Abiding Peace — Susan Page Davis

Will God use thievery and murder to bring His children together? Since her redemption from captivity in Canada, Christine has led a quiet, unassuming life. She cares tirelessly for Pastor Samuel Jewett's motherless family and is content. But life is about to take an unexpected turn. One night, coming back from drawing water at the river, Christine discovers a man snooping about the cottage she shares with a widow. At knifepoint, he swears her to secrecy and demands that she supply him with food and other necessities. To save the pastor's children from harm, Christine complies with his demands, even finding herself stealing from her friends. When murder finds its way to Cochecho, however, Christine can no longer be silent. And her confession puts a strain on the tentative but growing relationship between her and the preacher. Who can know the ways of the Lord? They are far beyond man's ways, and Samuel and Christine learn this lesson well.