The small town of Paradise, Pennsylvania, is a jewel in Lancaster County-known for its picture-postcard landscapes and buolic lifestyle. But that peace is shattered by the discovery of a dead infant in the barn of am Amish farmer. A police investigation quickly leads to two startling disclosures: the newborn's mother is an unmarried Amish woman, eighteen-year-old Katie Fisher. And the infant did not die from natural causes. Although Katie denies the medical proof that she gave birth to the child, circumstantial evidence leads to her arrest for the murder of her baby. One hundred miles away, Philadelphia defence attourney Ellie Hathaway has achieved an enviable, high-profile career. But her latest court "victory" has set the sands shifting beneath her. Single at thirty-nine and unsatisfied with her relationship, Ellie doesn't look back when she turns down her chance to make partner and takes off for an open-ended stay at her great-aunt's home in Paradise. Fate brings her to Katie Fisher. Suddenly, Ellie sees the chance to defend a client who truly needs her, not just one who can afford her. But taking this case challenges Ellie in more ways than one. She finds herself not only in a clash of wills with a client who does not want to be defended but also in a clash of cultures with a people whose channels of justice are markedly different from her own. Immersing herself in Katie Fisher's life-and in a world founded of faith, humility, duty, and honesty-Ellie begins to understand the pressures and sacrifices of thoes who live "plain." As she peels away the layers of fact and fantasy, Ellie calls on an old friend for guidance. Now, just as this man from Ellie's past reenters her life, she must uncover the truth about a complex case, a tragic loss, the bonds of love-and her own deepest fears and desires.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Putting into The Top 100 Book box!

Took out of the Top 100 bookbox. I just recently read my first Jodi Picoult book. I'm looking forward to reading another one by her.

Adding to batty14's Current Fiction bookbox.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Released into batty14's Current Fiction bookbox.

Arrived home in my current fiction box. Have already read this one. Marking as available.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Adding to indygo88's book box. Hope someone enjoys it!

Arrived home in my bookbox. This was the first Picoult novel I ever read (you can see my review HERE). I'll find a new home for this copy.

6/21/09 -- Loaned to Mom.