Behind the doors of Hull House lurk many shadowy secrets of love, anger, betrayal, and death that have haunted the Hull family for generations. Laura Hull thought she had escaped when she married a gentle poet and could pursue her love of music. Then the unthinkable happens and Laura returns to Hull House as a young widow with a child, to once again face a father who hates her. Set in the mid to late nineteenth century along the Delaware River north of Philadelphia, the novel spans forty years from the turbulent post-Civil War and the industrial revolution, to the fight for women's rights. Laura Blake must unlock the secrets by solving the mystery behind her mother's untimely death, while evading the evil Anton Walling who is dedicated to protecting her father by any means necessary. When Laura meets the wounded war hero, Dr. Samuel Martin, she arrives at a crossroad that may determine her destiny...life or death. Twenty years later, Laura's daughter, Amanda Jane, a suffragist, budding writer and accomplished musician, meets a handsome Philadelphia lawyer and with his help finally learns the truth about her family, culminating in a climactic confrontation. These women defy the bonds of the Victorian era to resolve the decades of violence that haunts their family, and to fulfill their dreams of love and success.
About the Author: Fran Orenstein, Ed.D., award-winning author and poet, wrote her first poem at age eight and submitted a short story to a magazine at age twelve. Her published credits include: Gaia's Gift, a contemporary woman's novel (World Castle Publishing/WCP); three 'tween novels (Sleepytown Press/SP); a young adult fantasy adventure (WCP); a chapter book for younger kids (WCP); and, Reflections, a book of poetry for adults (SP). Her prize-winning short stories and poetry have appeared in various anthologies. She presents writing and publishing workshops at various venues in the Southwest Florida area. Fran's books are available in ebook and paperback format. Fran has been a teacher, a counselor, written professionally as a magazine editor/writer, and also wrote political speeches, newsletters, legislation, and promotional material while working for NJ State Government for 22 years. She wrote professional papers on gender equity and violence prevention, which she presented at national and international conferences. Fran managed programs for women in gender equity, early education, and disabilities, as well as serving as Special Projects and Disabilities Officer for the AmeriCorps Commission in New Jersey. She has a BA in Early Childhood Education, a MEd in Counseling Psychology, and an Ed.D. in Child and Youth Studies. Fran is a member of the Florida Writers Association, the Florida State Poets Association, and the National League of American Pen Women. Visit Fran's World at www.franorenstein.weebly.com for further information on her books, blogs and events.