Kate Darby has grown from an orphaned girl into a high-powered advertising executive living in Los Angeles; Leona Darby, her grandmother, is the only family she has. When Leona suffers a debilitating stroke, Kate has no choice but to return to Meadows, the rural California mountain town of her youth, where she meets Nick Sheridan. A freelance writer for the newspaper Leona owns, Nick is also a former womanizer who has found God and made a pledge: no dating for one year. The camaraderie between Kate and Nick is easy from the get-go, and Kate's presence soon challenges Nick's vow. As comfortable as life becomes in Meadows, Kate still has responsibilities in LA. And then there is God. Nick is committed to his faith while Kate struggles to believe that God exists. Bylin, who has written several historical romance novels, pens a strong character-driven story. Deftly handling the faith element, she brings an authenticity to Kate's search and Nick's steadfastness that will resonate with readers, regardless of their religious persuasions.
