silver Heights. But every time she tries, Joyce is there, getting in her way.

Will Joyce be able to save her dream job and protect Sprucedale from her once close friend who will stop at nothing to get what she wants? And what will happen when Vanessa is forced to confront the true cost of her aspirations?

A hope-filled, page-turning first novel in the Sprucedale Teachers series about the personal lives of teachers and those they hold close. Dive into this unputdownable story of friendship, ambition, and the power of second chances.

Anything worth having is worth fighting for, especially second chances.

Teacher Ben Stewart is enjoying his second chance at a happy life. His ex-wife, Vanessa Landry, is thriving in rehab, his relationship with his former father-in-law is strong, and his daughter is flourishing. Plus, he's head over heels in love. The cherry on top? An invitation to return to Sprucedale Community School. All he needs is Vanessa's signature. But just as his plan is taking shape, tragedy strikes, pulling Ben and Vanessa into a temporary partnership.

With Sprucedale's new campus location at stake, Vanessa faces a tough decision: make amends for her past by supporting the school, or keep her father's company safe in Landry hands. She needs Ben's support, even if it comes at Sprucedale's expense.

Meanwhile, Ben's girlfriend is tired of living in the shadows. She demands Ben come clean to Vanessa about their relationship, or risk losing her for good.

Can Ben be everything to everyone without sacrificing his second chance at happiness?