WHO WAS JOE WHITEDEER? A commanding military man? A dark, compelling secret agent? Or...someone else altogether? For five years, his young widow, Beatrice Gerard, remained prisoner to unanswered questions...and longings. But all she knew was that her passionate husband had perished in a blaze as mysterious as his identity. Or had he? For whispers reached Beatrice that Joe had merely staged his death--to her life. And she'd have to brave the deepest peril to untangle the tormenting bonds that would finally either set her free...or hold her forever hostage to love. SMYTHESHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS... A sleepy New England town...with secrets hidden in the age-old hills.