Despite how far-fetched it might seem from her small midwestern town, Juliet Thatcher dreams of attending university in Europe, surrounded by the nature, culture, and history that inspired her favorite authors and artists. Unfortunately, this particular dream comes with a very high price tag—one that makes it seem impossible.

When Juliet hears that a local philanthropist is hosting a scholarship essay contest, she hopes that this is the opportunity that she has been looking for. To enter, all she will have to do is write an essay about her hometown. But because Juliet spent her growing-up years moving around, she has never felt like she has a “hometown”—and has no idea how to even begin writing the essay. 

With the chance to achieve her dreams on the line, Juliet needs to face her complicated feelings about how she grew up.