The day that Cedar Sage Stranger has been both dreading and longing for has finally come: her sister Phoenix is getting out of prison. The effect of Phoenix's release cascades through the community. Amid accusations and plots for revenge, past grievances become a poor guide in a moment of danger, and the clumsy armature of law enforcement is no match for the community. Cedar and her mother continue down different paths of healing, while everyone in their lives form a circle around the chaos, the calm within the storm, and the beauty in the darkness.

"The day that Cedar Sage Stranger has been both dreading and longing for has finally come: her sister Phoenix is getting out of prison. Phoenix's release causes a ripple effect through the community. M, the young girl whom she sexually assaulted, is triggered by the news. M's friends and family have her back no matter what--and all feel the threat of Phoenix's release. When Phoenix is seen lingering outside the school to catch a glimpse of her son, Sparrow, the police get a call to file a report--but the next thing they know, she has disappeared. M's cousin Jake is believed to have hurt or killed Phoenix and is arrested while they search for her. Meanwhile, Phoenix's uncle, Ship, makes violent plans to exact his revenge and law enforcement fails the community at every turn. Cedar and Phoenix's mother, Elsie, continue down different paths of healing, while everyone in their lives form a kind of circle of power amidst the chaos, calm within the storm, and beauty in the darkness. Fierce, heartbreaking, and profound, Vermette's The Circle is the third and final companion novel to her bestsellers The Break and The Strangers. Told from various captivating and intimate perspectives, it considers what it means to be abandoned by the very systems that claim to offer support, to gain a sense of belonging, and to protect those you love most--even if that means letting them go."--Provided by publisher.