Upon his arrival, Butternut Creek Christian Church's newly-minted minister is met by a welcome committee led by Miss Birdie and her friend Mercedes, a.k.a. "the Widows." Their first order of business, to educate him on how things should be done, quickly gives way to a campaign to find him a wife. When their matchmaking efforts fizzle, the Widows turn to another new bachelor. Amputee and Afghan vet Sam simply wants to be left alone-- a desire that's...

A retired Episcopal rector accepts an interim post on an island off North Carolina. The novel describes the way he and his wife minister to the needs of the parishioners and their low-key social life. By the author of Out to Canaan.