Ruth Erskine's Son

Book 5 in the Chautauqua Series. This edition includes group discussion questions a biography of the author and an introduction to Isabella Alden’s books by Christian author Jenny Berlin.. Since the death of her husband Ruth Erskine Burnham has dedicated her life to her son; and grown-up Erskine is equally devoted to caring for his mother. When business matters require he travel to Europe alone he surprises Ruth by returning home with a wife!. Beautiful and fragile Irene settles into life with her new husband and mother-in-law but it isn’t long before conflicts arise. Ruth does her best to get along with her son’s new wife but Irene is a challenge. Irene tells falsehoods sabotages Ruth’s plans and manipulates family and friends to make Ruth look bad. . Ruth tries to give Irene the benefit of the doubt while Irene’s behavior becomes more extreme. Just as living conditions become more than she can bear Ruth learns a stunning secret about Irene’s past. . Now Ruth has a decision to make: Should she keep the secret and continue to try to win Irene over? Or should she use the power of the secret to banish Irene forever . . . and possibly lose her son’s love as well?