Devastated by the loss of her father, Zoe Ardelay is baffled when someone from the royal city discovers her isolated location and takes her to be the king's newest wife. Luckily, Zoe is able to sneak away from Darien Serlast's capable eyes and stay on the edge of the river. Learning about not only her own strength, but also her unusual past and familial gifts, she still becomes embroiled in the royal intrigues.

Filled with a unique method of blessings used to determine a person's character at birth and one's fate through life, the world of TROUBLED WATERS is richly detailed to draw a reader in immediately with a natural absorption instead of the contrived feel that some worlds may have. Zoe is a likable and interesting character, and her growth through the course of the novel is superb. For instant immersion into a deeply detailed story, pick up TROUBLED WATERS.