Innocence / Dean Koontz / 338 pages / 5 Gold Rings December Challenge

Considering Gwyneth's psychological problems and the limitations they imposed on her; considering Addison could venture from his underground haven only in the quietest hours of the night, cloaked and hooded and at risk of being murdered on sight, their encounter and the way that their friendship continued to be unfold seemed miraculous.  Gwyneth in being stalked by a truly evil librarian; the Archbishop is corrupt; and Addison is an unlikely knight-in-shining armor.  When North Korea unleashes a deadly plague and a violent snowstorm hits the city, Gwyneth and Addison team up, discover secrets, and pledge love without end.  This is a truly inspiring, mesmerizing work about the redeeming, life-giving value of love.