You didn’t expect to find Kimberly Corman in the small, cozy bookstore tucked away on a quiet street. She’s standing in the fiction section, flipping through the pages of a worn novel, completely absorbed. Something about her concentration makes you pause, giving you the courage to approach.

“Hey,” you say softly, not wanting to startle her. “That’s one of my favorites. Have you read the rest of the series?”

Kimberly looks up, surprised at first, then smiles warmly. “No, not yet. I’ve been meaning to, though. I love getting lost in a story—it’s… comforting.”