Books/Excerpts
The Secret Confessions of Anne Shakespeare
In 1623, in Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare’s widow Anne lies dying in her second-best bed. But as her granddaughter Lizbeth reads aloud to her from the famous plays, Anne breaks a lifetime of silence to reveal the truth.
“William Shakespeare,” she whispers to Lizbeth, “did not write the plays that appear in his name.”
Often dismissed as a homely country spinster who seduced an innocent boy, Anne Shakespeare emerges in my novel as a smart, witty, resourceful woman who discovers she has a mind and talents of her own.
How (Not) to Have a Perfect Wedding
“My, what a boring job you have!” was a comment I heard often when I worked as a wedding hostess at one of the famous Newport mansions. Oh no, it was fascinating to stand on duty, observing the interactions of everyone from the caterers in the kitchen to the well-heeled guests.
By telling the story of a society wedding from multiple viewpoints—bride and groom, wedding party and mansion staff—my novel takes the reader behind the scenes at a wickedly funny affair.
The Kingsley House
A runaway slave on the Underground Railroad, a pair of scheming Spiritualists, a deadly diphtheria epidemic and a high-flying love affair are just a few of the adventures to overtake the five generations of family in this seemingly ordinary house.
Built by my ancestor Nathan Kingsley in 1843, the real Kingsley House is now preserved in Greenmead Historical Village in Livonia, Michigan. The novel was inspired by a family history album created by my mother, to whom I am deeply grateful for her research and support.
