Denise Heinze Knihy

Determined to set the historical record straight and clear her conscience, Temperance Flowerdew, wife of Virginia's first two governors, recounts the hardships that nearly toppled the Jamestown colony and the extraordinary sacrifice of her servant girl, Lily. When she boarded the Falcon in 1609, Temperance was not only leaving England for America but also stepping into a world of opportunity. Unprepared for the wilderness, she relies on her adventurous spirit and the companionship of Lily, a young woman fleeing accusations of witchcraft. Their friendship blossoms as they navigate pioneer life, with Temperance attempting to influence the makeshift government and Lily discovering first love. As winter looms, Lily senses a growing darkness over the colony, with tensions rising in negotiations with the Indians and supplies dwindling. She must forage and be resourceful to keep food on the table, knowing that famine could spell disaster. The weight of survival falls on her shoulders, forcing her to confront the sacrifices necessary to endure. This evocative tale is a portrait of two resilient women striving for a future freer than their pasts, embodying hope amidst adversity.