Kathy Herman, The Grand Scheme

After all the trials and tribulations caused by drug and alcohol abuse and their legal problems, Rue and Ivy Kessler go on a magnificent well deserved honeymoon as each has straightened out their life. They come home to Jacob's Ear, Colorado to the love of their family and to raise their eight years old son Montana together.

However, not all their woes have past. Someone is stalking the newlyweds. That unknown individual slowly begins a campaign to frighten the Kesslers. The assaults increasingly turn violent including the murder of a crew member working construction under Rue's supervision. Rue and Ivy are scared but determined to uncover the identity of their enemy and learn why before someone else is killed.

The third and final Phantom Hollow tale (see EVER PRESENT DANGER and NEVER LOOK BACK) is an exciting entry as the issue of redemption and forgiveness makes for a powerful inspirational character study. However, to fully grasp how far Ivy and Rue have come, I recommend reading the previous books. Still this is a deep tale that focuses how long does one pay for one's transgressions or is it impossible even with good deeds and paying society's price to ever overcome the past. Fans of the mini series will enjoy this exciting finish as Rue and Ivy would like to look forward but someone is a present danger motivated by looking back.

Harriet Klausner