After over a year of planning, Sadie Adams has finally made her escape. She left her domineering and abusive husband, Frank, back in New York City and stepped off the train with her young son, Gus, in Galesburg, Illinois. Frank couldn't kill her or Gus if he couldn't find them. And Sadie's convinced that Frank doesn't even know the town of Galesburg exists. In Galesburg, Sadie sets about creating a safe, loving, and protected home for Gus. The economic shadows of the Great Depression are beginning to fade, and boarding houses are hiring help again. As a woman with a son but no husband, Sadie will have to create a believable story for her landlord and employer to avoid scandal. She finds a friend in Mrs. Blumenthal, who gives her a place to stay and understands Sadie's situation more than Sadie can imagine. Sadie even finds a new chance at love with the charming but mysterious Howard. But all is not perfect in Galesburg. Doris Steinway, who gives Sadie a job as a housekeeper, is jealous of Sadie's unique beauty and the attention she receives from Howard. She also finds Sadie's circumstances suspicious. And she is not the only one. The catty, vindictive women of the Ladies Aid Society obsess over Sadie's secret past and will not rest until they discover the truth. Will the ladies ruin Sadie's chance at a new life? Will Frank find Sadie and Gus? Find out in After the Dust Settles, author Cindy Butler's debut novel.
Cindy Butler divides her time with her animals and her writing and enjoying the natural wonders of Colorado.
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