This is a folklore-type story about a girl living in a secluded community. The community has selected a man to be the "Sin Eater" and he is summoned to symbolically eat the sins of the dying. I really liked the beginning of this story. Francine Rivers is a gifted writer and is not overly descriptive, which I love. She gives you just enough details to get you started and then leaves you guessing clear to the end of the book. The second half of the book got a little preachy for me (sorry to my Born Again Christian friends--you know that I love you!).
Overall a well-written book. Warning: some death and violence.
Rating: B