THIRD ADDITION 2023
1942-1960
Emily Rezell lives on her grandfather's farm. After her God-fearing grandmother dies when she is seven, she is left with a burden of misfortune and hardship.
Only after the school board forces Grandfather's hand is she allowed to attend school. She experiences her first real friendship and the thrill and pain of an innocent young love.
On her 18th birthday, her bag is packed, and she is ready to start a new life. When someone tries to stop her. Emily escapes the horror and hops a train out west.
Emily is good at covering up her pain, and when she arrives in San Francisco she is wide-eyed and filled with hope. Planning a new life was easy, but her inexperience leaves her vulnerable to those who take advantage of her naivety.
Nightfall is just hours away when a waitress takes her to a madam. Miss Bea is cunning and ruthless in her prideful desire to have the best brothel in town. Emily realizes she's been betrayed. And with years of making do, keeping in mind the lessons in life that her grandmother taught her, she uses her natural talent as a dancer in order to shirk her duties.
As much as she wants to slip away from under Miss Bea's control, she's stuck--sure the police are searching for her. Yet through it all, her grandmother's faith and unfailing love are a source of strength even as the lack of love and nurturing is the catalyst in her endless search for love.
A handsome gentleman shows up with a long-time patron and sweeps her off her feet. He captures her heart, and soon she opens up about her secret. He helps her to see the truth about her past. And for the first time in her life, she knows where she is headed--that is, she hopes it will be with the man who helps to set her free.
