The third installment of the Caddo Bend series finds NY-born physician Maggie McKinley just before Christmas. Up to her eyes busy as the solo doctor in the tiny rural town of Caddo Bend, Arkansas, Maggie is thrown a curve in the love triangle between herself, the handsome local, ex-Ranger JD Langston, and her erstwhile, wealthy NY boyfriend Dr. Jeff Winslow. At the end of Book 2 (Eye of the Storm) she was devastated by the news that upon awaking from the medically-induced coma for water hemlock poisoning, her new love, JD doesn't remember her or anything of the last six or so months. Rising Sun picks up with JD's release from the local hospital and the couple feeling their way back to one another as he tries to dispel the fog of amnesia. A tug-of-war for Maggie's affections is brewing, and Jeff re-enters the picture.

Desperate not to lose what they once had, JD and Maggie travel to Japan for the 100th Day Buddhist memorial ceremony for his ex-wife, Katsumi and to introduce Maggie to his young daughter, Akiko. And for a much needed escape together. But a mysterious message from JD's former colleague about a dangerous legal entanglement from his past may threaten their happiness. Where will she turn for help?