“A beautifully written, compulsively readable tale that
gives voice to this fascinating, larger-than-life figure
from a neglected corner of history.” – Indie Reader
“Diana Dempsey has written an excellent novel about the life
of Miss Haycraft, at the same time telling the story of St.
Louis during the time Eliza lived here. Eliza Haycraft was
not a woman to be trifled with. She could be tough as nails
one minute, empathetic the next, when she encountered fellow
soiled doves and children in distress. She never backed down
from any human or challenge. Diana Dempsey gives us a story
of a feminist who never heard that word, a woman who never
forgot where she came from, a woman who helped others,
regardless of race.” – Michael Pierce, Midwest Rewind
“A very enjoyable historical novel rooted in a
rags-to-riches tale from a relatively unknown corner of St.
Louis history.”
– Brodie Curtis, Historical Novel Society
“What gives a young rural Missouri woman in the 1840’s the
courage to flee her abusive husband? Family and society at
the time would view twenty-four-year-old Eliza Haycraft’s
decision to do just that as horrifying, but when Eliza sets
off by canoe in the night and eventually made her way to St.
Louis, she has no regrets. She quickly realizes that a young
woman with no family, no reading skills, and no means of
support is destined to become a prostitute, a terrible life
with few options for a change of fate. This is the
fascinating story of how Eliza becomes an infamous madam, a
wily businesswoman, and an unlikely but generous
philanthropist. The author uses historical facts as the
framework while creating a compelling tale about a
remarkable woman and the fascinating array of people
involved in her life.”
– Honorable Mention, The Eric Hoffer Book Award, Historical
Fiction Category
“I loved it. The characters, history, and the emotions it
brought out made for an excellent read. And shows that if
you put your mind to it, you can do anything.” – Sandra Vandelicht, Chief Deputy, Callaway County Recorder of Deeds
“WHAT A WOMAN! Diana Dempsey creates a fascinating tale,
based upon an unforgettable real life character. Faced with
ignorance, poverty and betrayal, a brave young woman
struggles at a time when women had little say in their
lives. Using determination, shrewdness, empathy, and
friendship, she is led through struggles, historical events,
romance, loss, and triumph. Dempsey had me from the get-go
to the very end.” – Sheila Guthrie, Kingdom of Callaway
Historical Society
