Betsy Reeder
In this suspenseful story of the late nineteenth century, Joseph Cook upends his life after the murder of his closest friend by a man who escapes justice. Leaving his thirty-year railroad career in mid-stride, he returns to the New River landscape of his Appalachian youth. There he hopes to buy a farm, reunite with what’s left of his family, and find peace. An expert in bridge construction, Joseph finds the building of personal bridges surpasses his ability. His goals are further thwarted by unexpected obstacles and diverted by a reunion with a childhood friend who opens doors to pain and possibility. The novel explores the natural longing for peace, home, and family, a quest that ultimately forces Joseph to abandon his planned path and face daunting adversity. In doing so, he learns that justice and love denied can become justice and love delayed but finally won. Letting go of their pursuit may not equate with giving up.
