A Different Kind of Normal

Jaden Bruxelle knows that life is precious. She sees it in her work as a hospice nurse, a job filled with compassion and humor even on the saddest days. And she sees it in Tate, the boy she has raised as her son ever since her sister gave him up at birth. Tate is seventeen, academically brilliant, funny, and loving. He’s also a talented basketball player despite having been born with an abnormally large head—something Jaden’s mother blames on a family curse. Jaden dismisses that as nonsense, just as she ignores the legends about witches and magic in the family.

Over the years, Jaden has focused all her energy on her job and on sheltering Tate from the world. Tate, for his part, just wants to be a regular kid. Through his blog, he’s slowly reaching out, finding his voice. He wants to try out for the Varsity basketball team. He wants his mom to focus on her own life for a change, maybe even date again.

Jaden knows she needs to let go—of Tate, of her fears and anger, and of the responsibilities she uses as a shield. And through a series of unexpected events and revelations, she’s about to learn how. Because as dear as life may be, its only real value comes when we are willing to live it fully, even if that means risking it all.

Beautifully written, tender and true, A Different Kind of Normal is a story about embracing love and adventure, and learning to look ahead for the first time…

Praise for the Writing of Cathy Lamb:

"A story of strength and reconciliation and change." -The Sunday Oregonian

"Lamb delivers grace, humor and forgiveness...positively irresistible." -Publishers Weekly

"A ride that's both hilarious and poignant, and all the while you cling to the edge of the pickup truck because you'll want to make sure you stay in for the whole trip." -Amy Wallen, author of Moonpies and Movie Stars

"The blending of three or more generations and the secrets they harbor keeps this story moving briskly, culminating in a satisfying ending that makes us believe that despite heartache and angst, there can be such a thing as happily ever after." -The New York Journal of Books

For publicity inquiries or to schedule an interview with the author, please contact:

Vida Engstrand / Senior Publicist / 212.407.1573 / vengstrand@kensingtonbooks.com