Breaking Matthew

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’ ―Matthew 14: 29-31

Over four years have passed, and still Matthew Doyle can’t shake the guilt of turning his back on Ruby, the girl who saved his life. As much as he’s tried to avoid returning home to Hanceville, Alabama, he must do so in order to complete his service with the Tennessee Valley Authority, helping to establish electricity throughout the county. But Ruby continues to haunt his dreams, and the only way to move on is to seek her out and make things right. 

Tracking Ruby down leads Matthew back to the Calhoun farm, a place full of memories best left buried. But what he finds there will change his life forever. A man is dead. And Ruby Graves stands accused of his murder. 

In his quest to prove Ruby’s innocence and atone for his past, Matthew must stand against the most powerful influences in the county, including his own father. But doing so may cost him everything, even his faith in God. Can Matthew rebuild Ruby’s broken trust in him and save her life in return? Or will the trials he faces leave him broken instead?

Breaking Matthew is the sequel to Healing Ruby, a novel set in Depression-era Alabama that explores faith healing, family loyalty, and racial segregation.