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Clear and Convincing Evidence (Arcadia Chronicles Book 2) Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 34 ratings

Who defends the defenseless?
Abigail Fischer never thought she would be a lawyer. When her new job takes her to the depths of a crumbling psychiatric hospital, Abby faces perils she never imagined. Her response to a heart-wrenching challenge could place those she loves in danger or enhance their lives. Making that choice will alter everything forever. Before she leaps, Abby must convince herself that her actions are right--and just. Only then will the path be clear.
In the first book of The Arcadia Chronicles, Fee Simple Conditional, Abigail Fischer learned what lasts in the world and risked her head and her heart to save a pristine paradise. In Clear and Convincing Evidence, Abby must decide how much risk she is willing to undertake when other lives will be affected. Her new profession stretches the reach of her courage and compassion as the love of her growing family both strains and boosts her confidence. No longer defenseless, Abby finds strength in her quest to see justice done.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BPPRDKQ1
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 9, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Arcadia Chronicles
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 34 ratings

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H. C. Helfand
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H.C. Helfand has been a lawyer for more than 30 years and a writer longer than she can remember. She has published essays and an acclaimed book for children, "And There Was Evening And There Was Morning." "Fee Simple Conditional" is her first novel, and the beginning volume of The Arcadia Chronicles, which tell the story of an attachment to land that transcends time. Influenced by her work and studies in the U.S. and Canada, her books weave details of place and the twists and turns of law that intertwine with human frailties and aspirations. Like her characters, she loves land and longs for Arcadia, the place of dreams.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
34 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
    Just like the unfamiliar world of titles pulled me into Abby Fischer’s life in the first book of the Arcadia Chronicles, the controversy of the work of the public defender’s mental health unit captured my attention in the sequel.

    In book one, “Fee Simple Conditional”, Abby navigates through the maze of land records in “Dependable Title” office, run by an eccentric boss, surrounded by no less eccentric colleagues. Seemingly the most boring job in the world – going through heaps of books and papers, faded with time listing which land plots and property belonged to whom – turns out to be a life-changer for Abby. Who could have thought that you could find love searching the titles?

    Book two “Clear and Convincing Evidence” lulls the reader with the descriptions of Abby’s family bliss only to make a plunge into the icy water.

    It is by pure coincidence that Abby’s first experience as a lawyer happens to be at the public defender’s mental health unit. Almost until her graduation from law school, she wasn’t even sure she wanted to pursue a legal career. Not in her wildest dreams could Abby imagine being a knight in shining armour for the mentally challenged patients of a crumbling psychiatric hospital. If you think surprises end here and you’ll keep reading about sad cases where a public defender’s loss actually means a victory for a client, you couldn’t be more wrong. A bombshell hits when Abby and her husband David expect it the least. And what an uplifting, heart-wrenching, unpredictable turn their established and calm life is about to take!

    What I truly appreciate about this series is the way H.C. Helfand has managed to portray Abby. The author doesn’t draw a picture of someone perfect, standardly so if you will, with a shy nature, big generous heart, but still widely likeable since she behaves according to the rules accepted in society. In truth, these rules apply only to book/movie/tv series characters. For some reason, probably to widen the audience, main characters are all ‘made’ similar. Abby isn’t like that. I think I wouldn’t like her if I met her. She does have a big, generous heart, but she is also reserved and rather ‘dry’, so what lies beneath that cold façade not many people would bother to uncover. Yet, in the books, the author shows the readers who Abby really is. Her honesty, her ability to stay true to her principles, and her strength. It might seem she is unable to love deeply, but, with her immersive writing, H.C. Helfand leads the reader to realise the real depth of Abby’s love for her husband and her family.

    "But that was life, wasn’t it? He had learned the lesson many times over—treasure the good, overcome the bad." Abby’s husband David has seen the good and the bad aplenty in his life. He loves Abby and sees in her what others don’t see – and that is probably the sign of true love. Again, not the one promoted by mass media. It isn’t perfect or cloudless. It is like life itself according to David and H.C. Helfand – when you consciously and subconsciously treasure the good in someone, overcoming the bad together.

    “Clear and Convincing Evidence” by H.C. Helfand is a wonderful story, blending the mundane and the extraordinary in the most satisfactory way. It kept me turning the pages, for I simply had to know what was in store for Abby and David. And now, I’m looking forward to the next book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2024
    This is Book Two in the Arcadia Chronicles, and although I didn't enjoy it as much as the first it was still engrossing. Lots of twists and turns culminating in a surprise ending. Love how the author so beautifully intertwined all the characters lives. Well worth the read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2024
    The continuing story of Abby and David, their ups and downs as they develop their plans for the property and their lives together. He's still teaching but always thinking of new things to enhance the lives of others. She's encouraged to become a lawyer after the Land Records office changes direction and becomes modernized. Abby finds she likes studying the law and does well enough to secure a place in the public defender's office psychiatric unit. In her last year of school, they are expecting their first child, a much welcomed surprise. Like the first book, the story is told in short chapters from differing viewpoints. Abby's are filled with her client cases and the anguish she feels when so many are refused release on various grounds but also the feeling of success when the few who do win their claims for release win over the judge. There's a continuing cast of characters, her newly found real family and her old friends from the Courthouse days plus Ted and his new partner Raoul. There is even some unexpected drama as illegal activities are discovered and the ensuing investigation puts them in danger. I don't exactly know why, the style is so different from my usual reads, but I do like this series and waiting for the promised third book to come out will be hard.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2023
    After reading this novel, I can attest that there is “clear and convincing evidence” by this reviewer that I would read anything and everything by H. C. Helfand! That said, apart from the wonderful, unhampered, and precise writing, the storyline held me spellbound. Despite being a slow reader, I couldn’t put this book down and read it in a matter of days!

    I enjoyed knowing the main character, Abby, shares a love of the LAW, as does the author. I appreciate Helfand’s use of literary techniques. She advantageously augments cause and effect and character motivation drawing the unsuspecting reader deeper and deeper into the plot, hoping for positive outcomes.

    As I neared the conclusion, all I wanted to do was congratulate the author on the treatment of the “CODA”—so clever, concise, partially revealing, yet concealing.

    Helfand demonstrates THE top lawyerly tactic that all lawyers understand. So here I’ll paraphrase that: to achieve abundant success, successful lawyers accept that they must be salespeople. And this reader is completely sold and cannot wait to purchase Book #3 of The Acadia Chronicles.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2024
    I cried, I laughed and my heart swelled with love. I read every word slowly. I didn't b want this story to end. Such an amazingly beautiful story so different from our own reality these days. I want to attend a Seder at Anna's house and roam the green acres of the farm. Alas, I wait, impatiently for the next chapter into this beautiful slice of life. Thank you!

Top reviews from other countries

  • helen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Story!
    Reviewed in Canada on February 12, 2024
    Wow! What a great storyteller this author is.
    The character development is superb.

    If you're looking for a ton of action, this book isn't for you. Nothing too stressful happened until about half way through, but that doesn't mean it was slow. It was totally interesting and a wonderful page-turner!

    Highly recommended!
  • leehallwriter
    5.0 out of 5 stars A beautifully written continuation of a fantastic story about life and opportunity…
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2023
    H.C. Helfand has delivered another fantastic and beautifully written story that see’s the continuation of Abigail Fischer’s journey and this second volume of the Arcadia Chronicles takes the reader on another wonderful ride and experience.

    From the start, Abby and David have a lot on their plate, from unexpected plans to career aspirations while also maintaining their own farm not to mention the emergence of a long lost relative; straight away that familiar feeling from the first story began to creep in and remind me how likeable the two main characters are in this book – their love, their history and everything about them gives readers an urge to cheer for them. The title which I’ve now leaned from this book has a deep meaning that carries the theme which intertwines with family, drama, law, purpose and career aspirations while being wrapped up in that unique togetherness expressed between our two main characters. There is also a very important subject of mental health that highlights the importance of everyone having a right to freedom, no matter their health situation.

    There is of course, some wonderful description in this book, and there are many quotes that struck me as poignant, meaningful and beautifully put. This story is about the drama of life and not necessarily where you are from, but where you are trying to go.

    Some of my favourite quotes:

    ‘The mossy hills in the distance carpeted the barely clouded sky. A chickadee hovered over the cherry trees. Crickets in a choir rubbed their wings in song.’

    ‘Make the leap, Abby. You’ve done it before…’

    ‘Sometimes life gives opportunity at the most unexpected of times…’

    ‘I took my time walking toward the entrance. Rows of windows lined with shades stared at me. Some lowered; some rose. Were they winking? I shook the thought out of my mind…’
  • Willie Handler
    5.0 out of 5 stars Charming and well written story
    Reviewed in Canada on March 31, 2023
    I just completed this sequel and it was as enjoyable as the first book Fee Simple Conditional. It continues the heart-warming story of Abby Fischer who now embarks on a legal career, encountering life's up and down. A terrific series.

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