Winner, Midwest Fiction, National Indie Excellence Awards
Finalist, Historical Fiction, National Indie Excellence Awards
Longlisted, Best Indie Book 2023, Shelf Unbound
Silver Medal, Plains Fiction, Independent Publisher Book Awards
Honorable Mention, Historical Fiction, The Eric Hoffer Book Award

         

 

 

 


 

“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

 

 



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