The Sin Eater's Redemption — Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

Death brings would-be country singer Tessa Owens home from Nashville to her native Ozarks. But she's not planning to stay. She turned her back on the old ways of life in the modern world long ago. But she didn't expect to meet her first love, Lucas Rowlands, at the visitation. Seven years wasn't long enough to forget him and sparks ignite when they meet again. Even worse, Tessa learns Lucas isn't the simple country farmer she left behind but the sin eater, an ancient position handed down to him from his grandfather. She still plans to make tracks back to Music City USA but when Lucas falls ill, Tessa can't bear to leave. As she struggles to understand Lucas' life and role as a sin eater, Tessa admits she loves him and there's no doubt what he feels for her. But even if she'll give up her country music dreams, there's no way Tessa can become the sin eater's wife, especially not when Lucas knows he won't make old bones. The devil wants Lucas' sin-heavy soul and if they don't come up with something, Lucas is hell bound on an express ticket. If there's any chance at a future, it's up to Tessa.