"An engrossing and often moving novel about the ways in which disaster can create newfound fortitude."—Kirkus Reviews
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​​"Mills is an author to watch for." —Reader's Favorite FIVE STARS
". . . a willing and wise embrace of what is."
—Michelle Wildgeon, author of WINE PEOPLE
Perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Maria Semple, BOTTOM OF THE BREATH weaves together romance, mystery, and adventure as a woman travels to the Grand Canyon seeking answers after uncovering an old family secret.
Cyd Carr is catapulted from her tranquil life on the Florida panhandle after crashing into a devastating revelation. Auspicious news of an unexpected inheritance, an impending hurricane, and her annoying “extreme dislike” of flying coalesce to lure a reluctant Cyd onto a cross-country road trip with her recently estranged husband.
Once in Phoenix, Cyd uncovers strange details of the inheritance and a decades-old family secret. But what was the whole truth?
Clues and instinct lead to Sedona and the Grand Canyon, where romance, mysticism, and the majesty of place engulf and transform. Cyd descends into the vast chasm alone, searching for answers to newly raised questions and age-old mysteries. She steps off the beaten path, literally, knowing she must make peace with her past and forge her uncertain future.
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BOTTOM OF THE BREATH is a celebration of resiliency, determination, love, intuition, family, friendship, and Mother Nature.
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Available to the trade by Simon & Schuster Distribution
PRAISE FOR BOTTOM OF THE BREATH
Alice C. Early, author of The Moon Always Rising
"I was pulled along by Mills's sprightly and approachable prose, vibrant characters, and satisfying plot surprises. Readers who enjoy multigenerational family secrets and stories of women triumphing over whatever life throws at them will devour this book."
Los Angeles Wire, Beach Reads for Your 2025
“. . . hits the sweet spot between heartfelt and engrossing."
J.A. Wright, author of Eat and Get Gas
"Bottom of the Breath is an uplifting, well-paced story with a touch of humor--a great read."
Kerry Sanders, former Today Show Correspondant
"Populated by an eclectic cast of characters, this inspiring journey takes us to the depths of the Grand Canyon and reveals the resilience of the human heart."
Jennifer Grace, author of Directing Your Destiny
". . .an adventure for the soul. Don't miss it!"
Deborah Sharp, author of The Mace Bauer Mysteries
"Finely Crafted and emotionally rich...a captivating debut from a fresh voice in fiction."
Megan Walrod, author of It's Always Been Me
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"If Eat, Pray, Love and The Celestine Prophecy had a love child, Bottom of the Breath would be it--in the best possible way."
Publishers Weekly Booklife Reviews
"Mills effectively examines the self-destructive thought patterns women often fall into in their quest for happiness. Readers will savor Cyd's intense journey, rooting for her to navigate her trauma and emerge on the other side. . ."​
Reader's Favorite, FIVE STARS
​"The novel examines the complexity of human emotions. . . It captures the beauty of introspection and the courage to embrace change. . . a contemporary drama about the human condition."​​