Lynn Veach Sadler weaves this coming of age tale with old wives' tales and a twist of menace to deliver a stunning, thoughtful story of youth and penance.  Polly Junior never could understand why all the womenfolk in her sleepy little town would get so worked up over the arrival of Mr. Rufe.   Why did everyone feel obligated to open their homes each year to this wanderer, who arrived each spring to the delight of the town ladies and the dismay of the town menfolk?  Nothing is what it seems, and soon it becomes apparent that the seemingly harmless tradition carries a darker purpose. 

This ebook is the exact galley of the print book.  Front and back cover graphics are included with the download.