Joy Comes in the Morning

After the death of her abusive husband, Isabel finds herself alone, wondering how she'll manage their farm all on her own. But she's no stranger to hardship. She's made it through so many heartaches throughout her young life already, beginning when her family left their home in England, unaware of the struggles that would be waiting in the New World. Wild animals, disease, and war with the natives stole one life after another.
Isabel is now determined to get along on her own, despite the frightening circumstances she finds herself in. Though she's felt so far from him in recent years, she tries to place her trust in God, knowing that he is the only reason she ever made it through any of the difficult times she has already faced. But, as she stares into the future, the unknowns cause her worry. Her Puritan leaders will, no doubt, pressure her to remarry, whether she's ready or not.
Much to Isabel's surprise, Phillip's brother Jonathan arrives with the news that he's been named beneficiary of her property. Isabel is angered that she was not deeded the land, solely for the fact that she's a woman, and she is determined not to live under Jonathan's dominion as she did his brother, but soon comes to realize the two brothers are not alike at all. He offers her help managing the farm and something else that has become foreign to her-friendship.
Jonathan is a handsome, well-natured man-the kind of man she could see a future with. But, he's her dead husband's brother, so their relationship cannot cross into any territory beyond friendship, otherwise the local church elders would judge their immorality as incest, and punishment would ensue.