The Distance Between Us

From the award-winning author of A Book of Revelations and The HomePort Journals comes a story of loyalty, resourcefulness, and community in the face of adversity.
Beloved entertainer Helena Handbasket appears to have it all: a handsome husband, an inherited fortune, a seaside mansion, and an adoring family. Behind the curtain, the story is quite different: The former housekeeper’s “dust rags to riches” inheritance has made her a local celebrity with significant demands on her time. The relentless social and charitable obligations have strained her marriage, and, as a result, her husband has left town. Though passionate about the economic and environmental challenges her seaside community faces, Helena struggles with her new role as chatelaine of the HomePort Estate. Then the suspicious death of an elderly widow on the estate’s grounds sends shock waves through the town.

Wrongly accused of the murder, Helena goes undercover to track down those responsible. Aided by her chosen family, she uses her comic genius and extraordinary talent for impersonation to navigate a maze of deception and greed that includes a museum break-in, thefts of iconic artwork, and some shady liaisons. As the investigation gains momentum, the past increasingly influences the present, exposing hidden secrets and imperiling Helena’s well-heeled existence.

Set amid Cape Cod’s natural beauty and vibrant summer season, this captivating second novel in the HomePort Chronicles unfolds against the backdrop of a small town struggling to balance its newfound celebrity with a cherished way of life. Jam-packed with the humor, plot twists, and gorgeous descriptions for which A. C. Burch is best known, The Distance Between Us is a testament to love, resilience, and a chosen family’s commitment to caring for their own.