Hannah Grace The Daughters of Jacob Kane #1 by Sharlene Maclaren

Gabe accepted the job of sheriff in Sandy Shores, Michigan in 1903. On his way there he acquired a stowaway in his wagon. The boy remained a mystery because he wouldn't talk. By the time they arrived at Gabe's destination he had decided the boy would stay with him. As sheriff he would make contacts to learn of missing children hoping to reunite a family. Hannah Grace helped run her father's store and library. That is where she first met Gabe and his charge. She assumed the boy was Gabe's son and from the bruises on the child that Gabe was an abusive parent. When she learned the truth she volunteered to care for the boy during the day while Gabe was on duty. Fortunately they soon discovered a name label in his clothes so now they knew the boy's name-Jesse Gant. Another piece in the puzzle for Gabe to check on. Each day Jesse stayed with Hannah Grace and sometimes her two sisters or grandmother. As time went on Jesse was able to trust Gabe and Hannah Grace enough to relax and enjoy his surroundings. It became apparent that he had experienced or witnessed something awful and did not trust anyone easily. Hannah was almost engaged to Ralston, the doctor in town. He had definite ideas of his future and how he wanted Hannah to fit into them. Caring for a "street urchin" was not part of what was proper. But she cared deeply for Jesse and became friends with Gabe, too. What would they do when Jesse would be returned to his family?