A New York Times Bestselling Author
In 1971, a property speculator Harley Mann begins recording his life story. He recounts that after his father's sudden death, his family migrated down to Florida's swamplands to join a community of Shakers. Led by Elder John, the colony devoted itself to labor, faith, and charity. Though this way of life initially saved Harley and his family from ruin, when Harley began falling in love with Sadie Pratt, his loyalty to the Shakers and their conservative worldview grew strained and, ultimately, broke. As Harley dictates his story across more than half a century, the truth about Sadie, Elder John, and the Shakers comes to light, clarifying the past and present alike.