The Way Home — Allison Johnson

Carolyn Sayles, 37, a divorced financial analyst from Los Angeles, drives to her hometown of Palm Springs because her father, Edgar, 78, has been put on probation at Desert Rose Retirement Home. The crime? Biting an aide at dinner. It couldn't have happened at a worse time--the week that Carolyn is prepared to step into a new job as vice-president of her consulting firm.

At the retirement home, Carolyn discovers that her father's health is failing and he is being kicked out of the Desert Rose. The director suggests a nursing home but Carolyn knows that is not a viable option.

Carolyn is torn between her perceived daughterly duty and contempt for her father. Although the family home dredges up memories of her mother's death, her father's drinking and the family's eventual dissolution, she reluctantly forfeits her promotion, takes family leave and moves temporarily to the desert.

At the retirement home, she meets Rex Barnett, 43, a windsmith who repairs desert windmills. Rex, originally from Texas, brings his Australian shepherd to the home for the residents' pet therapy program.

Carolyn finds herself involved in Rex's personal problems with his estranged children. She encourages Rex to pursue his relationship with them while he pushes her to resolve her resentment toward her father. Carolyn also explores her own Native American roots with the help of Rex's friends from the local Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Carolyn learns that going home is the only way to mend the past, and begins to question her fast-paced LA lifestyle. Most importantly, she discovers that love can be found in the most unlikely places.