When a big-hearted debutante collides with a small-town blacksmith set in his ways, it can mean only one thing—a war of hearts has come to Pine Creek.
Washington, 1892
Cameron Wallace thrives as both the blacksmith and the minister in his community of Pine Creek. Out of the fires of a chaotic childhood, he’s forged a peaceful life filled with safe relationships and predictable routines. But when the smithy he’s been renting is sold out from under him, the impulsive woman who buys it stokes the embers of emotions he’d rather keep unlit—and even has the audacity to lend a helping hand to his smithy work.
Samantha Klein has never been afraid to push boundaries when it comes to helping those whom society—and God—have overlooked, be they orphans, immigrants, or injured animals. When her latest attempt to aid a group of Chinese women lands her in a newspaper scandal, her high-society family sends her packing from Seattle. Setting out on her own, she purchases the Pine Creek smithy and hatches another plan for helping her immigrant friends. But only weeks after arriving in Pine Creek, her plan turns to ashes, and she’s overwhelmed by needs she can never hope to meet, including her own need to be seen and cared for. And the one who seems to understand her is the man who won’t let her anywhere near his heart, no matter the attraction that burns between them.
As Cameron struggles to find a new normal, and Samantha yearns for someone to share her burdens, old hurts and dangerous secrets make them both terrified to admit that what they need—and what God has planned for them—just might be each other.
What readers like you are saying…
“In addition to the fabulous writing, this book moved me with its prominent themes of prejudice, compassion, and faith. Within this novel, the ugliness of racism, ignorance, and fear contrasts sharply with the restorative power of compassion and grace.” Elisabeth Espinoza
“I could not put this book down. I fell in love with the characters, the town and the heart of God reflected in this story. I loved that Cameron and Samantha both made real mistakes with real consequences, and I loved that they were forced to make difficult decisions as a result of those mistakes.” Kathleen Denly
“This is the author’s best yet! Please keep them coming.” Historical Christian Fiction Enthusiast
Meet Cameron Wallace
An Interview with Samantha Klein
My name is Lark. I’m thirteen, and this is my interview with Samantha Klein. I know Samantha and Cameron because . . . well, you’ll have to read their story. For now, you need to know that it was Samantha’s tender heart that saved me and my two sisters. I asked Samantha and Cameron some questions so you can know them better. I’ll try not to interject my opinion too much, but I can’t help it. Samantha says I’m more bullheaded than a bull, but as a city girl, she has zero experience with bulls.
Samantha, tell us about your family.
They value efficiency, good business management, social status, and formality. My older brother and his wife, and my older sister (twice-widowed) have embraced the image and lifestyle of high society, but I never felt understood by my family. They provided an education and opportunities for me that not many people receive, and for that I’m grateful, but what I really wanted was to be understood and seen for who I was.
What did you used to do in Seattle while your family went about their frenzied ways?
I snuck into Chinatown to teach English to the few women in their bachelor societies. I volunteered with Mrs. Maynard at the clinic. I petitioned to save the squirrels in Denny Park. And often, I went to the library to read. Before I left Seattle, I’d started doing some work in my father’s office just to feel more a part of the family.
If you used to sneak around, why do I get in trouble for doing the same?
Because I wasn’t sneaking around with a boy.
Point made. Let’s move on. You bought a blacksmith shop. Spontaneously. Why would a woman want to do that?
I know it’s an unconventional business for a female to own, but I’m a Klein, and Klein’s invest. After I embarrassed the family name again (by accident), and my father decided I should visit my uncle across the mountains, I stumbled onto the opportunity to purchase the Pine Creek smithy. As with most of my ideas, they come quickly, and they’re all I can think about until I act on them. Second thoughts? Those are called distractions in my opinion. With the profits from the shop, I wanted to help the underprivileged who are ignored by many in my family’s social circle. Who was going to notice and help these people if I don’t? I felt so alone in my efforts.
What was your first impression of Cameron Wallace, the blacksmith in Pine Creek?
He’s got deep eyes that study you intensely. I’ve never thought of myself as interesting, so having those eyes on me often was intimidating. But I’m not one to let intimidation hold me back. Not that I’m brave. Don’t give me that much credit.
You are brave, even if unintentionally.
What I also noticed right away was how others in town loved him and sought him out for advice. He was dependable and sturdy.
And then I couldn’t help but notice how my emotions overwhelmed him. I tend to speak and show what I’m feeling, whereas he likes to pretend he doesn’t have any emotions.
I think falling in love taught him otherwise.
Falling in love and falling out of woundedness. We have to face emotion to deal with it, right?
Sure. Why are you looking at me like that? Never mind. What lesson do you want to pass on to others?
[wrapping her arms around me] Don’t let pride make you feel like you are the only one who can solve a problem.
I am good at problem solving, though. My sisters and I survived on our own for weeks.
Listen up. The God who created all things knows you and loves you and is working out his kingdom through you.
That sounds like something Cameron would say, and speaking of him, I asked him a few questions, too.
Describe Samantha Klein, but don’t get mushy with me.
[laughing] Don’t worry. You know I’m not the mushy type.
Since you married her? I know no such thing.
She’s about 5’6” with light brown hair and pale blue eyes. If she sees a need, she’s going to try to meet it in whatever way she thinks of first, even if it’s not the wisest. She’s emotional. You don’t have to guess what she’s feeling. On the other hand, I’ve tried to guess what she’s thinking multiple times, and it’s difficult. What man can really understand a woman?
Good question. I’ve yet to meet such a man, and no offense, but maybe if men were more trustworthy, we’d let them understand us.
I was teasing, Lark. I’ve learned to understand Sam, and I’ll keep learning. About men being trustworthy—
I’m not here for one of your sermons, as good as you are at giving them. Tell me what bothered you most about Samantha when you first met her?
Everything. I thought I was in control of my life, but she waltzed into my routine with these crazy ideas. It put me on edge. But what bothered me most was her lack of understanding about a proper distance between two people. Which is also something that bothers me about you and David.
We’re not talking about me and David. And you don’t have anything to worry about with me. You know I like my own space.
She drifted into my space many times a day. In fact, once . . . [rubbing a hand over his beard] . . . never mind. I don’t want to give you any ideas.
Oh, please. Samantha told me she had trouble keeping her hands—and her mouth—to herself. I would not do such a thing. Last question. Why did you fall in love with her?
[smiling] She sees the world differently from me, and it brought me freedom. Her love is extravagant. It knows no boundaries, and I don’t deserve it. And now that we’re married, that issue with her drifting into my space isn’t an issue. What man complains that his wife can’t keep her hands off him?
Probably no man. And this is a good place to stop before I get sick.
Now who’s blushing?
I don’t blush.
Seriously, Lark. I want you to understand something about men. Not now. Our time’s up. I think I hear my sisters calling.
Meet Lily Harper
