The Trail Blazers

A pioneer. An abolitionist. A feminist. Three generations of one family. Three stories spanning 19th century Canada in this striking collection of novellas from the author of Angel of Mercy.

Book 1: Journey of Hope

An idealistic young couple set out across country in search of a better life for themselves and their young son in this sweeping historical novella set against the rugged backdrop of early-19th-century British North America.

When her drunken father-in-law showed up threatening to kill both her and her husband, 19-year-old Claire didn't need any more convincing to strike out west. Together with their 1-year-old son, she and Harold leave New Brunswick behind on a 900-mile trek across Upper and Lower Canada.

At first the journey feels like the adventure that farm-boy Harold has always wanted, not to mention a way for Claire, who was hired out at ten, to finally move up in the world. But the land is unyielding, the weather harsh, and it isn't long before the couple find themselves waylaid. Soon every mile they put behind them feels like a step in the wrong direction.

As her previously happy marriage takes a turn toward estrangement, Claire scrabbles for shreds of peace and stability, seeking out what little work she can find to help pay for their mounting travel costs. But tragedy lies right around the corner, and these two young pioneers will be forced to lean on each other - or risk losing everything they've sacrificed so much to build.

Book 2: Rose's Assignment

When she's asked to care for a young Black woman fleeing bondage, a white Ontarian must confront her privilege and the racism that pervades her community.

Rose Goodwin is proud of her charity work with the Simcoe County Vigilance Committee, where she's responsible for gathering provisions to help formerly enslaved Americans start new lives in Canada.

Her entire life turns upside-down with the arrival of Judith, a critically ill Black refugee who grew feverish after she lost contact with her children during their border crossing. Now practically immobile and still bearing the marks of brutality, Judith needs someone to nurse her back to health before she can settle in the local Black village.

The assignment falls to Rose, who quickly notices the cracks in her hometown's wholesome façade. Her husband offers little support. The town doctor refuses to treat Judith, and even Rose's own mother and sisters act as if the refugee herself were the problem.

This Good Samaritan may be completely out of her element, but her dedication to her patient increases to meet every ounce of resistance she encounters. And still the question remains: Will it be enough to save Judith?

Book 3: The Unmarriable Kind

In 1880s Ontario, the arrival of a new, forward-thinking headmaster forces a young teacher to wrestle with her heart's conflicting desires.

Lucretia Goodwin bucks centuries of tradition by refusing to take a husband. She wants no part in the custom that has her best friend keen to marry a man who treats her poorly and whisked a beloved sister off to do missionary work in Barbados. Besides, women lose what few rights they have the moment they say, "I do."

When she suddenly finds herself teaching under a politically outspoken headmaster, Lucretia isn't sure what to do... or how to feel. Mr. Steward believes in women's suffrage and - perhaps more shockingly - wants to open all classes to students of both sexes. But what do girls need to know about history or geography, when they're fated to become keepers of hearth and home?