Jilted by her fiancé, Francine Howard needs a new direction in life. A nurse by training, she decides to join the Frontier Nursing Service as a midwife for Appalachian women. She heads to Kentucky, where the mountains are a salve to her broken heart. Meanwhile, Ben Locke returns home from World War II, mentally scarred from all he has witnessed. Over time, a wisp of romance begins to develop between the pair, but Francine is an outsider. Only God knows the plans He has for their lives, if they are patient enough to wait. Gabhart ("Hidden Springs Mystery" series) infuses her well-drawn protagonists with faith and encouragement, which helps them deal with the adversity they face. Based on the life of Mary Breckinridge, founder of the Frontier Nursing Service, this novel vividly re-creates the world of postwar Appalachia. The compelling story line resonates long after the last page is turned. VERDICT Suggest to readers who enjoy historical fiction drawn from actual events and those who read for strong character development.

Gabhart (The Outsider) paints an endearing portrait of WWII Appalachia in this enjoyable tale about two people trying to find their place in the world and discern what it means to truly be home. After Francine Howard's boyfriend dumps her for an English war bride, she heads to Hyden, Ky., as a member of the Frontier Nursing Service to be trained as a midwife. The local customs are different from any she has ever known, and she soon discovers she may be in over her head. Meanwhile, Ben Locke has been serving his country as a medic in Europe and wants nothing more than to go back home to the mountains he loves. When an unexpected injury allows him to do just that, one of the first people he encounters is Fran. The two are attracted to each other, but he is from the rural parts of the mountain. In her community, she knows things would be contentious if the two became close. Garhart handles the Appalachian landscape and culture with skill, bringing them to vibrant life. (Sept.)