Diane C. McPhail's Books

The Abolitionist's Daughter

By: D. McPhail

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On a Mississippi morning in 1859, Emily Matthews begs her father to save a slave, Nathan, about to be auctioned away from his family. Judge Matthews is an abolitionist who runs an illegal school for his slaves, hoping to eventually set them free. One, a woman named Ginny, has become Emily's companion and often her conscience - and understands all too well the hazards an educated slave must face. Yet even Ginny could not predict the tangled, tragic string of events set in motion as Nathan's family arrives at the Matthews farm. A young doctor, Charles Slate, tends to injured Nathan and begins to court Emily, finally persuading her to become his wife. But their union is disrupted by a fatal clash and a lie that will tear two families apart. As Civil War erupts, Emily, Ginny, and Emily's stoic mother-in-law, Adeline, each face devastating losses. Emily - sheltered all her life - is especially unprepared for the hardships to come. Struggling to survive in this raw, shifting new world, Emily will discover untapped inner strength, an unlikely love, and the courage to confront deep, painful truths."--Publisher description.

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Page Count

339

Publisher

A John Scognamiglio Book

Published Date

ISBN 10

1496720318

ISBN 13

9781496720313

The Abolitionist's Daughter

By: Diane C. McPhail

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The Abolitionist's Daughter

By: Diane C. McPhail

Now in paperback with a stunning new look, this powerful, profoundly emotional novel from the acclaimed author of The Seamstress of New Orleans explores a little-known aspect of Civil War history—Southern Abolitionists—and the timeless struggle to do right even amidst bitter conflict. On a Mississippi morning in 1859, Emily Matthews begs her father to save a slave, Nathan, about to be auctioned away from his family. Judge Matthews is an abolitionist who runs an illegal school for his slaves, hoping to eventually set them free. One, a woman named Ginny, has become Emily’s companion and often her conscience—and understands all too well the hazards an educated slave must face. Yet even Ginny could not predict the tangled, tragic string of events set in motion as Nathan’s family arrives at the Matthews farm. A young doctor, Charles Slate, tends to injured Nathan and begins to court Emily, finally persuading her to become his wife. But their union is disrupted by a fatal clash and a lie that will tear two families apart. As Civil War erupts, Emily, Ginny, and Emily’s stoic mother-in-law, Adeline, each face devastating losses. Emily—sheltered all her life—is especially unprepared for the hardships to come. Struggling to survive in this raw, shifting new world, Emily will discover untapped inner strength, an unlikely love, and the courage to confront deep, painful truths.

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353

Publisher

Kensington Publishing Corp

Published Date

ISBN 10

1496750969

ISBN 13

9781496750969

The Seamstress of New Orleans

A Fascinating Novel of Southern Historical Fiction

By: Diane C. McPhail

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The Seamstress of New Orleans

A Fascinating Novel of Southern Historical Fiction

By: Diane C. McPhail

Set against the backdrop of the first all-female Mardi Gras krewe at the turn-of-the-century, the acclaimed author’s mesmerizing historical novel tells of two strangers separated by background but bound by an unexpected secret—and of the strength and courage women draw from and inspire in each other. “An undercurrent of New Orleans’s dark side propels the story, heightening the tension and supplying McPhail with a wealth of evocative details.” – Publishers Weekly The year 1900 ushers in a new century and the promise of social change, and women rise together toward equality. Yet rules and restrictions remain, especially for women like Alice Butterworth, whose husband has abruptly disappeared. Desperate to make a living for herself and the child she carries, Alice leaves the bitter cold of Chicago far behind, offering sewing lessons at a New Orleans orphanage. Constance Halstead, a young widow reeling with shock under the threat of her late husband’s gambling debts, has thrown herself into charitable work. Meeting Alice at the orphanage, she offers lodging in exchange for Alice’s help creating a gown for the Leap Year ball of Les Mysterieuses, the first all‑female krewe of Mardi Gras. During Leap Years, women have the rare opportunity to take control in their interactions with men, and upend social convention. Piece by piece, the breathtaking gown takes shape, becoming a symbol of strength for both women, reflecting their progress toward greater independence. But Constance carries a burden that makes it impossible to feel truly free. Her husband, Benton, whose death remains a dangerous mystery, was deep in debt to the Black Hand, the vicious gangsters who controled New Orleans’ notorious Storyville district. Benton’s death has not satisfied them. And as the Mardi Gras festivities reach their fruition, a secret emerges that will cement the bond between Alice and Constance even as it threatens the lives they’re building . . .

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355

Publisher

A John Scognamiglio Book

Published Date

ISBN 10

1496738160

ISBN 13

9781496738165

Follow the Stars Home

By: Diane C. McPhail

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Follow the Stars Home

By: Diane C. McPhail

A captivating reimagining of the intrepid woman who – 8 months pregnant and with a toddler in tow – braved violent earthquakes and treacherous waters on the first steamboat voyage to conquer the Mississippi River and redefine America. The acclaimed author of The Seamstress of New Orleans brings to life Lydia Latrobe Roosevelt’s defiant journey of 1811 in this lush, evocative biographical novel for fans of Paula McLain, Gill Paul, Allison Pataki, and stories about extraordinary yet little-known female adventurers… It’s a journey that most deem an insane impossibility. Yet on October 20th, 1811, Lydia Latrobe Roosevelt—daughter of one of the architects of the United States Capitol—fearlessly boards the steamship New Orleans in Pittsburgh. Eight months pregnant and with a toddler in tow, Lydia is fiercely independent despite her youth. She’s also accustomed to defying convention. Against her father’s wishes, she married his much older business colleague, inventor Nicholas Roosevelt—builder of the New Orleans—and spent her honeymoon on a primitive flatboat. But the stakes for this trip are infinitely higher. If Nicholas’s untried steamboat reaches New Orleans, it will serve as a profitable packet ship between that city and Natchez, proving the power of steam as it travels up and down the Mississippi. Success in this venture would revolutionize travel and trade, open the west to expansion, and secure the Roosevelts’ future. Lydia had used her own architectural training to design the flatboat’s interior, including a bedroom, sitting area, and fireplace. The steamship, however, dwarfs the canoes and flatboats on the river. And no amount of power or comfort could shield its passengers from risk. Lydia believes herself ready for all the dangers ahead—growing unrest among native people, disease or injury, and the turbulent Falls of the Ohio, a sixty-foot drop long believed impassable in such a large boat. But there are other challenges in store, impossible to predict as Lydia boards that fall day. Challenges which—if survived—will haunt and transform her, as surely as the journey will alter the course of a nation . . .

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Page Count

305

Publisher

A John Scognamiglio Book

Published Date

ISBN 10

149675090X

ISBN 13

9781496750907

Follow the Stars Home

By: Diane C. McPhail

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Follow the Stars Home

By: Diane C. McPhail

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305

Publisher

A John Scognamiglio Book

Published Date

ISBN 10

1496750888

ISBN 13

9781496750884

Follow the Stars Home: Sneak Peek

By: Diane C. McPhail

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Follow the Stars Home: Sneak Peek

By: Diane C. McPhail

Be one of the first to read this sneak preview sample edition! A captivating reimagining of the intrepid woman who—8 months pregnant and with a toddler in tow—braved violent earthquakes and treacherous waters on the first steamboat voyage to conquer the Mississippi River and redefine America. The acclaimed author of The Seamstress of New Orleans brings to life Lydia Latrobe Roosevelt’s defiant journey of 1811 in this lush, evocative biographical novel for fans of Paula McLain, Gill Paul, Allison Pataki, and stories about extraordinary yet little-known female adventurers… It’s a journey that most deem an insane impossibility. Yet on October 20th, 1811, Lydia Latrobe Roosevelt—daughter of one of the architects of the United States Capitol—fearlessly boards the steamship New Orleans in Pittsburgh. Eight months pregnant and with a toddler in tow, Lydia is fiercely independent despite her youth. She’s also accustomed to defying convention. Against her father’s wishes, she married his much older business colleague, inventor Nicholas Roosevelt—builder of the New Orleans—and spent her honeymoon on a primitive flatboat. But the stakes for this trip are infinitely higher. If Nicholas’s untried steamboat reaches New Orleans, it will serve as a profitable packet ship between that city and Natchez, proving the power of steam as it travels up and down the Mississippi. Success in this venture would revolutionize travel and trade, open the west to expansion, and secure the Roosevelts’ future. Lydia had used her own architectural training to design the flatboat’s interior, including a bedroom, sitting area, and fireplace. The steamship, however, dwarfs the canoes and flatboats on the river. And no amount of power or comfort could shield its passengers from risk. Lydia believes herself ready for all the dangers ahead—growing unrest among native people, disease or injury, and the turbulent Falls of the Ohio, a sixty-foot drop long believed impassable in such a large boat. But there are other challenges in store, impossible to predict as Lydia boards that fall day. Challenges which—if survived—will haunt and transform her, as surely as the journey will alter the course of a nation . . .

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A John Scognamiglio Book

Published Date

ISBN 10

1496756649

ISBN 13

9781496756640

The Seamstress of New Orleans

A Fascinating Novel of Southern Historical Fiction

By: Diane C. McPhail

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The Seamstress of New Orleans

A Fascinating Novel of Southern Historical Fiction

By: Diane C. McPhail

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Solve jigsaw puzzle

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Page Count

355

Publisher

A John Scognamiglio Book

Published Date

ISBN 10

1496738160

ISBN 13

9781496738165

Follow the Stars Home: Sneak Peek

By: Diane C. McPhail

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Follow the Stars Home: Sneak Peek

By: Diane C. McPhail

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Solve jigsaw puzzle

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Publisher

A John Scognamiglio Book

Published Date

ISBN 10

1496756649

ISBN 13

9781496756640

Book's by Diane C. McPhail

The Abolitionist's Daughter

The Abolitionist's Daughter

The Abolitionist's Daughter

The Abolitionist's Daughter

The Seamstress of New Orleans

The Seamstress of New Orleans

Follow the Stars Home

Follow the Stars Home

Follow the Stars Home

Follow the Stars Home

Follow the Stars Home: Sneak Peek

Follow the Stars Home: Sneak Peek

The Seamstress of New Orleans

The Seamstress of New Orleans

Follow the Stars Home: Sneak Peek

Follow the Stars Home: Sneak Peek

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