Set in New England, a farmer struggles to survive a bare existence, tethered to his farm, first by his helpless parents and then by a hypochondriac wife. Yet, when his wife's alluring cousin comes to stay, his dreams are rekindled.

In a small New England town over half a century ago, a boy is playing with his new toy soldiers in the dirt when he looks up to see a striking man, the new minister, Jamie learns later he is a man who with his beautiful wife will transform the church and the town. The men and boys are a bit in love with Mrs. Jacobs; the women and girls, with the Reverend Jacobs -- including Jamie's sisters and mother. Then tragedy strikes, and this charismatic preacher...

Follows the activities of seven children in nineteenth-century NewEngland as they prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday while Mother is away caring for Grandmother.

Mary Beth Swann has taken over as police captain on a small New England fishing island while her husband is away fighting in World War II. When a POW from a hastily built military prison is found murdered, quiet island life changes. As more bodies appear, Swann must track down the killer while dealing with her own insecurities, unhelpful islanders, and patronizing military officers. World War II is raging overseas, but life remains painfully quiet...