James's Joy — Cara McCormack

Home from the war a hopeless cripple and the master of a ruined plantation, James Sheffield must learn to live again. But his own conscience won't let him begin. A dark secret holds him prisoner and alcohol is his only escape.

When an intriguiging woman enters his life, James somehow resolves to make a new start. But considering James's history of misfortune, Joy McGuire, the pastor's daughter, can never be his. She is promised to another, the handsome young assistant pastor, a man who is quick to cast a stone at James.

Will James ever conquer the tyranny of his past? And will Joy listen to the truth of her heart before the rumors all around her become deafeaning?