Introduction

Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she'll face an uphill battle.

Based partly on a true story, Ann H. Gabhart's latest historical novel is a tour de force. The vividly rendered town of Springfield and its citizens immerse readers in a story of courage, betrayal, and honor that will stick with them long after they turn the last page.

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

No Excerpt Currently Available

Discussion Questions

1. The cholera epidemics of the 1800’s brought panic to town populations. With our advanced medicines and health knowledge, do you think it’s hard for us to completely understand the fear people might have felt when they heard cholera had broken out in their area?

2. Adria was orphaned by the 1833 cholera epidemic when she was seven. Later she has a hard time pulling up the memory of what her parents looked like but she never lost the way they made her feel.
3. Do you think that was because she was so young or do you think that is simply a normal progression of grief when there are
no photos to help one remember?

4. Why do you think Adria formed such a strong relationship with Louis and Matilda?

5. Ruth wanted to be a mother to her own child but when that option was shattered, she was hesitant to accept someone else’s child into her life. Have you ever taken in a child who wasn’t your own? Do you think you could if challenged to do so by events as Ruth was? Was Ruth right to tell Adria to call her Aunt Ruth instead of mother?

6. Were you disappointed that Adria made the choices she made at the end of the book or do you feel she did the best thing for her future?

Weblinks

»	Author's web site
»	Follow the author on Facebook
»	Follow the author on Twitter
»	Follow the author on Pinterest
»	Read an excerpt

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 0 members.

Member Reviews

There are no user reviews at this time.
Rate this book