A Story of Survival Against the Nightmares Within
Step into Claire’s world—where pain takes shape, and hope takes flight.
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.
Once the Yankee soldiers disappeared from sight, the slaves emerged from their hiding places and quickly formed a water brigade. Their swift action managed to save most of the house, but one wing was left badly burned and in need of rebuilding. The question of how to fund the repairs loomed large, especially since most of the slaves had departed, realizing that the Emancipation Proclamation had set them free.
Out of over one hundred people who had worked the plantation before the war, only four remained—far too few to keep the property profitable. Despair and bitterness enveloped Laureen, making her feel as though she were wrapped in an icy blanket. Yet, by chance, Laureen found a possible escape and an opportunity to leave Three Willows and travel North.
The river boat Sultana would be her means of escape. Laureen had never ventured far from home and had scarcely considered the possibility. The thought of being free to move as she wished, to make her own decisions without consulting family, particularly her sister-in-law Florence, was exhilarating. So many possibilities filled her mind, almost overwhelming her, yet she remained realistic about the challenges ahead.
Unbeknownst to her, the river boat ride would soon turn into disaster, changing the course of her life once more. In the span of several days, Laureen faced more reality than she had experienced throughout the rest of her life. Despite the hardships, Laureen’s resilience and willingness to confront whatever came her way allowed her to endure and move forward.
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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.