In this drama-filled Roaring ʼ20s and World War II novel from award-winning New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe, an abandoned young woman longing for family confronts betrayal, abuse—and a dream marriage that is the most dangerous trap of all . . .

Smart and sensitive, Carrie Brewster is a good church-going girl who believes that if you work hard, life will work out. She's totally unprepared when a devastating decision leaves her to fend for herself. On her own at 18, she discovers that a young woman's options in rural Georgia are sadly limited.

Determined not to be exploited as an overworked maid, Carrie instead becomes a caregiver for respected teacher Leon Puckett's elderly father. But the Puckett home is not the safe space she expected, and she’s unsure what to do. Enter wounded war hero, Booker Ferguson.
Carrie is sure Booker is everything she's ever hoped for—strong, caring, an honorable man who would do anything to protect her and make her happy. She’s thrilled when he proposes marriage.

But Carrie is soon contending with her husband’s increasing jealousy and paranoia. Angered as he tries to control her, it seems she’s once again chosen the wrong road. Only this time, she must find the strength to handle things very differently . . . because another bad decision is not an option.