“An intriguing story of the brutal battle for women’s rights. Seybold’s addictive melodrama is a tale of sin, redemption, forgiveness, love, and loss, with a soupçon of tragedy.” — Kirkus Reviews
Anna’s plan of retreat doesn’t include romance, but love comes calling in 1901 Raisinville. At the rural Michigan parish where she goes to work as a rectory housekeeper, Anna arrives with a secret — the abortion she chose to end her pregnancy. Inside that rectory refuge after the sacrifice of her child, she falls for Joe, a new priest who listens with love in his voice and honor in his eyes. Taking a chance, she gives herself to him body and soul, reaching for love and respect. He’s exiled from his priesthood for their affair—and then she delivers their child. After being married in secret, a fresh start calls the couple to Toledo, a hub of breweries, bicycle factories, and prospects for progress.
In a time when the Rust Belt sparkles, Anna works for better fortunes. Joe was a better priest than a provider, but she aims to improve him. She can be his new church. When their son’s scarlet fever shatters Anna’s dream, they hunt down a cure. But Joe returns to the priesthood as part of his bargain with God to save the boy. As the pain of separation slashes at her, Anna must somehow start anew. Liberty is at stake.
“Sizzles with high-octane drama, yet unfolds the threads of history so compellingly. Enlightening, empowering, and entertaining, all in one.”
— Midwest Book Review
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