Miller River, a sleepy Vermont town, represents hometown America. Everyone knows everyone, no one locks their doors and crime is thought nonexistent. Upon closer inspection, all is not as it seems. Beautiful, sheltered Mary Hayes grows up in Mill River with her father, training and breeding horses. Her life changes the day Patrick McAllister arrives at the farm to purchase his graduation gift, a Thoroughbred Morgan. Patrick, the future heir of McAllister Marbleworks is used to getting what he wants and one look at Mary and she is what he wants. Experiencing trauma in high school, Mary suffers from anxiety and marrying Patrick only adds to her fears. Mary retreats into a world of her own in her marble house on the hill. Kyle Hansen starts over with his daughter in Miller River as a police officer following the death of his wife. Kyle sees what others don't -- threats, jealousy, arson, and greed. From a pilfering priest to a town benefactor, Miller River has many secrets to hide.
This is June's Colony of Readers Book Club choice, and I am so glad it is, I probably would not have picked it up on my own. Mary's story is one of sadness, acceptance, and finally, love. Chan is very adept at drawing the reader in and holding fast. There are two other books in this series, and I immediately reserved both at the library. (The Mill River Redemption and The Promise of Home) This is an easy read and will be perfect for vacation.
Darcie Chan is the New York Times bestseller author. For fourteen years, Chan worked as an attorney drafting environmental and natural resource legislation for the U. S. Senate. She now writes fiction full-time and lives north of New York City with her husband and son.
