Diane Byington Books in Order

In 1967, Faye discovers a talent for distance running after another family move and dreams of entering the Boston Marathon despite its exclusion of women. An attack awakens unfamiliar memories, leaving her to investigate what her parents may be hiding.

Museum director Kaley discovers journal pages suggesting Tesla built a working time machine. Secretly reconstructing the device to revisit a regretted choice draws her toward unresolved personal history and an old relationship whose concealed truths may prove more dangerous than the experiment.

Five stories follow people reaching the limits of what they can endure. Some cross into life-changing decisions while others retreat toward familiar routines, exploring the consequences of stress, uncertainty and the different ways individuals respond when ordinary coping mechanisms fail.

French innkeeper Louise struggles with debt, motherhood and an abusive husband when Vincent van Gogh rents a room. Painting lessons awaken ambitions and feelings she has suppressed, encouraging a dangerous attempt to claim a more meaningful life during the artist’s final months.

An accident ends astronaut Mia’s imminent launch and threatens her future at NASA, but she refuses to abandon spaceflight. Pursuing alternatives leads to a demanding simulation run by a questionable organization, where fulfilling her dream may require risking her life.