
“You really think Granddad’s book can save us?” “I think,” Nora said, crossing to the old cedar trunk beneath…

“What are we measuring?” the girl asked. “A way through next winter.” Sadie studied the hillside. “Through it?” Nora…

Mary hugged Tommy tighter. “And then?” Elias looked toward the ridge. The sky beyond it had gone black. Another storm…

“Then why say it?” “Because most folks don’t know why they’re right. You do better when you know why.” The…

Lydia snatched the fire poker and pointed it at him. “Take that beast and get off my property before sundown,”…

He never answered. His father, Ezekiel Mercer, had taught him better than to waste breath on mockery. Ezekiel had been…

“Did he say why?” “He said you would understand once you spent a night there.” A chill moved through me….

“This has been happening under my roof?” “No.” She met his eyes. “It has been happening because whoever’s doing it…

Seven years before Maggie dared him with honeycake, Elijah Boone had lived thirty miles north of Harrow Creek with his…

“Suitable for whom?” The question escaped before caution could stop it. Her father’s eyes lifted. For a second, Abigail saw…

“What was her name?” “Ellen.” “And the second?” “Mae.” He said both names carefully, like a man setting flowers on…

“Then why?” Elias sat forward. “Because I think you want your brother back.” Her laugh was quiet and bitter. “Wanting…

Gideon opened the door too fast. Fear made him polite. “Silas. Didn’t expect you tonight.” “No,” Silas said. “Men who…

The first, the louder one, she named Rose. The second, the quiet one with a dark curl pasted to her…

Amos studied her. “Aaron know you talked like that?” “Aaron loved that I talked like that.” The old man’s face…

“Rafe Callahan.” His brows rose faintly. “So you’ve been askin’ around.” “I make it a point to know the names…

“Tall. Black duster in this heat. Silver tooth when he smiled.” She swallowed. “He bought tobacco and said, real friendly,…

He looked down at the child. “June.” “After the month?” “After her mother.” He swallowed. “It was Lydia June Boone…

For a moment, no one spoke. Then Dean said, “Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.” Clara almost…

“Since today.” He set the money down without arguing and took his supplies. On the way out, Mrs. Harlan added,…