A deceitful mother-in-law, Nagasaki's vengeful official, conflicting beliefs-all work against a near-perfect marriage in 1861 Japan. Three months of bliss dissolve into threats of ruin. Sumi Taguchi Cardiff could lose her husband, disgrace her family, and be arrested for following Jesus, her new Liege. John Cardiff, the first American consul in Nagasaki, never imagines his mother would try to destroy his marriage to the woman he adores.