At Cross Purposes (Paperback)

A neophyte minister, Julia Parker faces barrier after barrier when she meets Donald Ferguson at Lake Walloon, Michigan. Unable to complete a "love" sermon for lack of experience, she -- like Donald -- hides secrets. Donald, on the fast track to ordination, initiates a religious center usurping Julie's cabin. A boating accident triggers dreams about the sister he killed and the Gulf War. Julie, once date-raped, believes herself barren due to a previous injury. Julie suffers to succeed in her ministry while Donald saves Julie's cabin. Hiding his role in the cabin fiasco, he asks Julie to join him as a TV evangelist, but she hates TV evangelism. Growing ill from overwork while "turning around" her church, Don takes her on a recuperation cruise. On their return, her "Elders" scuttle her and Julie runs to Donald for solace. In a triple-twisting, on again-off again ending -- Julie finally finds love in Donald's arms and finishes her "love sermon."