Catherine Howard (author), through the wide-open eyes of Laureen, walks you through the unstable and unpredictable time of the post-civil war era. Although Laureen’s journey includes the rocky terrain of despair sprinkled, she walks boldly as a prisoner of hope.Laureen struggled to adjust from a life of comfort to one of poverty after the Civil War. When offered a chance to leave the South, she eagerly accepted, despite the uncertainty ahead. Having never traveled far or made decisions independently-especially without considering her sister-in-law Florence-this journey marked a profound shift. Aboard the Sultana, she encountered unfamiliar aspects of life and began to experience a new kind of freedom-one rooted in personal choice rather than social or familial obligation. As she moved further from her past, her confidence grew, preparing her for the life-altering disaster that awaited.
For most of her life, Laureen had never lacked for anything she needed or even wanted. Her days on the plantation were peaceful, if not exciting, and she found satisfaction in the calm routine. However, everything changed so abruptly that Laureen could hardly believe what had happened. The serenity she once enjoyed was replaced by bitterness and loss, leaving little that brought her happiness.
Laureen was tormented by the memory of the Yankees setting fire to Three Willows, the beautiful old plantation house where she had lived her entire life. She understood that matters could have been far worse, and likely would have been if the Yankee soldiers had not been so eager to move on. They took everything from the plantation that they deemed useful, including food, and setting the house ablaze seemed to be a mere afterthought before their departure Read More
✔ A powerful representation of mental health and resilience
✔ Unique supernatural mystery set in a chilling ghost town
✔ Deep emotional bonds, heartbreak, love, and survival
✔ Action-driven storytelling with cinematic tension
✔ Characters that stay with you long after the final page
Real voices. Real emotions. Real connections to Claire’s story.
Claire’s struggles felt painfully real—every emotion cut deep. The story balances fear and hope so beautifully that you can’t look away.
This book dives into mental health with honesty and courage. The supernatural elements elevate the fear while the message keeps your heart alive.
I cried, I feared, and I hoped with Claire every step of the way. A journey that will stay with me forever.
