While She Was Sleeping — Grace Gray Sample

In spite of her father's disapproval, Nicole Downing is leaving Minnesota to visit the home of her childhood in Iowa, and her mother's close-knit family, the Wingates. Years earlier when she was four her father, Milton Downing was found guilty of killing her mother, Claire. After years in prison Milton is found innocent at a second trial, a decision never accepted by the Wingates or by Peter, Nicole's brother.

Nicole not only has to reach a decision concerning her inheritance, but she hopes during her visit she will be able to reconcile Peter and their father.

Her friend, Clint Bowers, sympathizes with her predicament and promises to visit during her stay. Upon her arrival she is welcomed by her grandmother and by several aunts and uncles, and a cousin, Annabelle Wingate, who now is all but engaged to Sam Foster, a former crush of Nicole's.

Her return seems joyful but as the days go by and events including murder occur, the danger to herself becomes apparent. Eventually she realizes that who she is and what her intentions are is the root of all that happens.