A Bend in the Straight and Narrow

The bravest fighters are often not soldiers. Based on a true story of Civil War-era passion and sacrifice, this audiobook follows the life of Sally Ann Marsh. Born to a poor, but close-knit family, Sally is married off in 1859, at the age of 15, to a wealthy man twice her age. She is distraught, but determined to make the best of her life. She falls in love with her husband, and they create a blissful home together with their growing family.

Yellow fever is ravaging the Florida frontier in 1888, killing thousands of people and destroying the dreams of thousands more. Sally Ann and Lanier Walton are struggling to stay afloat on their ranch, what with the theft of cattle, chickens, and garden foods. Many of the ranch hands have departed, some who will likely be killed by the epidemic. It’s a time of great panic, but the family has a plan to safely guide them through the danger. The story moves through time until 1897 and centers largely around the children of the ranch, especially Sarah, who is Sally’s granddaughter.

“What’s a vacation?” Sally wondered. In 1900, Florida and the rest of the South were 35 years beyond the Civil War and recovering from Reconstruction. The “land of flowers” had been discovered by wealthy people in northern states as a place of opportunity to capitalize on an undeveloped tropical paradise. Henry Flagler was among many who saw an opportunity to make money on those who wanted to escape winter and the impoverished Floridians who were anxious to sell. The tumultuous decades between 1900 and 1920 jolt Sally, Lani, and their families.