REASON TO BE
Is it ever too late to begin again?
Lizzie Baker has always played it safe. Working long shifts at the local diner, listening to the cherished stories from her grandmother, and convincing herself her dreams are too big for a small-town girl, Lizzie has learned to live quietly. Her parents’ rules have kept her grounded-sometimes too grounded.
But one night, after a heated argument at home, Lizzie makes a daring choice: she runs away with her grandmother. What begins as a desperate escape unfolds into an unforgettable journey of discovery-of hidden family truths, quiet rebellions, and a grandmother’s secret past.
Is it ever too late to begin again?
Lizzie Baker has always played it safe. Working long shifts at the local diner, listening to the cherished stories from her grandmother, and convincing herself her dreams are too big for a small-town girl, Lizzie has learned to live quietly. Her parents’ rules have kept her grounded-sometimes too grounded.
But one night, after a heated argument at home, Lizzie makes a daring choice: she runs away with her grandmother. What begins as a desperate escape unfolds into an unforgettable journey of discovery-of hidden family truths, quiet rebellions, and a grandmother’s secret past.
As the miles pass and their bond deepens, Lizzie realizes how closely her own struggles mirror her grandmother’s. Inspired by true events, Reason To Be is a nostalgic and soul-stirring novel about coming of age in a small town, multigenerational family bonds, first love, and the quiet courage it takes to follow your heart. Perfect for fans of heartfelt women’s fiction, small-town romance, and stories of friendship, family, and self-discovery.
- Melissa Davis
- Paperback
- November 2025
- 302 Pages
- 9798999726704
Buy the Book
$20.00
About Melissa Davis
Melissa Davis has spent her lifetime as a storyteller. She grew up in a small southern midwest town and has spent her adult life living in sunny South Florida with her husband. Her stories are inspired by her big family.
Praise
There are places in the book that are now on my bucket list! Such a heartwarming story. —Susan, reader
“I loved it! I felt like I was traveling right with the grandmother.” —Patty, reader
Discussion Questions
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What does the title Reason to Be mean to you, and how does it connect to the story’s central message?
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What role does hope play in the story, and where do you see it most clearly?
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How does the author show the importance of second chances?
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What do you think the story says about finding meaning in ordinary moments?
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Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
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How do the relationships in the book influence the main character’s choices?
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Were there any characters who surprised you — in a good or bad way?
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Which character do you think changed the most over the course of the story?
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What’s one decision a character made that you would have handled differently?
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If you could change one turning point in the book, which would it be and why?
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What lessons about courage or honesty stand out most to you?
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How did Melissa Davis’s writing style make you feel connected to the story?
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Were there any lines or passages that stayed with you long after reading?
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How does the setting enhance the emotional tone of the story?
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Did the pacing of the book keep you engaged? Why or why not?
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If you could describe this book in three words, what would they be?