Little Belle

Five-year-old Belle Brush meets Edward Stroud, an overworked and underfed Barnardo Home Boy who is fishing in the creek next to her family’s farm, Paradise Acres. Not unlike her grandmother’s tales of ancestors who settled the land, Edward’s story fascinates her. He was only eleven years old when he travelled aboard a vast steamship from England to Maine, and then by train to New Canaan.

Belle has no stories; she’s never been further than the nearest village. She dreams of boarding that train and setting off to far-off places. In her opinion, Paradise Acres does not live up to its name, whereas Edward thinks she’s the luckiest kid alive.

The years pass, and Edward’s fondness for his “Little Belle” grows. Believing himself an orphan from birth, he yearns to put down roots, own his own farm, and raise a family. Belle is torn; she loves Edward, but she wants more. She wants a story-worthy life like the ones her grandmother told, and marrying Edward will not give her this. As she grows into womanhood, she must make a choice: marry the man she loves or let him believe he is not worthy of her.

They marry, but happiness is not hers to hold, and as one heartbreaking event leads to another, Belle finds herself back at Paradise Acres. Her life may not what she dreamed it might be, but it is one thing—it is story worthy.

Will be available for purchase through Amazon.