The Cove by Ron Rash

Set against the backdrop of World War I in the remote Appalachian Mountains, this haunting tale unfolds in a secluded valley shrouded in superstition and mystery. The story follows Laurel Shelton, a young woman ostracized by her community due to a birthmark and rumors of a family curse. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a mute stranger hiding in the woods, a man who brings both hope and danger into her isolated existence. As their bond deepens, secrets unravel, revealing the complexities of love, trust, and the harsh realities of a world at war, ultimately leading to a poignant and tragic climax.