Their long-distance relationship spanned two hundred years ...
High-school senior Mark Lewis is training for a mountain bike race when he sees an oddly-dressed girl, standing behind a waterfall in the woods near his North Carolina home. When she comments on the strange machine that he rides, he suspects something isn’t right. When Susanna claims to be an indentured servant from 1796, he wonders if she's crazy. Yet he's determined to learn more.
Mark enters a ‘long-distance’ relationship with Susanna through the mysterious and temperamental barrier of Whisper Falls. Curious about her world, Mark searches through history to discover all he can about the brutal life she's trapped in. But knowledge can be dangerous. Soon he must choose between the risk of changing history or dooming the girl he can't stop thinking about to a lifetime of misery.
Sales have been modest. Ranking on Amazon hovers around 100,000--although it sold quite well earlier this year during a Bookbub promotion.
CHAPTER ONE: A Den of Vice
I perched on a stool in the dining room’s corner, the mending basket at my feet, a torn pair of breeches draped across my lap. It was good that I had to sit with my back to the family. If my master couldn’t see my hands, he couldn’t tell they were idle.
Knuckles rapped for attention on the table. “Come, Jedidiah,” my master said, “it’s time for your lessons. Deborah and Dorcas, you may join us. Bring your stitching.” Chairs, benches, and shoes thumped as the Pratts adjourned to the parlor.
I tossed the breeches into the basket and hurried to clear the table, anxious to complete my evening chores. Amidst the clatter of dishes, Mr. Pratt’s voice rose and fell with his reading from the Holy Bible. As I tiptoed past the parlor door, my master paused, his gaze going from me to his elder son, a silent message passing between them.
Tonight, I would be followed.
The sun had already begun its descent when I crossed the yard to the kitchen building. In no time, I had the dishes scrubbed, the floor swept, and the fire banked. Tomorrow’s meals cooked in pots nestled among the coals on the hearth.
Was it possible I had finished my work before my master’s son finished his? I cast a glance toward the main house.
“Susanna?” a voice rasped from the rear door of the kitchen.
I whipped around, my heart sinking. In my rush to leave, I had forgotten the slave. How thoughtless. “Hector, have you come for your supper?”
He nodded and gave me a shy smile.
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French
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Already translated.
Translated by Gaëlle Cerruti
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Author review: It was a pleasure to work with Gaëlle. And her translation was truly lovely. She was so careful to keep me informed of her progress, and eager to take care with my book. Thank you, Gaëlle, for the great experience! |
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Hindi
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Already translated.
Translated by Abhisar Godara
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Portuguese
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Already translated.
Translated by Lia Andrade
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Author review: I enjoyed very much working with Lia. She took great care with the book and stayed in touch with me about the process. The translation flows beautifully. |
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Romanian
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Already translated.
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Spanish
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Already translated.
Translated by Alexandra García Galván
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Author review: It was pleasure working with Alexandra. I invited her to ask questions and she did a great job of seeking input on phrases that might be hard to translate with the correct nuance. Once the translation was complete, I spot-checked several key passages and was happy with everything I read. I had questions, too, and she was always quick and responsive. I wish to thank her for doing such a great job with my book. |
