My dear friend, Sue Harman, a nurse, owns the beautiful doll featured in this photo. When I told her about my writing, she showed me the doll, Lucille, who was originally given to her mother on her tenth birthday in 1924. I knew I had to use her as a model for Suzanna’s doll, Sally.

This is a recap from Chapter 1.

Suzanna, the older sister, against her better judgment has ventured out in the storm with Ruth, to look for her doll, Sally.

Sally was quite magical, Auntie Caroline, who left Texas to visit family in Europe, brought my Sally over from far away Germany.

Sally’s big blue eyes opened when you stood her up and closed when she lay down. Her long chestnut-colored hair was like mine, and she had rosy cheeks on a porcelain bisque face. Sally’s soft body was hand-sewn in linen and silk cloth and stuffed with cotton. She wore a crinoline petticoat, under a rosebud calico dress, with handmade lace collar and matching cap. I loved her black lace stockings and soft leather booties that could be tied just like mine.

August 15 2025 CHAPTER TWO EXCERPT

In this chapter, Mother surprises Ruth and doesn’t head directly home in the storm, but to the house next door, where a light shines brightly in the window. Señor Abel opens the door when they knock.

 Please note that this is just a taster and not the entire chapter.

July 15, 2025

So it begins! Circle of Grace is about three strong Texan women who survive poverty, death, and deception during a pivotal time in history as they navigate the changing roles of women from 1900 to 1947.

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Lovely Ireland with its cottages and castles, wild rivers and brazen coasts! Aye, it is a beautiful place!