Sydney Tooman Betts

Phoebe Farrell has one distinguishing talent: listening. When a wealthy, if vinegary, widow employs her as a companion, Phoebe becomes acquainted with a variety of people upstairs and downstairs, in and outside of the household. Some are caustic and greedy; some are generous and kind. A few are tender. One is planning a murder. While Phoebe unearths their secrets and desires, can she uncover the truth before it is too late?

Plunged into murder...In April of 1843, Phoebe's family hears about a murder while they are traveling to their new home in the Shenandoah Valley. They arrive to learn the victim attended the church her father has agreed to pastor and the crime took place on a leading church member's plantation. Eager to make new friends, Phoebe forms a unique relationship that propels her into the middle of the mystery, and she begins to question several acquaintances' motives. Will she uncover their secrets before the plantation owner's charming son discovers hers? Find out now..."Sydney Tooman Betts is a gifted, eloquent, and frankly poetic storyteller, a joy to read. Her theological bona fides are impeccable, offering solid, well-researched reads. Love her work and look forward to reading more."Dr. Cliff Kelly, former Sr. Editor and Analyst, Focus on the Family's Truth Project and author of The Sixth Seal

During the winter of 1841, Pacing Wolf, the esteemed leader of the Many Lodges, follows the trail of a brutal murderer, leaving behind Small Doe, his beloved woman. When his tracking party returns without him, the Sparrow Hawk's Real Chief pronounces him dead, but Small Doe refuses to give up hope he will return. The coming spring offers her few choices. She can accept the courageous new warrior Pacing Wolf chose for her before leaving or risk falling prey to his war-society rivals.Vengeance and loyalty, hatred and faithfulness, all vie within two enemy villages, one belonging to the Sparrow Hawks and the other to the Allies, threatening to crush each hope of happiness for Small Doe and everyone she loves."Sydney Tooman Betts is a gifted, eloquent and frankly poetic storyteller, a joy to read. She tells deeply important stories, awakening us to unique, truly American Native cultures. Her theological bona fides are impeccable, offering solid, well-researched reads. Love her work and look forward to reading more."Dr. Cliff KellyFormer Sr. Editor and Analyst, Focus on the Family's Truth Project, and author of The Sixth Seal

Light Bird gave little thought to danger: she was the only daughter in a family of men renowned for courage. She spent her days in the pleasant company of her mother, grandmother, aunts and cousins, and evenings listening to stories about The Creator. Only one thing marred her happiness: a tall warrior who was determined to have her. Each summer he visited her village and each summer her father turned him away, but in the spring of 1839 he brought an altogether different threat ... Seeking vengeance for the murders of his wife and son, her father's fiercest enemy trailed the prints left carelessly by their attacker - and followed them straight to Light Bird

In the Spring of 1817, Alcy Callen and her father visit a step-uncle they have long presumed dead; but instead of enjoying a loving reunion, they are plunged into treachery and deceit. Nothing is as they expected and little is what it seems. Even the man who helps her escape is not the reliable suitor he appears.Alcy is caught between gratitude and fear, unable to avoid her rescuer's attentions or understand the responses they stir. Neither can she tell what sort of man he is or what he intends to do with her in the strange place they are going. Will he keep her for himself or will he sell her to the highest bidder? Of one person only is she certain, but will he come for her before it is too late?"