19th Century Historical Fiction Set in Northumberland County
1860 - In a small town on Lake Ontario, at a time when an affluent young girl is forbidden to have any ambition of her own, Sarah defies her social-climbing mother to marry Joe, the Scottish farmer she loves, convinced he is the only man willing to help her succeed.
Twelve years later, she is a mother of five boys, pregnant again, and trapped by Joe’s failure when she discovers a shocking deception. Before learning the truth, tragedy strikes. Defying her mother once again, Sarah struggles to survive in a life controlled by the men around her. With secrets haunting her, she must eventually decide how far she will go to get what she wants—for her children—and for herself.
The Last Secret reveals the dark underbelly of a genteel Victorian town and explores the insidious power of secrets.
Anthology by Writers of Five Counties
Read a short personal narrative by Pam Royl, Listening to the Land, an introspective contemplation of the history of the hills and surrounding forests where she lives. And What She Learned, short fiction about the strength and resilience of women.
Pam and the other writers of these short stories, poems and personal narratives have faced life's difficulties, and share some of them in this moving collection. There is inspiration in their words - expressed often with humour, sometimes with sorrow, and always with resolve.
Pam Royl
Giller Award Nominee Pam Royl is an accomplished writer and champion of women and their stories