title: Cherry Blossom Temple
author: Shore, C.L.
description: Marissa Shively's return to Japan is bittersweet. She's honoring her husband's dying wish by visiting the site of their Kyoto honeymoon fifteen years ago. Leaving Brent's wedding ring in a pool within a specific temple's grounds during cherry blossom season is her mission. Marissa is unsure of the official temple name, but she's confident her heart will lead her to the spot. However, she finds the number of temples in Kyoto daunting and the cherry blossoms aren't blooming on cue. Three new friends assist her on her quest; a handsome Japanese businessman, an empathetic widow, and a young boy who has experienced cancer. Through them, Marissa experiences a culture that honors the past while embracing the future. The key, the businessman tells her, is to focus on the present. Marissa's experiences affirm that honoring her past doesn't stop her own future from unfolding.