The Retreat

This is a poignant tale of eight women who share an unforgettable weekend journey that opens their hearts and minds.

Some close friends, others loosely connected-have just been chosen to participate in a long weekend retreat. Each struggles with her own problems and self doubts and is at a pivotal point in her life. As the women leave their busy worlds behind and arrive at the Serendipity Ranch in Santa Barbara, they are greeted by five female hosts who are gifted beyond the norm.

The ladies enjoy yoga classes, art lessons, meditation sessions and various spa treatments at the ranch as their hosts cunningly assist them with their unique life challenges.

But their stay is not without conflict. One of the guests goes to great lengths to defy the retreat rule of no cell phone use. Intruders threaten their safety. Meanwhile their other worldly hosts must rely on their special abilities to rectify the situations and hope their good works will have a ripple effect on the world.

Jill E. Ficks Friedman studied English and education at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkhill, New York, before graduating from Mt. St. Mary's University in Brentwood, California, with a degree in Sociology and Psychology. She is married, has two adult children, and lives in Southern California.