Publisher's Synopsis
MOST PECULIAR WAYS-Young Frankie Jameson doesn't know much about life beyond his father's traveling medicine show. He doesn't know how much longer he can endure the mounting verbal and physical abuse. And he doesn't know who or what seems to be listening to his silent pleas for help. But after witnessing miraculous healings at a tent revival service, he believes the mysterious boy evangelist does.
INTRODUCING EMILY-It's a big event in the small town of Olivia. Local girl Emily Burkhart turned Hollywood actress Lacy Jaymes comes home to give an interview to a venerable local television personality. She returns to LA the next day for the premiere of her latest film. But it's the drama of the interview's revelation that leaves a stunned crowd gathered at the Smoky Cove Tavern's watch party wondering if there is a monster among them.
TEENAGE LOVE-Shawn Lusk discovers his former high school sweetheart is set to marry a handsome young attorney and settle in posh Franklin, Tennessee. Shawn's long struggle with depression magnifies as he contrasts Lisa's impending life of wealth and prestige with that of his own simple existence back in their hometown of Olivia. In the dark recesses of his troubled mind, he begins to wonder, If I can't be happy, perhaps neither should she.
THE SANDSTONE CROSS-It's the end of the line for inmate Charles Buckley. As he lays dying in the infirmary, he grudgingly agrees to speak to the prison chaplain-confession being good for the soul. But as Father Douglas Ramey spends time at the terminal patient's bedside, he discovers that the soul he hopes to redeem is not so easily reached.
