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by Julie Dorsey (Author)
In the late 1850s in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, 16-year-old Polly King marries 19-year-old John Justice, known as the Peacemaker for his skill in settling disputes. Soon, however, they clash. He's a violent alcoholic who wants her home but Polly's devoted to helping the sick and delivering babes, her calling since she killed her sister when she was 11.
Polly's mentored by granny woman Nan Clark. While collecting herbs, they find a skeleton. Sam Edney, sheriff in Blue Ridge and Polly's former beau, examines the crushed skull and says the man was murdered. This is the first in a string of murders that Polly tries to solve.
The only clues seem to be black feathers and a horseshoe boot print near the bodies.
After seeing Sam again, Polly realizes she still loves him. They begin a secret affair two years later and ultimately Polly bears his son.
Though her life is difficult and John's abuse worsens, Polly finds support in friendship with Candy, Nan's granddaughter. Polly is also close to Keera Kelly, an Irish girl who Polly sees as a sister. Keera shows promise as a healer and midwife and they often work together.
Candy leaves Blue Ridge to find a cure for her syphilis and Sam is conscripted into the Rebel army. Polly waits for Sam but hears he died. But there is good news. With the onset of war, the murders have stopped and Candy soon returns home with a wealthy husband.
In April 1865, Union General Stoneman's troops ride through Blue Ridge. Soldiers hold a gun on John, forcing him to saddle and bridle Blackjack, Polly's beloved horse.
Polly soon delivers Keera's baby, a child with John's purple birthmark. Polly then helps Keera leave Blue Ridge and move to Charleston where she'll be safe from John.
While Polly's home alone, her brother-in-law Davey Mack and a friend burst in. Both seriously injured. While treating Davey Mack, Polly sees a horseshoe on the bottom of his boot, identifying him as the murderer. He tells her that his friend had given him the boots a week prior. Polly poisons the man with a Pokeberry tincture, finally stopping the murder in Blue Ridge.
John, now terrified of Polly, quits drinking and starts preaching. But Polly is done. She no longer fears John but fears what she might do to him. She goes to live with Candy at her mansion Charlemont. It's the place where she'll always be loved.
