April 1, 1999
In this follow-up to the first book in this new series (The Garden at the Edge of Beyond, LJ 9/1/98), Phillips continues the story of the devout Rutherford family. Dismayed by her parents' newfound religious beliefs, 20-year-old Amanda Rutherford seeks her own purpose in life, one that does not involve her parents or organized religion. She joins the suffragist movement and finds romance in the person of Ramsay Halifax. Realizing that her parents would not easily accept Ramsay makes him especially intriguing. Unfortunately, after the two marry, Amanda realizes Ramsay has a hidden agenda and a life she knew nothing about. Amanda's search, coupled with her questions about religion, makes this a touching and dramatic book with some intriguing historical details. Readers of historical fiction should find much to enjoy here.