Why exactly Charley Bordelon’s late father left her 800 sprawling acres of sugarcane land in rural Louisiana is as mysterious as it was generous. Recognizing this as a chance to start over, Charley and her 11-year-old daughter, Micah, say good-bye to Los Angeles. They arrive just in time for growing season, but no amount of planning can prepare Charley for a Louisiana that’s mired in the past.

- Click here to see the 25 winners selected to read and comment on the book.