Ever since her parents died in a tragic train wreck, Sofia Rogers has worked a job, managed a household, and brought up her little brother, Andy--all on her own, because she prizes her independence. But that's not to say it's been an easy road. As if she didn't have enough burdens to bear, through circumstances beyond her control, Sofie gets pregnant--and becomes an overnight pariah. Worse than the whispers and stares of others is the bewilderment she feels, knowing she may not be able to provide for her baby.Dr. Elijah Trent moved to Wabash to take over the medical practice of his grandfather, "Doc" Trent, as he is affectionately called by the locals. Moved by a sense of compassion, Eli maintains a hectic schedule, striving to meet all his patients' needs. Just when he feels as if he's bitten off a bit more than he can chew, he meets Sofie Rogers--and his world is turned upside down by this enchanting yet perplexing young woman, who rejects any apparent acts of charity.Even more frustrating, Sofie refuses to participate in an investigation that might bring her attacker to justice and thereby restore her reputation. Never one to mind his own business, Eli gets involved, anyway--and a world of troubles ensues, from arson to death threats. Nevertheless, Eli is determined to break down the wall of silence behind which Sofie hides her deep, dark secret, and to make her realize that trusting him--and her heavenly Father--is the only thing that makes sense.

About the Author: Sharlene MacLaren was born and raised in west Michigan and attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating in 1971 with an education degree, she taught second grade for two years, then accepted an invitation to travel internationally with a singing ensemble for one year. In 1975, she came home, returned to her teaching job, and married her childhood sweetheart. Together, they raised two lovely daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying families of their own. Retired in 2003 after thirty-one years of teaching, "Shar" loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family--in particular, her adorable grandchildren!
A Christian for over fifty years, and a lover of the English language, Shar always enjoyed dabbling in writing. She remembers well the short stories she wrote in high school, and watching them circulate from girl to girl during government and civics classes. "Psst," someone would whisper from two rows over, always when the teacher's back was turned, "pass me the next page."
In the early 2000s, Shar felt God's call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further, and in 2006, she signed a contract for her first faith-based novel, Through Every Storm, thereby launching her writing career. With eighteen published novels now gracing store shelves and being sold online, she daily gives God all the glory. She dedicated her last novel, Their Daring Hearts, to Jesus.
Shar has done numerous countrywide book signings and made several television appearances and radio interviews. She loves speaking for community organizations, libraries, church groups, and women's conferences. In her church, she is active in women's ministries, regularly facilitating Bible studies and other events. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan, with their beautiful white collie, Peyton, and their ragdoll cat, Blue.