In Paths of Righteousness — Keri Aeschliman

“It scares me to think what Pa will do when he finds out ... but we can't keep it a secret forever.”

David Riley is a typical farm boy of the late 1800s, growing up in a Midwest community where religion was a tradition that none dared to challenge. He and his friend Jill set out to explore the “Old Man's Path,” to uncover the mystery of an old wives' tale, and it turns into more of an adventure than they bargained for. When they discover long-held secrets in the town of Detweiler, David is determined to find the truth―regardless of the cost.

As he faces opposition in his quest, David also finds a battle waging within. He and his friends struggle to be kind to Henry, a cruel bully, and his mother, a widow bitter toward God. But as David's hatred for Henry grows, so does the darkness in his own heart. With an emptiness that threatens to consume him, David despairs of ever pleasing God. Prospects of finding peace appear lost until he meets a strange old recluse who offers him both friendship and hope.

David discovers something in common with the mysterious stranger―but what binds them together threatens to tear his family and community apart. Will he have the courage and determination to stand for what is right? Facing rejection in the greatest decision of his life, David must choose which path to follow: a religious tradition to live by or a faith to die for.