The Pearl's Secret (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9798895534441)

America was racing full steam into the future. Industry and innovation led the way with the promise of prosperity, giving hope that even the commoner could climb above the threshold of poverty, keeping the hunger wolf at bay. Automobiles expanded horizons, bringing nearby communities within a day's trip. The thrill of new inventions and modernization created an excitement of what new and wondrous things could be next. Euphoric excitement was like a drug propelling the nation into the latter of the Golden Age; however, everything involved a dance of concessions, hard work, wit, and in a world where promiscuity and crime were commonplace, could innocence still conquer a heart?

Victor, a former strong arm and lead for a Chicago syndicate, became a friend and confidant of the most powerful businessman in the small town of Helena, Montana. Together, they began laying the foundations of the first legislation dedicated to limiting the use of child labor and considerations of other laborer rights. Charles Sterling has built up his impressive estate in real estate, imports, hydroelectric power, gold mining, and a skosh of bootlegging, only to fall in love because of the charms of a young and beautiful immigrant, Audrey, his mistress, who falls fate to a heinous crime. In the house of the Sterlings, Victor will meet his great love--Elisa, a simple girl who came from Romania to make a better future for herself and support her family back home. The two fall in love irretrievably. Will their love be strong enough to pass the test of a world full of secrets? Mabel, Elisa's best friend, a beautiful and self-sufficient young lady who seemingly knows everything happening in this small city becomes an important asset for the Sterlings and pulls off a stunt like no other.