The Civil War is over. She wants to get far away from her cruel former mistress, but the world beyond the plantation is a frightening, unknown wilderness. He has fought the good fight in Union blue; now he must fight his way home through a hostile, defeated South. Delia was born a slave and then physically and emotionally battered all of her seventeen years. Finally free, she strikes out on her own, making friends with a little band of former slaves and a handsome black soldier, Ezra Johns. Certain that God has brought Delia into his life, Ezra wonders how he can help her realize her true value. Delia's heart feels drawn to Ezra, but she struggles for feelings of worth and happiness. A long and arduous journey takes this rag-tag band of survivors through a violent flood, bitter southerners, hunger and exhaustion under a blazing summer sun, and even a murder charge and near-lynching. With the help of two humble white farmers, they at last earn train fare to Boston. Back in his home city, Ezra completes his education. However, he discovers that despite his service to his country, black men still must struggle for respect and a place in American society. His only hope for a promising future is to go West. But now that Delia has found her own success in the city, will she leave her new found happiness, and go with Ezra into the wilderness? A story of courage and resilience in the face of fierce opposition and the triumphant dignity of the human spirit
Louise M. Gouge has been married to David Gouge for over 46 years. They have four grown children and seven grandchildren. Louise attended the University of Central Florida in Orlando, earning a BA in English/Creative Writing, and Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, earning a Master of Liberal Studies degree. Louise's novel, Ahab's Bride, Book One of Ahab's Legacy, (RiverOak Publishing, 2004) was her master's thesis at Rollins College. Hannah Rose, Book Two of Ahab's Legacy, was released in 2005, and was the honored with the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Son of Perdition, Book Three of Ahab's Legacy, was released in February 2006.
Louise now writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical Line, with four books published and more coming. Her current time period is the English Regency era.
While writing Christian fiction is her primary occupation and labor of love, Louise is also an adjunct professor of English and Humanities at Valencia Community College in Kissimmee, Florida. Having received her advanced education in middle age, she tries to inspire her younger students to complete their own education early. For her older students, Louise hopes that her experiences prove that it is never too late for them to work toward their dreams. (Her first novel was published after she turned fifty!) In the classroom, she attempts to live out her Christian faith both in words and in action.
Louise's favorite Bible verse is 'He shall choose our inheritance for us' (Psalm 47:4), a testimony to her belief that God has chosen a path for each believer. To seek that path and to trust His wisdom is to find the greatest happiness in life.
