Samuel McElroy is an honorable, God-fearing young man who practically stumbles into a business endeavor with Robert Bruce, an entrepreneur familiar with many biblical principles, yet prone to misapplying them. The two create a thriving barge company along the newly constructed Erie Canal thanks to Samuel’s work ethic, his innovative mind, and Robert’s desire for success. Working so closely with someone with a differing temperament and contrasting values proves to be challenging for Samuel. Time and time again, he is faced with the choice to act selfishly or selflessly; he repeatedly chooses to die to himself in his relationship with Robert, in the face of opposition from the local bully, and even in an encounter with a beautiful, vulnerable woman. But what will happen when he and Robert realize they’re both attracted to a lady who better complements Samuel spiritually? How many times is he expected to put others first? How can he surrender something as monumental as choosing a compatible life partner? Join Samuel in 19th century New York as he works through his trials in ways that emulate Jesus’ humility, service, and forgiveness, yet seem peculiar to those around him.

Samuel McElroy is in desperate need of a woman’s help in raising his newborn baby, Annalee, and Mary Bruce is perfect for the job. Longing to be actively involved in his daughter’s life, Samuel settles into a home in Central New York across the street from the Bruce residence, cherishing his daily visits with his precious daughter. Self-absorbed and aloof, Samuel’s business partner and Mary’s husband, Robert Bruce, is not an invested father figure for his own son or Annalee. To make matters worse, he’s cold and disinterested when it comes to loving his wife. As he watches her nurture his infant daughter, Samuel’s repressed romantic feelings for Mary intensify, producing unbearable turmoil in his heart and mind. How can he continue to co-parent with the woman he loves but is forbidden to marry? And how can he stand by and watch her be treated so poorly by her husband? Caught between his desires to honor the Lord, yet raise his daughter with the woman who has captivated his heart, Samuel must make a choice: allow passion to get the best of him, or die to himself and rise above the temptation. Full of twists and turns and even some significant heart changes, this sequel to A Peculiar Grain of Wheat offers an up-close view of one man’s pursuit of wisdom and holiness in the most complicated of circumstances. Readers will be amazed as God’s sovereign plan for this 1820’s peculiar family unfolds.

Warren Russell is a man on the run—from the law, from his enemies, and even from reality. As a self-described jerk and coward, he feels he can’t do anything well except accidentally kill people. Recently tasked with running a homestead alone in the foothills of the Rockies, Beth Morris is a strong, fit, tomboyish woman who appreciates Warren’s offer to act as hired hand for the time being. Warren can’t help but be impressed with Beth’s competence and eye for beauty, and even after experiencing her short temper falls deeply in love with her. Guilt from his dishonesty upon his initial meeting with Beth soon torments Warren. Should he reveal his enormous secret and risk losing her forever? Or should he keep feigning innocence and build a relationship on a lie?

A strange bottle found floating in a mountain stream. An equally strange man who is trying to grow hair on a frog but who also can read what is written on the bottle. Annalee and Quint are disappointed when they learn the bottle's contents until they are led on a special adventure to find and help its owner, leading to some special lessons on cross cultural friendships and how to share their faith in Christ with their newfound friend.

Abu is a young shepherd who has lived all his life in a hot, dry highland. His experiences guarding sheep have helped him develop fighting skills with a staff. When he discovers a lush, cool valley with horses he determines, against his father's counsel, to live there. He meets a slave girl his age named Deborah who urges him to flee the valley, but before he does he is captured by the cruel men who own the horses and control the valley. He and Deborah must plan a way of escape that does not leave his family vulnerable to future attacks but does utilize his skills with the staff.

How long can two little girls keep one huge secret? After a can of paint causes an accident in Annalee’s bedroom, she and Lily do all they know to do: hide it from Annalee’s mom! But when their cover-up proves to be anything but ordinary, their brothers can’t help but notice and want in on the magical action. The girls agree under one condition: the magic must be kept secret. After dodging bulls and bears, being chased by Brazilian pirates and Egyptian guards, and wrestling with their consciences, the seven cousins decide to come clean to their parents. But will their moms and dads believe their unbelievable tales? And will they be in trouble for not telling the truth sooner? Join the Rogers and MacKenzie children as they are confronted with telling white lies or being honest and being selfish or making sacrifices, all while learning through experience that a magic rug and a Sovereign God are not the same.