Emmaline MacKenzie, only daughter to the famed MacKenzie family that founded McLeary, Iowa, grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth. She was groomed to be an asset to any man who was chosen by her father. Having graduated from finishing school in the early 1900s, Emmaline was the epitome of a well-behaved woman even though in her heart she leaned toward the values of the suffragettes who marched so that modern women could enjoy equality. It wasn’t long after the marriage to her father’s business partner that Emmaline found out the hard way that life was not a happily ever after fairytale.

With the Great War raging in the background, Emmaline walked a fine line to protect her child who lived with a physical deformity from his father’s neglect. Both her son and her daughter lived a life that bordered on abuse. Emmaline struggled to be the obedient woman she was supposed to be.

More happened in this marriage than anyone else knew. She felt compelled to keep the facts concealed. The Great War and Spanish Influenza opened the door for a new life for her and her children.

Emmaline found the love that is spoken of in novels. She drew the lines in the sand and was surprised what love had in store for her. Come join the MacKenzie women as they take a trip down memory lane with the words that Emmaline left in her diary. May you find love that will build you a home.

A kind word to the wise. If you don’t want to run the risk of some offspring in the far-flung future making up a beautiful romance story about your life, don’t hold secrets.