Meredith Jaeger Knihy

For fans of Lucinda Riley, Sarah Jio, or Susan Meissner, this gripping historical debut novel intertwines the lives of two women across time. In 1876 San Francisco, immigrant seamstresses Hannelore Schaeffer and Margaret O'Brien struggle to support their families while catering to the city's elite. Hannelore's life changes when wealthy Lucas Havensworth enters their shop, and with Margaret's encouragement, she begins to see herself as deserving of love. However, when Margaret mysteriously disappears, Hannelore must confront the gritty streets of the Barbary Coast and the opulent mansions of Nob Hill to uncover the truth, leading her to a heartbreaking choice that will resonate through generations. In the present day, Sarah Havensworth, living in a stylish Marina apartment with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, grapples with writer's block and a long-buried secret. A news headline about the missing dressmakers reignites her journalistic instincts, prompting her to investigate Hannelore and Margaret's fates. As she delves into the past, Sarah discovers that her heirloom engagement ring may hold the key to an unexpected connection with Hannelore. Through their intertwined stories, both women learn that love is a choice and forgiveness is essential for freedom.