Book excerpt: Four friends. Three weddings. Two paths. Tori has kept men at a distance while pursuing her goals, and has relished in the friendships she has built. Upon returning to Oregon after college, she quickly realizes the number of weddings and engagements are increasing around her. She trips over the roots of her small town as each relative only seems to care about the prospects in her dating life. By happenstance (or Fate?), she reconnects with an acquaintance, and starts to see him in new ways. She quickly finds herself in a relationship with more depth and trust than she ever thought possible. Their connection is strong and deep, yet ends as quickly as it began. Was it Tori? Was it him? Was it something they could figure out? Do the things she wants most in her life just not align? Isn't this relationship what Tori has been working towards her entire life? Tori looks to her closest friends who know her best to help her untangle these questions, even though the answers lie with her. Beyond the Pear Blossoms is a deep exploration into the heart of the relationships we build, our competing desires, and the decisions we make. It's a journey through the moments of being lost, a reminder of the places where we feel found, and ultimately what it takes to choose our way.