Matthew Ellison thought he had left his life as a lawman far behind. But when tales surface of a killer on the loose near Albury, his experience and skill are once again put to the test. Can he earn back the townspeople’s trust while protecting those he has come to love?

Tucked out of sight on her father’s ranch, Hazel McKinney’s dreams of finding love seem to grow more distant every day. Then a chance encounter with a charming young preacher changes everything – tossing her between dreams of the future and the present stark reality.

Nathan Royce traveled West years ago to join his uncle in the ministry. Dedicated to serving the townspeople of Albury, Texas, he tackles the job with all its challenges and heartache. Then one day Nathan runs into an intriguing young woman with a faith that matches his own. Can he protect her when danger threatens their newfound friendship and possibly even her life?

If someone told Nathan Royce that Saturdays came twice as often as any other day, he wouldn’t have accused them of lying. In fact, this entire week had felt like a Saturday because those were the days when he “burned the candle at both ends” as his uncle would say. Because of the wedding tomorrow—the first wedding he had ever performed—Nathan had never been more preoccupied. 

To add to his mental strain, he found the general store overflowing with people the moment he stepped inside. With a long-suffering sigh, Nathan forced a smile to his lips and weaved his way through the crowded store. People nodded greetings toward him here and there, but he tried to avoid eye contact as he didn’t have time to stop and chat. 

As the pastor of the Albury Baptist Church, Nathan was well-known in the community. He usually tried to make himself available to everyone at any time, but this day was one exception. 

“Morning, Mrs. Taylor,” Nathan smiled at the middle-aged store owner as he reached the counter. 

The woman turned toward him with a smile of delight on her round face. “Pastor Nathan! So good to see you! Have you heard the latest news?” An eager look filled the eyes of the gossip-loving woman.

Nathan had no idea what “news” she was referring to, but it couldn’t possibly be more important than his sister’s wedding. “I haven’t, but I’m actually in a hurry today.” Flashing a brief smile, he shoved his sister’s shopping list into her hands. “Emma needs the things on this paper.”

Mrs. Taylor glanced down at the note, momentarily distracted from whatever tales she had planned on spilling. “Hmm. We ran out of eggs half an hour ago, but we should have more by this evening. I’ll send John over with a dozen. Everything else should be in stock.” 

“Perfect!” Nathan decided to make his escape while the opportunity presented itself. “I’m going to run over to the livery stable to talk to Brian. I’ll be back soon to pick this up.”

“Oh, but—” 

Nathan didn’t wait to hear her protest. He dashed around a rack of cotton shirts being advertised at a twenty percent discount. He knew there was a side door that led into the narrow alley between buildings. It would be faster than going back through to the front of the store. 

With long strides, he covered the distance to the side exit, grabbed the doorknob, and flung it open. A cry of surprise came from outside. Nathan watched in alarm as the edge of the door met a loaded basket, sending it flying from its owner’s grasp. It landed in the dust, spilling dozens of small paper-wrapped packages across the ground. Nathan glanced from the mess up toward the startled woman. Wide green eyes stared straight back at him from below the brim of her bonnet. 

“I’m so sorry,” Nathan apologized, quickly recovering from his surprise. “Did I hurt you?”

“No, just the basket.” With an amused smile, the woman scooped it up, tipping the straw-woven creation to study its permanently dented corner. 

Nathan’s gaze traveled past the basket to the person holding it. Despite the presence of her bonnet, her skin was tanned a deep golden brown—quite unconventional for a woman. A rosy glow touched her cheeks, speaking of hours spent outside. 

“I’m afraid it’s sorry competition for solid wood,” the woman said, glancing up at Nathan once more. 

He watched as a strand of fiery auburn hair blew across her cheek, having escaped the confines of her bonnet. He puzzled over her words for a second before realizing she was still speaking of the basket. 

“I’m sorry,” Nathan tipped his head with a wry grin. “I’ll buy you a new one.”

“No need. I have another at home,” the young woman spoke cheerfully as she bent to collect her scattered parcels. 

“Please, allow me.” Nathan hurried to help. He gathered the paper-wrapped bundles, laying them carefully in her mangled basket. Each was packaged neatly—tied with a string and labeled in flowing penmanship. 

When every parcel had been replaced, Nathan stepped back, looking at the young woman again. Something about her clear gaze and innocent beauty made his heart beat faster. 

“I don’t believe we’ve met before,” Nathan’s voice came out with just a touch of curiosity. Stepping closer, he held out a hand. “I’m Nathan Royce.”

She ducked her head slightly as she placed her small hand in his. “Yes, I’ve heard of you. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Do you live here in Albury?” He let go of her hand sooner than he would have liked to. 

“Nearby,” she replied evasively. “Please excuse me, Mr. Royce. I’m in a bit of a hurry. I wish you a nice day.”

The young woman slipped past him and through the door, closing it softly behind her. Nathan remained in place for a moment, then forced himself to start walking away from the store toward the livery. He couldn’t understand how he had lived in Albury for almost two years and never met this woman. He knew almost everyone in the small town, including newcomers. As one of the pastors of the ever-growing church in Albury, Nathan made it a point to get to know the townspeople. He visited them, tried to help out with day-to-day tasks, and got as involved in their lives as they allowed. 

Somehow, his path had never crossed with this lady’s before, yet she seemed to know who he was. Curiosity filled him, and Nathan was determined to visit with the young lady again soon. 

It was then he realized she never told him her name.

Bethany Klassen has been writing stories ever since she learned to put words on paper. Her debut novel SINS OF THE PAST is a Christian Western that explores themes of redemption and faith. Bethany’s goal in writing is to entertain readers with action-packed books that portray Biblical truths.

You’ll find Bethany training horses in her backyard, drinking coffee by the gallons while she plots her next book, or sharing new projects with her readers on Instagram (@bethany_klassen_).