Justice, of course, was an elusive thing, very subjective in some ways, too often more of a concept than a reality, but without the pursuit of that ideal, where would humanity be?

She said a silent prayer of gratitude and went to the stove, making as little noise as possible, stirring the embers with a poker and then shoving in several sticks of the precious seasoned wood.When...

Melissa had never really caught the culinary bug; in fact, she’d all but had herself vaccinated against it.

Her fatigue was gone; she felt vital and strong, like a tree coming back to life in the springtime, vibrant with sap, ready to put out buds and then blossoms.

She wanted to ask about the McCaffreys’ children, but the question seemed too personal. Westerners were private sorts, in Evangeline’s judgment, with more than their share of secrets. “It scares me a little,” she confessed....

He wished he knew how to make tea, wished he even had some to try with. That was what Miss June-bug wanted when she was feeling low, a good cup of tea, and it always...