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.





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.
✔ 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