“Moving and brave.” People
Set against the wide open beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a wise, big hearted novel in which a young single mother and her ten-year-old daughter stand up to the trials of rural poverty and find the community they need in order to survive.
Laurel Hill and her precocious daughter Skye have always been each other’s everything. The pair live on Lake Superior, where the local school has classes of just four children, and the nearest hospital is a helicopter ride away. Though they live frugally, eking out a living with Laurel’s patchwork of jobs, their deep love for each other feels like it can warm them even on the coldest of nights. What more do they need?
One otherwise normal afternoon, their landlord decides to evict them in favor of a more profitable summer rental, and, without any warning, they are pushed farther to the margins. Suddenly it feels like the independence that has defined them is a liability. And when a dangerous incident threatens to separate them, Laurel and Skye must forever choose–will they leave the place they love and the hardscrabble life they’ve built to move closer to civilization, or risk everything to embrace the emptiness and wildness that has defined them?
What follows is an uplifting, profoundly moving story about a mother and daughter fighting for each other, against all odds, as they learn to build community and foster the resilience that will keep them alive.
**Tin Camp Road: A Novel of Resilience, Motherhood, and Community in the Upper Peninsula** Discover the heartwarming and poignant story of Laurel and Skye, a mother and daughter forging a life against the odds in Ellen Airgood's captivating novel, *Tin Camp Road*. Set amidst the stark beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this critically acclaimed book paints a vivid portrait of rural poverty, the enduring power of family, and the unexpected strength found in community. Laurel Hill is a fiercely independent young woman raising her bright and resourceful ten-year-old daughter, Skye, in a remote corner of the UP. Their world is one of vast landscapes, limited resources, and a deep, unwavering love for each other. They live simply, relying on Laurel's ingenuity and a patchwork of jobs to make ends meet, their bond a comforting warmth against the region's harsh winters. Their idyllic, albeit challenging, existence is abruptly shattered when their landlord unexpectedly evicts them to capitalize on summer tourism. Suddenly, the very independence that has defined them becomes a burden, pushing them further to the edge. When a frightening incident threatens to tear Laurel and Skye apart, they face an impossible choice: abandon their hard-won life and the rugged wilderness they call home for the promise of stability and opportunity in civilization, or risk everything to remain in the place that has shaped them. Their decision sets in motion a chain of events that will test their resilience, forcing them to confront their vulnerabilities and discover the unexpected connections that bind them to their community. *Tin Camp Road* is more than just a story of hardship; it's a celebration of the human spirit. Airgood masterfully crafts a narrative that explores the complexities of motherhood, the challenges of rural life, and the importance of human connection. The novel delves into themes of economic insecurity, the search for belonging, and the quiet heroism of everyday people. Readers will be captivated by Laurel's fierce determination, Skye's unyielding optimism, and the vibrant cast of characters who populate this close-knit community. Ellen Airgood, known for her authentic portrayals of small-town life in Northern Michigan (as seen in her previous works like *South of Superior* and *Prairie Silence*), brings her signature warmth and insightful observations to *Tin Camp Road*. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human condition, Airgood creates a world that is both familiar and extraordinary, inviting readers to reflect on their own values and the true meaning of home. Many reviewers have praised Airgood's ability to create believable, relatable characters with authentic voices. *Tin Camp Road* is an honest and moving depiction of life in rural America, perfect for readers who enjoy stories of family, resilience, and the power of community. If you loved books such as *Where the Crawdads Sing* or *The Giver of Stars*, you will find *Tin Camp Road* to be a compelling and rewarding read. Get your copy today and be prepared to be swept away by this unforgettable tale.