A Place We Belong

by Deanna R. Adams

When a burlesque queen seeks crime fighter Eliot Ness's help in finding her sister, their growing friendship causes friction in their personal and professional lives, as his investigation leads them down a dark path involving a corrupt adoption ring.

Forced into the world of burlesque at seventeen, Lydia Swanson not only adjusts, but becomes the Roxy Theater’s leading fan dancer. Her life seems on the upswing. There’s just one thing that’s been nagging her the past five years—she has no clue what happened to her sister since the day authorities stripped her from her arms after their mother’s death.
It’s 1940, and Cleveland’s famed city safety director, Eliot Ness, may be just the man to help her. When she musters the nerve to approach him, he surprises her by accepting her mission. But when it becomes clear that their bond is heading towards something more than they bargained for, things get complicated for Lydia and the married G-man. Their growing friendship causes friction in their personal and professional lives, and to make matters worse, their search for her sister leads them down an underground trail that exposes a nationwide corrupt adoption ring.

What happens next will change Lydia’s life forever.

376 pages, Paperback

Published July 23, 2024

About the author

Deanna R. Adams is author of both fiction and nonfiction works. She is a speaker, instructor, and award-winning essayist. Her first book, Rock ’n’ Roll and the Cleveland Connection (Kent State University Press, 2002), was named a finalist for the Ohioana Award for nonfiction, and the ARSC Award (Association for Recorded Sound Collections) for excellence in research.
Other books are Confessions of a Not-So-Good Catholic Girl, Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Roots, Cleveland's Rock and Roll Venues, and novels, Peggy Sue Got Pregnant, Scoundrels & Dreamers, and The Truth about Justyce (May, 2020). Adams also contributed an article on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum for the 2007 Encyclopedia of the Midwest.
Deanna is also coordinator of The Western Reserve Writer's Conference, the longest running annual conference in Ohio. Her book for writers is, The Writer's GPS: A Guide to Writing & Selling Your Book, See her website at www.deannaadams.com

Reviews

[Roni Nainiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Place Where We Belong is an absolute gem! Not only a must read for anyone from Northeast Ohio, but for anyone who loves historical fiction and wonderful, memorable characters. You will not be disappointed! Rich in 1940’s Cleveland history, it is a fascinating story. Deanna Adams weaves a tale of love, loyalty, friendship and intrigue. You will not want to put this book down, and yet, you will be so engaged with the characters and the story that you will be sad when you finish!
Definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!

[Catherine Pomeroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the main character in this story, the determined and sassy Lydia Swanson. As a burlesque performer in 1940s Cleveland, Lydia unapologetically owns her sexuality and beauty, starring in a world of costumes, dancing, and drinks in the hottest Cleveland clubs until the wee hours of the morning. Whilst brushing near the worlds of organized crime and the infamous Eliot Ness, Lydia stays grounded in her pursuit to find the younger sister she was separated from years ago. Lydia doggedly leverages all her assets toward this goal. I admired her determination, and the contrasts in this character who had a limited education yet spends her free afternoons reading at her favorite bookstore. I enjoyed seeing Lydia grow and mature, while keeping her playful zest for life. Congratulations to the author for a well-researched and engaging story and creating a character who was ahead of her time in many ways!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored the main character, Lydia and enjoyed following her life as a burlesque star at venues in Cleveland that I am familiar with. I am a native of Cleveland and loved reading of its’ history, including Eliot Ness as safety director. The author did a great job of mixing fact and fiction to give us an entertaining story.

[Linda Calkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great romp through 1940s Cleveland with Eliot Ness and a Burlesque dancer trying to find her sister who she was separated from in an orphanage. Beautifully captures the era and some of the terrible orphanages that existed during that time. Well researched. Relatable characters. A good read.