First published 2005
Dalia Miller stands as the eldest daughter of Monroe Miller, who runs a turpentine operation in 1800s southern Georgia. Her father carries a devastating secret that threatens to destroy everything the family has built. Dalia possesses both beauty and fierce determination, qualities she needs as she navigates the challenges of their rural world. The pine forests and small communities of southern Georgia form the backdrop for her struggle. Monroe's past sins cast a shadow over the family's daily life, creating dangers that Dalia must constantly guard against. She refuses to let her father's mistakes define her future or harm those she loves. Her strength and cleverness become weapons in a battle to forge a better path forward. The weight of family loyalty pulls against her desire for independence. As Monroe's secret threatens to surface, Dalia discovers that protecting her loved ones may require sacrifices she never imagined making.
Genres: american-fiction, historical-fiction, 19th-century, family-drama
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: family-loyalty, strong-female-lead
Setting: Georgia, Southern United States
Period: 1800s
402 pages · Hardcover · Viking Adult