Go back to Colonial Maryland in 1764 to the graveside of the aged patriarch, James Lee, as his children pay their final respects. Struggle with the deceased's unmarried daughter, forced to file his will and work to pay his debtors. Feel the pain of one sister's secret, wondering if there will ever be an answer to her search. Go to the smoke filled room at Dowden's Ordinary as the men of the Lee family secretly cast their votes for a husband for Rachel, thus assuring no responsibility for her upkeep. Stay as the uproar begins when a traveler brings word that yet another tax has been issued from the King. Leaves of Chestnut Ridge is an engaging novel filled with passion, anger, and determination.