New Hope Series by Karen J. Hasley

The inhabitants of New Hope, Nebraska, have done their best to put the Civil War with all its turmoil and devastation behind them. By 1878, the town is prospering. Three daily railroad stops. Groceries, feed and grain, hardware, and leather goods readily available. Bank, doctor's office, café, and barber shop. Its own church and school, preacher and teacher. A civilized community with all the marks of progress... moreThe inhabitants of New Hope, Nebraska, have done their best to put the Civil War with all its turmoil and devastation behind them. By 1878, the town is prospering. Three daily railroad stops. Groceries, feed and grain, hardware, and leather goods readily available. Bank, doctor's office, café, and barber shop. Its own church and school, preacher and teacher. A civilized community with all the marks of progress. That's what the hard-working members of the Merchants' Association believe until the day New Hope's telegraph agent – young Eddie Barts – disappears, and suddenly life in New Hope changes. Widow Ruth Churchill, barber and owner of the town's finest boarding house, has lived and loved in New Hope for over a decade. She calls it home and its citizens friends. Five years after the death of her beloved husband, Ruth has managed to find peace and a kind of happiness. But with the disappearance of Eddie Barts, Ruth will find her world and her life turned upside down. Despite all the trappings of civilization, something – someone – evil is hiding in New Hope. For years, unknown to anyone but one relentless searcher, a wicked man of violence and deception has been living behind a mask of respectability. Before his mask is ripped off, Ruth will experience suspicion, doubt, danger, and fear. Her own life will be at risk. Her own heart, too. Because along with terror and grief comes love. They live side-by-side. When it's all over, New Hope, Nebraska, will never be the same. And neither will Ruth. less

New Hope is the kind of town that minds its own business and accepts people – even strangers, even single women – without comment or criticism. Exactly the kind of place painter Sheba Fenway is looking for. Along the way other things happen, like friends and a successful business and a comfortable home, but for Sheba, it’s always and only about her art. That’s all she has room for in her life and in her heart... moreNew Hope is the kind of town that minds its own business and accepts people – even strangers, even single women – without comment or criticism. Exactly the kind of place painter Sheba Fenway is looking for. Along the way other things happen, like friends and a successful business and a comfortable home, but for Sheba, it’s always and only about her art. That’s all she has room for in her life and in her heart. Until one August when Sheba’s past comes calling, and suddenly her life isn’t just about painting any more. Now it’s about family and keeping them safe. Before the smoke clears, Sheba will come face to face with fear, danger, and evil. With love, too, something she never wanted and didn’t have room for. Or so she thought. In the end, if she’s smart and fearless enough, Sheba Fenway may live to find out how much a woman’s life – and heart – can truly hold. less