Synopsis
After a murder case threatens her safety, attorney Brooke Benton seeks sanctuary in the quiet Amish community of Maplecreek. Although the locals disagree with her cosmopolitan ways, she soon manages to find a place in their lives. But when a tragic hit-and-run accident turns fatal, Brooke cannot abide by the community's belief in absolute forgiveness. She wants answers.
Daniel Brand left his childhood home to explore the outside world years ago. Now he has returned to his Amish roots, and worldly Brooke Benton does not fit into his plans. But when his niece dies, he slowly agrees that they must bring to justice the driver who killed her—especially when a silent presence continues to threaten the community. Together Brooke and Daniel begin a journey along a dark road, hoping to bring peace to the small community…and maybe lead their hearts home.
Publishers Weekly
An Ohio Amish community is the setting for this romantic suspenser by award-winning historical novelist Harper (The Wings of Morning). Terrorized by a stalker, Columbus attorney Brooke Benton flees with her seven-year-old niece to an isolated community, where she takes over the running of a friend's quilt shop. When a hit-and-run driver kills four Amish teenagers who had just visited her, Brooke is drawn into the investigation. Soon she finds herself knee-deep in suspects, facing new threats and falling in love with a man seeking to return to his Amish roots. The book is strongest in its loving depiction of Amish life, its creation of a dark mood and its development of the central romance. Subplots involving several unrelated evildoers diffuse the tension, however, especially since key developments are telegraphed. Credibility vanishes during the climax, which stems from an implausible story line involving two cartoonish villains whose machinations are awkwardly contrived. (Mar.)