The abolitionist author presents profound insight on the meaning of race and freedom in America in this memoir of slavery, escape, and reinvention. One of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement, Frederick Douglass was a major influence on social and political thought in the nineteenth century. His autobiographical writings were a powerful vehicle for his philosophy of human equality. Written ten years after his legal emancipation in 1846, My Bondage and My Freedom recounts Douglass’s journey—intellectual, spiritual, and geographical—from life as a slave under various masters, and his many plots and attempts at escape, to his liberation, time as a fugitive, and new life as a prominent abolitionist. Expanding on his earlier work Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, this later memoir illuminates Douglass’s maturation as a writer and thinker.

Boston, 2015 Two years after nearly losing her life in the Boston Marathon bombing, Annie David is still far from “Boston strong.” Instead she remains isolated and defeated—plagued by guilt over her niece, crippled in the blast, and by an antique ring alongside a hazy hero’s face. But when she learns the identity of her rescuer, will he be the hero she’s imagined? And can the long-past history of the woman behind the ring set her free from the guilt and fears of the present? Boston, 1770 As a woman alone in a rebellious town, Liberty Caldwell finds herself in a dangerous predicament. When a British lieutenant, Alexander Smythe, comes to her rescue and offers her employment, Liberty accepts. As months go by, Alexander not only begins to share his love of poetry with her, but protects Liberty from the advances of a lecherous captain living in the officers’ house where she works. Mounting tensions explode in the Boston Massacre, and Liberty’s world is shattered as her brother, with whom she has just reunited, is killed in the fray. Desperate and alone, she returns home, only to be assaulted by the captain. Afraid and furious toward redcoats, Liberty leaves the officers’ home, taking with her a ring that belonged to Alexander. Two women, separated by centuries, must learn to face their fears. And when they feel they must be strong, they learn that sometimes true strength is found in surrender. A 2018 Christy Award finalist!

The story takes us back to the early days of the American Revolution when the war was not going well for the Americans. After the fall of Long Island to the British and their occupation of New York City, the Culper Spy Ring was organized by a group of Americans living in New York City. The spy ring was known only to handful of trusted Americans, including General George Washington. The story takes us back to the early days of the American Revolution when the war was not going well for the Americans. After the fall of Long Island to the British and their occupation of New York City, the Culper Spy Ring was organized by a group of Americans living in New York City. The spy ring was known only to handful of trusted Americans, including General George Washington. They come to realize family and friends are even more important during times of great stress, uncertainty, and danger. Their bravery, support, and love for each other help turn the tide of war in their favor. It's only through their ability to trust each other they're able to overcome the challenges confronting them. In the end, it's a story about dedication, personal growth, and love.