Reverend Joseph Hartmann’s heart goes out to the frail young girl he has almost hit with his carriage. It is evident that the child is living off the streets. Believing that it is God’s will, he takes her home to raise her in a God-loving home. Under the care and love he shows Kassandra, she blossoms into a beautiful young lady.

At the age of fifteen, Kassandra is misled by Ben Connor. He convinces her that she is preventing the Reverend from having a family of his own. Not wanting to be a burden to the one man who has ever shown her kindness, she makes the decision to leave with Ben. Once he has her away from the safe haven of the Reverend’s home, Ben takes what he was after and casts Kassandra to the streets. Heart broken and ashamed, she believes she is unworthy to return to the Reverend’s home, as she has disgraced herself in God’s eyes, by giving away her one special gift.

Kassandra knows firsthand that life on the streets is rough. She uses the only means she has to stay alive - her body. Turning to a life of prostitution she makes the decision to leave her past behind and move to California to work in a high-class brothel. With her move, she assumes a new identity and calls herself Sadie, but Kassandra and the past will always live in her heart.

Allison Pittman is absolutely one of the best writers I have encountered this year. Her writing style presents you with memorable characters who grab hold of your heart. Once again she has written a book which would make an excellent Hallmark movie. My highest recommendation is given for Speak Through the Wind.