Read an excerpt from Scandals and Mercies, book three in the Stone Creek Brides by Kathleen Rouser, published by Wild Heart Books.

About the Book

He’s a reporter determined to uncover the truth, but the secrets he finds could crush her family—and their second chance at love.

Taken from her family’s farm to be raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle, Nora Armstrong has accepted that not only will she never realize her dream of becoming a teacher, she’d also rather be a spinster than submit to her cruel aunt’s society selection of a suitable husband. The one man who caught her eye betrayed her best friend. And she’s got enough on her hands, hiding her sister’s shameful secret from her aunt.

When the local home for unwed mothers burns down, the arson investigation brings big-city reporter James Cooper back to Stone Creek—and back into Nora’s life. James also has a meddling aunt who raises more questions than she answers about his past. Not to mention, he can’t figure out why Nora constantly rebuffs him. When his reporting casts aspersions on the local church and lays the blame for the fire and a series of robberies at the wrong feet, he risks losing his new position at the paper.

As they seek to unravel the town’s mystery, rescue endangered mothers and children, and navigate their own family secrets forced to light, James and Nora increasingly turn to each other for help. But can they overcome James’s lack of faith and the disapproval of Nora’s guardians to find a second chance at love?

About the Author

Kathleen Rouser is an award-winning and multi-published author of historical Christian romance. She is a longtime member in good standing of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Kathleen has loved making up stories since she was a little girl and wanted to be a writer before she could even read. She’s in the grip of God’s grace and is a fan of the three Cs—cats, coffee, and chocolate.

The mother of three adult children, who is a former homeschool instructor, mild-mannered dental assistant, and current Community Bible Study kids’ teacher lives in Michigan with her hero and husband of thirty-some years, and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.

Excerpt

October 1902,
Stone Creek, Michigan 

A slight glow illuminated the sky through the window when Nora Armstrong awoke. She sat and rubbed her arms, shivering. She’d overslept and must hurry to accomplish her mission.

Nora reached for her corset, fastened it, and wished a lady had permission to curse such a contraption. She pulled on her petticoat and a simple long brown work frock. She then slipped on her most practical shoes, leaving the topmost buttons undone in her hurry. A hat would conceal her nighttime braid gone askew, and a shawl would cover her plain attire. A quick splash of clean water at the washstand would have to do for now. 

Next, she lifted the dust ruffle from below the four-poster mahogany bed and reached underneath. She grabbed the smooth wooden chest and slid it toward her in the faint light. A creak made her jump as she opened the lid. Her heart pounded. Had Aunt Gertrude or Uncle Edmond heard the noise? She pulled out the small hidden burlap sack. 

She slipped through the hallway and down the stairs, attempting to miss the creaky spot on each step, covered with well-worn carpet. When a squeak sounded under her light tread, she stopped and leaned back against the oak banister. Soft whiffling snores echoed off the high ceilings and came in concert from Aunt Gertrude’s and Uncle Edmond’s separate bedrooms. Ten more steps to the bottom of the grand staircase and she should make it without disturbing them. 

“Miss?” Wrapped in a plain shawl, Eliza, the elderly maid, stood poised to defend herself on the edge of the shadows with a vase clasped tightly in her hand. Her white braid shone in the moonlight. 

Nora put a finger to her lips. “I’m going for my morning walk early. Lots to do today.” She carried the sack beside her as she reached the Persian rug at the bottom of the stairs. 

“With that?” The maid pointed. 

“Oh, this? I thought I’d drop off some old gloves at the box outside the church. Please, don’t wake my aunt and uncle. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Her dishonesty sent a twinge of pain through her conscience. 

“I suppose, miss.” 

“Thank you.” Nora gave the older lady a peck on the cheek and caught Eliza’s smile in the dim light. 

Nora made her way through the kitchen and out the side door. She only waited to close the wrought-iron gate behind her before she took off in a run, the sack swinging beside her.

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