A broken senator takes his life, unable to accept the loss of his wife during childbirth, post-Civil War, New Hope, Pennsylvania. The child, Bethie, is left in the care of their most trusted assistant, Abigail Prescott. But made to promise that his sinister sister, Emma Mae Calhoun, would never know of her existence. A forbidden love is suppressed and hidden between Abigail and Joseph, the only male on the estate who is a former slave and the only father figure the child has ever known. But Emma is a very rich, powerful, and ruthless woman who seeks control of the child's inheritance. Through manipulation Emma is granted custody and the child is forced to relocate to Savannah. And although she terrifies the child, Bethie finds an advocate in her son, William. A struggle between good and evil continues as the shallow nemesis, Emma Mae, continues to tear them all apart, as she ruthlessly and relentlessly fights for control out of bitter jealousy, revenge, and utter greed. But more importantly, the incredible, unending power of Love that wears as an armor unwilling to be ignored-or to relent. Well's Ferry is an enjoyable and expertly crafted story with well-developed characters. At times, it was reminiscent of a Charles Dicken's tale such as Great Expectations. The historical aspects of the story provided a rich backdrop and served to enhance the sub-themes such as the slavery issue. The complex family matters were on par with a Bronte sister's tale such as Sense and Sensibility. Neil J.