Amid the 1900 Galveston hurricane, one womans perseverance is tested in this captivating story from the author whose work has been called intelligent and arresting (Foreword Reviews) and historical fiction as it is meant to be told (Library Journal).
I walked until I could go no farther, until open water was all I could see.
Galveston, Texas. September 1900. Only months ago, Kathleen McDaniel returned from finishing school in Switzerland to her family home in New Yorks Hudson Valley with a future of promise and privilege set before her. But one horrific event shattered her picturesque life. Now she has fled as far as the train line and a pocketful of money would take her, finding refuge at the St. Marys Orphan Asylum on Galveston Island, where she helps the nuns care for their young charges and prays her past will not find her. Despite her tenuous standing at the orphanageand the grief and betrayal that drove her from homeKathleen slowly begins to make friends. There is Emily, the novice nun she rooms with; Maggie, the tempestuous young girl who only bonds with Kathleen; and Matthew, a kind, handsome man recently employed by Isaac Cline at Galvestons office of the US Weather Bureau.
Then in one fateful day, Kathleens fragile new life begins to crack as it becomes clear that she cant run far enough to escape the reach of her former life. Meanwhile, as troubling news about a storm crossing the Gulf from Cuba swirls in the Weather Bureau offices, Matthew holds fast to Clines belief that no hurricane can touch Galveston. But as darkness falls on the island, Kathleen must gather her courage and reach for a strength beyond her own if sheand those she lovesare to survive.
I walked until I could go no farther, until open water was all I could see.
Galveston, Texas. September 1900. Only months ago, Kathleen McDaniel returned from finishing school in Switzerland to her family home in New Yorks Hudson Valley with a future of promise and privilege set before her. But one horrific event shattered her picturesque life. Now she has fled as far as the train line and a pocketful of money would take her, finding refuge at the St. Marys Orphan Asylum on Galveston Island, where she helps the nuns care for their young charges and prays her past will not find her. Despite her tenuous standing at the orphanageand the grief and betrayal that drove her from homeKathleen slowly begins to make friends. There is Emily, the novice nun she rooms with; Maggie, the tempestuous young girl who only bonds with Kathleen; and Matthew, a kind, handsome man recently employed by Isaac Cline at Galvestons office of the US Weather Bureau.
Then in one fateful day, Kathleens fragile new life begins to crack as it becomes clear that she cant run far enough to escape the reach of her former life. Meanwhile, as troubling news about a storm crossing the Gulf from Cuba swirls in the Weather Bureau offices, Matthew holds fast to Clines belief that no hurricane can touch Galveston. But as darkness falls on the island, Kathleen must gather her courage and reach for a strength beyond her own if sheand those she lovesare to survive.
- A stand-alone historical novel about the 1900 Galveston hurricane
A gripping read inspired by true events
Features themes of resilience, found family, and redemption
Includes discussion questions perfect for book clubs
Genre: Inspirational
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