1998 HOLT Medallion finalist! / 1998 finalist for Romantic Times Reviewers Choice!
The fictional town of Hope discovers the importance of forgiveness, overcoming prejudice, and the dangers of keeping unhealthy family secrets.

Jack Cornwall lost everything during the Civil War, so when his beloved nephew Chipper is reclaimed by his father, Cornwall vows revenge on the man who took away his last link with the past. Arriving in the town of Hope, Jack finds Chipper happy in his new family. Caitrin Murphy, a cheerful Irish immigrant, helps him realizes that taking Chipper away would be cruel. Unfortunately, few townspeople trust Jack, and even Caitrin is reluctant to encourage their romance because of Jack’s lack of faith. Jack soon realizes that serious changes are needed before he can be truly happy.