Historical Fiction · Three-Book Saga
The Burning Time Trilogy
Louise Schmidt grows up in early-twentieth-century Chattanooga under the shadow of an abusive father. Across three novels, she fights for family, independence, and survival as the world around her moves from the early 1900s through the Great Depression and into World War II.
Book One · Start Here
Burning Time
Louise Schmidt would sacrifice almost anything to protect and provide for her family—even her innocence…
Set in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the early 1900s, Burning Time epically portrays the life of Louise Schmidt, from early childhood to adulthood, as Louise, her mother, and younger brother fight to survive the abuse of Louise’s father, Will.
The largess of Will’s parents initially provides refuge from her father’s drunken exploits, but Louise learns too young that nothing lasts forever. Though previously ostracized from the family, the prodigal son returns at the behest of his ailing father, and brings along a new wife, Maude, who fans the flames of Will’s inherent avarice and disregard for his former wife and children. At fifteen, Louise is forced from the only home she’s ever known and into marriage with a man ten years her senior. Even as Louise comes to terms with her life and assumes the role of family matriarch, she still must face the consequences of her actions—including an accusation of murder.
Book Two
A Fire to Be Kindled
This sequel to Bob’s highly praised Burning Time begins with the Roaring Twenties. Cleared of murder charges and finally free of her father’s tyranny, Louise, it would seem, has it all. With money in the bank, she branches out into other business ventures. Meanwhile, the family delights in young Bobby’s escapades while See-Boy builds a lucrative, albeit shady, side business.
But, as Louise knows all too well, hard times are always just around the corner. As the Great Depression besieges the country, Louise and her family suffer personal trials—an unwanted pregnancy, clandestine love affairs, and unseen forces scheming behind the scenes to tear apart everything Louise has, including her family.
Book Three · The Conclusion
Embers on the Wind
In 1942, America has joined the allied forces as the Second World War rages on the international front. When tragedy strikes at home, Louise fractures, and it’s up to friends and family to bring her back. As everyone fights for the future and clings desperately to hope, Louise wonders if hope might not be the cruelest torture of all.
Third and final novel in the Burning Time trilogy, this compelling epic picks up where A Fire to Be Kindled left off, as protagonist Louise Carlyon, her family, and her friends struggle through war and personal crises—a book you won’t want to put down once you start reading…
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