Innocents at Home

by Linda Ulleseit

A five-month voyage to the Holy Land in 1867 led Mark Twain to write his novel Innocents

Abroad. But what happened to those innocents after they returned to New York?  Innocents at Home tells the tale of Nina Larrowe and Emma Beach, two of Twain's shipmates.



Nina Larrowe anticipates resuming her place in New York society, but Twain's careless remarks about her behavior ostracize her and force her to reevaluate everything she thought she knew. Nina becomes an actress and embarks on a life she never could have imagined. After a series of disappointments, Nina must rise from the ashes once again to craft a life she can take pride in.



The daughter of a newspaper magnate, Emma Beach falls head-long in love with the flirtatious Sam on her trip to the Holy Land. Her dreams are proven to be fantasies when Sam marries another. She is content to spend her days painting and taking care of others...until she realizes there could be more to the life she's been living and reaches for a chance at her own happiness.



Inspired by Nina's autobiography and Emma's letters to Mark Twain, Innocents at Home explores how these two women inspire each other to overcome devastation and discover the courage to live life on their own terms.

Genres: Historical Fiction

322 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Linda Ulleseit was born and raised in Saratoga, California, and has taught elementary school in San Jose since 1996. She has an MFA in writing from Lindenwood University, is Marketing Chair of Women Writing the West, and a founding member of Paper Lantern Writers. She enjoys cooking, cross-stitching, reading, and spending time with her family. Her favorite subject is writing, and her students get a lot of practice scribbling stories and essays. Someday Linda hopes to see books written by former students alongside hers in bookstores.

Her first novel, ON A WING AND A DARE, was published in spring, 2012. It is a Young Adult fantasy set in medieval Wales, complete with flying horses, a love triangle, and treachery. The followup novel, IN THE WINDS OF DANGER, was published in February, 2013. The final one in the trilogy, UNDER A WILD AND DARKENING SKY, came out May 2014. WINGS OVER TREMERICHSON is an ebook novella that introduces the series.

Linda now writes historical fiction. UNDER THE ALMOND TREES came out May 2014. It follows three strong women who shape women's rights in California in the late nineteenth century. THE ALOHA SPIRIT, about a woman growing up in territorial Hawaii, comes out August 2020.

Follow Linda Ulleseit's books at http://ulleseit.wordpress.com or on Facebook (Linda Ulleseit) or twitter (@LindaUlleseit)

Reviews

[Cathe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is another great historical fiction by Linda. She draws upon strong women in her family and crafts wonderful novels. Her words help you really understand the characters, emotions, and inner struggles. She helps her readers understand the obstacles women faced in the past with regard to employment, marital status, and society's expectations.
I enjoyed that while Nina and Emma wrote letters back and forth throughout the novel, we see them reconnect at other points in their lives.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Ulleseit, the Author of “INNOCENTS AT HOME” has written an intriguing and captivating Historical Novel. The genres for this well-written and well researched novel are Women’s Friendship Fiction, Women’s Historical Fiction and Historical Fiction. The timeline for this story starts approximately in 1867 after a five month voyage to the Holy Land. Mark Twain, the author writes about this voyage, and one of the female protagonists adores him, and the other female protagonist despises him. The two women, Emma Beach and Nina Larrowe form a lifelong friendship after this journey. The author vividly describes the scenery, the historical timeline, and the dramatic and colorful characters. This unique novel is based on the true lives of real characters.

Linda Ulleseit takes the reader on a journey to see how both women navigate the difficulties in their lives as their search for their own happiness. Emma is very artistic and Nina is very articulate, and their family dynamics, successes and aspirations are discussed. Neither of the women have their own children, yet show courage, creativity and inspiration in their lives. I highly recommend this memorable novel.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: “Innocents At Home”
AUTHOR: Linda Ulleseit
PUB DATE: 09.03.2024

A five-month voyage to the Holy Land in 1867 led Mark Twain to write his novel Innocents Abroad. But what happened to those innocents after they returned to New York? Innocents at Home tells the tale of Nina Larrowe and Emma Beach, two of Twain’s shipmates.

Based on Nina’s autobiography and Emma’s letters to Mark Twain, Innocents at Home explores how these two women inspired each other to overcome devastation and discover the courage to live life on their own terms.

THOUGHTS:

I had just finished and loved reading James by Percival Everett, a reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. To my delight, another book based on Mark Twain’s Innocents Abroad came to me at a perfect time - this book was based on the lives of the two women whom Mark Twain wrote about in his travel journal.

Ulleseit captured the lives of these women through their correspondence - included a time when they traveled to the Holy Land. I am always fascinated about historical
Fiction set during the Victorian time period. I thought that the writing was compelling the novel beautifully researched. The novel presented an eye opening account of women of that time that was still relatable to women today.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic and wonderful story!
An historical fiction novel, based on real life characters, on of them the famous author Samuel Clemons, better know as Mark Twain. Told from the point of view of two strong female characters in the late 19th century, as each defied society’s expectations made it a fascinating read.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 by Linda Ulleseit released September 3, 2024.

[Christina McComiskie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enthralling and fascinating book. Real historical characters brought to life by the author's incredible imagination. I loved it.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this historical fiction that’s based on the adult lives of two real women that were part of a group of Americans that traveled on a 5 month journey by boat to Europe and the Holy Land fascinating.

This tour also included famous author Samuel Clemons aka Mark Twain. In real life, Twain writes a “travel journal” called THE INNOCENTS ABROAD which satirizes people from this trip.

The book begins as the QUAKER CITY is docking from its 5 month journey in 1867.

The story is told in the points of view of Nina and Emma as they live their lives for the next almost 30 years.

The interesting part of this book is that Nina and Emma don’t see each other for the majority of the book, but are kept abreast through letters to each other. I think that this was a great way to tell the story.

I also think this book has the theme for both these women’s lives of personal satisfaction versus expectation of the time.

There are plenty of other real life historical figures in this book such as artist Abbott Thayer and the controversial Rev Henry Ward Beecher.

I enjoyed reading this book then diving into my own searches of people in this read.

[Jill Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Innocents at Home, Ulleseit has given readers another marvelous novel inspired by the lives of real women who lived in the past. Nina and Emma, meet as shipmates on a Holy Land tour during the Victorian era. Their futures are pushed out of balance when fellow traveler Mark Twain writes fallacious to be humorous publications about them. The women’s letters throughout many generations strengthens their bond as they support and guide each other while trying to find happiness. This book is about friendship, family and finding fulfillment. I highly recommend this absorbing page-turning read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed Linda Ulleseit’s Innocents at Home, a historical novel set in the Victorian Age. The two main characters are based on real women who met while traveling on the same sea voyage and continue their friendship after returning home to the United States. Although Nina and Emma have very different personalities, they face similar social pressures to conform to the prevalent ideal of womanhood, which would require them to abandon their artistic talents and ambitions. The storyline of the novel reveals that a woman’s role was not only to marry (even if none of her suitors aroused romantic feelings), have children and assume all home responsibilities, but also in a well-off family she was often expected to become a facilitator of her husband’s career, nurturing his talents, serving as an assistant, helping him to acquire a good social image and a following. It is the friendship between the two heroines that enables them to resist family and social pressures and struggle (not always successfully) for the right to develop their own artistic talents, one as an artist and the other as an actress. In flowing prose, the author ensnares the reader in the lives of these two friends, whose conflicts and struggles are still relevant to what women experience today.
Thank you, Linda Ulleseit for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Grace Sammon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Ulleseit’s "Innocents at Home" is a captivating blend of meticulously researched history and boundless imagination. The novel introduces us to two remarkable women, Ulleseit’s ancestors, who have just returned from a voyage to the Holy Land with other travelers including the then-little-known Mark Twain. The voyage inspired Twain’s “Innocents Abroad.” The aftermath inspired Linda Ulleseit.

With masterful prose, Ulleseit transports readers to the vibrant tapestry of 1867 America, where the echoes of societal upheaval resound against the backdrop of personal struggles and triumphs. Through a decades-long exchange of letters, her historic characters skillfully navigate the complexities of fame, family dynamics, and the pursuit of individual fulfillment.

But "Innocents at Home" is more than a portrayal of ancestral tales; it is a poignant exploration of the human spirit. Ulleseit deftly delves into themes of resilience, identity, and the inexorable pull of destiny, leaving readers emotionally invested in the fates of her characters as she once again gives voice to women of the past,

From the spirited protagonists to the enigmatic presence of Mark Twain himself, every aspect of this novel is imbued with depth and authenticity. Readers will find themselves cheering on the protagonists, empathizing with the trials of Mark Twain, and yearning for more glimpses into Ulleseit’s rich and captivating world of heritage fiction.

"Innocents at Home" is a testament to Ulleseit’s extraordinary talent for storytelling and her unwavering dedication to preserving the voices of the past.

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two women were fascinating to read about, as well as the bits and pieces that are written in about Mark Twain. I thoroughly enjoyed how a lot of this story is told through letters between Nina and Emma. The two women become fast friends on a five month cruise. Nina was supposed to enjoy this trip with her husband, but as always something came up and he sent her on her own. Emma had taken this trip with her father and had fallen hard and fast for the well traveled Sam Clemens. As both women settle back into the reality of everything that had been going on back home. Sam makes speeches and publishes a novel about his experience traveling the world on this cruise, and it doesn't paint a very good picture about the behavior and actions of others. So much so, that lives are affected by his careless remarks. Over the years we see how this has affected Nina's life and how she carries this resentment for years. Emma becomes heartbroken when her pinning is not reciprocated and she finds that Sam has married someone else. Throughout their lives, these two lean on each other often when going through tough times or unsure how to move forward, they both know there is trust and reliability in the other. There is just so much in this novel that the women face and go through in their lives and it was very fascinating to read being this is based on true people. I am curious to check out Mark Twain's Innocents Abroad novel now. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Anne M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innocents at Home follows what happened to two passengers from the ship, Quaker City, the voyage made famous by Mark Twain's Innocent Abroad. Author Ulleseit is known for her heritage fiction, based on her ancestors, and this book is another treat for readers. Nina Larowe and Emma Beach become friends on the voyage to the Holy Land, and the story follows their lives in the wake of Mark Twain scathing book. Nina's life is ruined by the scandalous book, while Emma Beech is infatuated by Mr. Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. The two women’s extraordinary lives and enduring friendship are revealed through letters and in story, as each navigates a life outside the realm of society’s expectations.
Nina’s life takes her from California, Nevada, to New York City, where the book begins, and back to California and Oregon. An amazing woman, who thrives in the spotlight, Nina must reinvent herself to survive, and does it on her terms, with grace and fortitude. Emma Beach is a modest, almost reclusive young woman, who shuns the spotlight, with good reason. Her parents were involved with a scandal that rocked NYC, the Beecher vs. Tiltman case.
For more on Nina Larowe and the Beecher v. Tiltman trial, definitely read her short stories: True Legacy and The Righteous Shall Prevail.
I enjoyed this book on its own - a tremendous read. But it is a nice fit with Author Ulleseit’s other heritage fiction books on her family tree

[Rebecca D’Harlingue · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this novel about two women, Nina and Emma, who were on the sea voyage of Mark Twain’s Innocents Abroad, Ulleseit delves into what life was like for them after the famous trip. As part of her research, Ulleseit makes good use of letters and diaries from the two women, who are part of her family tree. There are lots of interesting tidbits that add to the atmosphere. Nina’s husband gives lectures on memory, and Nina ultimately works as actress, gymnastics teacher, and dance instructor among other things. It’s fun to follow the new thinking of the time that some sort of, very prescribed, physical exercise could actually help women. Emily is involved with the family of the famous artist, Abbott Thayer.

Ulleseit has imagined how Nina and Emily felt about their lives, and we are privy to that in letters between the two that cover decades. Most of all, it is this intimate portrayal of the struggles, triumphs, doubts, and hopes, of each of them, and how they encourage one another that kept me reading. Neither had an easy or a conventional life, and it is in seeing how they choose to proceed with their lives and ultimately find some fulfillment that kept me engaged to the very last page of this wonderful novel.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating historical novel based on the real-life people who traveled abroad with Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) on the 𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑟 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑦 to the Holy Land. It focused mainly on two women, Nina and Emma, and what became of them after the voyage.

Reading this, I had that wonderful feeling of discovering what happened to characters after I read a great book. Although I have never read Twain’s 𝐼𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝐴𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑑, Ulleseit gives us insight into how traveling with Twain may have affected or influenced them.

Set in the late 1800s, we see how these women must navigate society and the times to find their place and happiness. The limitations and expectations placed upon them and their struggle for success and happiness are articulated well. Emma and Nina form a friendship, but their contact is primarily through letters written over the years.

As much as this historical novel carries the weight of Mark Twain’s name, at its heart, it speaks to the lives and the friendships of these women.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @lulleseit for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Maddy McGlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read that showed the lives of two women forging their way in a world of reputation, society and expectations.

Innocents at Home is about two strong women trying their hand at new experiences, taking bold steps to end their unhappy marriages and dealing with loss, heartbreak and love. Nina and Alice were strong likeable characters whose ambitions for art and the stage felt like something quite new in the period.

This isn’t set in a time I normally read about, but Ulleseit captures New York society in the 19th century believably and compellingly; from attitudes to marriage and relationships, and to how women tackling new opportunities was perceived.

Uleseit has based the story on women in her own family tree and on a family legend, and there’s a real sense of the author connecting to her writing. It feels like she’s enjoyed writing this one, and the research into history and story is evident.

Overall, an enjoyable read based on two real women of the 19th century.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted that much of this novel (with some liberties to some timelines and such) was based on 2 women who went on a 5 month journey, with Sam Clements/Mark Twain) to the Holy Land. It seemed to me, through reading this, that Sam/Mark was kind of a cad.

But I love that it's more about 2 of his female shipmates, Nina and Emma as they go about their lives after that adventure through the Holy Land.

Nina seemed to have a really hard time throughout her life. She married a guy who was kind of terrible and I'm so glad she found a way to get away from that marriage and find her own passions in life. Life seemed more down than up for her but she stayed strong.

Emma is a young girl who had a fanciful crush on Sam. I loved that she went to an art college to follow that passion of hers but she also had hardships on being a companion to her friend Kate. But I like how she stayed loyal. There were times that I started to tear up with her parts of the story.

[Valerie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A voyage to the Gilded Age not to be missed!

In Innocents at Home, award-winning author Linda Ulleseit confirms what those of us who have read her previous novels already knew. She is an exceptionally creative historical fiction writer. It takes a rare talent to be able to juxtapose the loves, lives, and careers of two women friends in relation to their experience with Mark Twain. Leave it to Ms. Ulleseit to do just that. Through an absorbing narrative that spans three decades from the mid to late 1800s, Innocents at Home carries us from a voyage to the Holy Land to New York and to the West Coast. Besides getting to know the two protagonists intimately, what I enjoyed most was Ms. Ulleseit’s authentic depiction of how society, culture, and family interacted during the Gilded Age.

Highly recommended for those ready to immerse themselves in an authentic reconstruction of a time in our past we should never forget.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innocents at Home by Linda Ulleseit is a wonderful book of historical fiction that was inspired by the real lives of two women. I really enjoyed this novel.

The author does such a fantastic job crafting strong women characters that I really enjoy reading.

The story is set in the Victorian Age. The two main characters, Nina and Emma meet as passengers on a voyage on the sea on a Holy Land Tour. Once they return home to the US, continue their friendship. I love the letters that are included in the novel between the two women.

I enjoy how these two women are very different but have common struggles.
The roles that women were expected to adhere to and the struggles to maintain independence and adhere to their husbands were well written and described.

Such a fantastic novel that I really enjoyed!

[Katherine Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Innocents at Home" follows the story of two women who went on a cruise with Mark Twain and were the subject of his book "Innocents Abroad", which I will admit to never having read. No matter. What this novel has is a fascinating look at the lives of two women in the late 19th century, following themes of artistic expression, self-sufficiency, self-determination, friendship, and family. I was caught up in their stories, as both women tried to defy family expectations with varying degrees of success. It's an interesting and well written look at how women lived, how they carved out lives for themselves in a time of little opportunity. I loved the timeless truth of how we cannot truly become ourselves until we have thrown off or buried our parents' expectations for us.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read many of Mark Twains books but his presence in this makes me want to look into his life. I didn’t care for how he embellished his travels to gain some notice and how it affected the people who he was talking about. So I enjoyed how it focused on the two women that were affected by him the most. I do love that Nina looked at the bright side and started to reevaluate what she wanted in life. Both women were interesting to follow and I never felt like there was a lull in the story. The letters between them were great. It felt like a true friendship when you can pick up where you left off even if it’s been awhile in between visits. They were easy to root for and I loved the growth shown through the years.

Thank you @lulleseit @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy

[Dana McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Innocents at Home
Linda Ulleseit


I love it when historical fiction is weaved with real life events.

This one was inspired by Nina’s autobiography and Emma’s actual letters to Mark Twain. Innocents at Home explores how these two women inspire each other to overcome devastation and discover the courage to live life on their own terms.

This book was wonderfully written you could truly tell how much research went into this one. I loved getting to know Emma and Nina.

My favorite part was what incredibly strong female characters Emma and Nina were. I enjoyed following their lives, their struggles and even their friendships after their voyage to the Holy Land.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innocents at Home was fascinating historical fiction and I love that it was based on actual people. I didn’t read Mark Twain’s Innocents Abroad, based on a five month voyage to the Holy Land, but was captivated by this novel which highlighted what happened to the passengers upon their return home. The two main characters were women who became friends during the voyage and became true confidants for each other upon their return home. Both were navigating tricky family dynamics and professional choices and I enjoyed the letters they exchanged. The quotes by Mark Twain at the beginning of each chapter added a special touch. I enjoyed the author’s note and the recipes were an added bonus!

[Mary Sheriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Mark Twain, take note! Linda Ulleseit’s latest novel, Innocents at Home, is based on the lives of two of the women who Mark Twain wrote about in his book Innocents Abroad. Twain’s uncomplimentary (albeit humorous) portrayal of his fellow travelers had far-reaching effects for these women. Ulleseit pulls back the curtain for a behind-the-scenes life of real upper-class women in the late 19th century. This tale of reinvention, friendship, and art is a fascinating look at a historical perspective not often in the forefront and well worth the read.

[Linda Belba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innocents at Home is an interesting and enjoyable story of 2 women looking for fulfillment in their lives during the late 19th century gilded age. Emma and Nina met while on a 6-month cruise to the holy land. This cruise also included Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) as a passenger. He subsequently wrote a book called Innocents Abroad that included stories about the passengers.
This book picks up with Emma and Nina’s lives once they disembark in New York.
I admired the themes of family, friendship and purpose.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning more about life in the Victorian era through the letters between the two main female characters in this historical fiction novel. They traveled on the same ship as Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) on a five month trip to the Holy Lands and became friends along the way. This book tracks their lives for almost thirty years and highlights the challenges they faced as women in that time period, and the difficulty in finding their place in the world.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was inspired by the authors ancestors and based on two women, Nina and Emma, who were passengers on a voyage to the Holy Land with author Mark Twain. One adores him and one does not. The women become friends and exchange letters after the voyage. We follow their lives, their struggles with society's expectations of them. This was yet another great historical read with strong female characters. I really enjoyed it.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this book was set up. The story follows two women who were shipmates with Mark Twain on the voyage to the Holy Land in 1867. One of them regards him highly while the other does not. The bond that these women form after the voyage is heartfelt and courageous. Following their struggles and not conforming to the time and expectations by being independent was fascinating to read. I enjoyed this book a lot.

[Alina Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating view of two women who took a met each other on a trip to holly land. Among other passengers, there was Sam Clemens (Mark Twain). It was interesting to follow how the lives of these women unfolded. I appreciate all the historical research the author put into studying lives and letters of the real people behind the story. Great historical fiction read!

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction fans who love the Victorian age are sure to enjoy this one. Strong women characters that have common struggles make this one worth reading. Very well written.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cleverly written sequel to Mark Twain's Innocents Abroad, Innocents at Home imagines the continuing lives of two of the Twain novel's characters. Inspired by historical documents, as well as the author's own family legacy, Ulleseit has woven a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable tale.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Publication Day**

In 1867, a decommissioned Civil War steamer called the “Quaker City” departed from New York Harbor with sixty-five passengers on a 5 month excursion to the Holy Land. “The cruise attracted a fundamentally religious, socially conservative, independently wealthy group of travelers.” Among the passengers was Samuel Clemens, a 32 year old fledgling reporter who was sponsored by a local newspaper. He was to pen travel newsletters which would eventually be compiled into a travelogue.

“Innocents at Home” written by Linda Ulleseit is a work of heritage fiction, a novel of two of her ancestors who traveled to the Holy Land as shipmates of Samuel Clemens.

Nina Churchman Larrowe lived among the rich and powerful in Greenwich Village, New York. Mr. Clemens’ embellished stories could cause “great harm to anyone associated with the journey”. His droll remarks and so- called humorous observations were the bane of Nina’s existence when she returned home. Her fall from grace and the collapse of an unfulfilling marriage necessitated a need to reinvent herself. Her first independent foray was to support herself as an actress. Elocution lessons, gymnastic lessons and learning stage presence became necessary. While she struggled monetarily, Samuel Clemens’ travelogue, “The Innocents Abroad”, sold well over 70,000 copies.

Emma Beach accompanied her father, a newspaper publisher, on the cruise. Although Sam was fifteen years Emma’s senior, she was quite taken with him. He was smart, funny, discussed books, encouraged her artwork, and was her chess partner. “...her heart beat faster when he was near.” Nearly forty years later, Sam spoke of Emma Beach as “my old Quaker City favorite”. Although the tone of his letters seemed paternal, “yet there is a dash of gallantry and a suspicion of an interest deeper than that of polite admiration.” “Emma was too good a friend to relinquish…she was proving serviceable in sharpening his memory of foreign sights and events.”

Home and hearth for Nina consisted of a continuous uphill struggle to carve out a life of independence despite societal norms. The correspondence between Nina and Emma was a way to express and explore feelings and thoughts. Nina felt that Sam produced “a despicable portrayal of his fellow shipmates…a man who would sacrifice the reputation of good people for a laugh”.’ Her opinion of him never wavered. She encouraged Emma to stand up for herself. Emma wrote, “I’m happiest when I can be of assistance from the shadows, where I’m appreciated without being lauded.”

Author Ulleseit’s heritage fiction read showcases the lives of two of her ancestors trying to find themselves. They provided each other with a sounding board to discuss their trials and triumphs. A highly recommended, unputdownable read.

Thank you Linda Ulleseit for a print copy in exchange for an honest review.