“An inspirational tale of redemption and…the power of love.” –Publishers Weekly For one woman, a sea turtle rescue leads to a summer of new beginnings… Toy Sooner kept her vow to her beloved mentor, the original turtle lady of the Isle of Palms. She left behind an abusive, dysfunctional lifestyle to become a strong single mother and an aquarist at the South Carolina Aquarium. But success has taken its toll, leaving Toy fearful of change and risks. It’s only been through the enduring love of a close-knit group of women that she’s finally started to find her footing. The turtle season begins the day Toy rescues a sick sea turtle on the beach. When Toy brings the loggerhead to the aquarium, she founds a turtle hospital and spends long nights working alongside her boss, Ethan. As the summer progresses and the sea turtles take their measured steps toward healing and freedom, Toy must find the strength within herself to make it safely to shore. A deeply satisfying novel written with an eye to nature and keen insights into the connections between women, Swimming Lessons is perfect for fans of Susan Wiggs and Mary Kay Andrews.

Toy Sooner has dealt with enough rough waves in her troubled past. It’s only been through the enduring love of a close-knit group of women on this tiny island that she’s finally started to find her footing. But as new challenges in her career arise for this young single mother, the choices and demons of her past will catch up to her. Soon Toy will learn that, like the steadfast sea turtles she cares for, a mother must find the strength within herself to make it safely to shore.