Cranbury, 1904 All Essie Hemsworth wants to do is capture light on paper—that is, take pictures with the latest cameras. Inspired by her cousin Willoughby, Essie has spent years learning the art of photography, using light and shadow to create eye-catching reflections of life. Her fondest dream is to someday open a studio with Willoughby, but when he comes to Essie and her parents in ill health, all she can do is escort him back to his hometown of Cranbury. Alec Taylor is coming home, too, with renewed faith and the hope of starting over. He doesn’t want his mother to know he spent the last eighteen months in prison, because he’s a changed man—one she can be proud of if he can keep his old life in the past. But when his former boss comes to Cranbury to bring Alec his trunkful of city clothing, Alec has to face—and conquer—that past. Can an innocent young woman and a man whose history is sprinkled with misdeeds find the fresh start he’s looking for—together—or will the clouds of his past keep them from the bright future they both desire?