An unforgettable story about the triumphs and travails of a woman unwilling to play by the rules, based on the the remarkable life of pioneering feminist and abolitionist Lucy Stone. 

Born on a farm in 1818, Lucy Stone dreamt of extraordinary things for a girl of her time, like continuing her education beyond the eighth grade and working for the abolitionist cause, and of ordinary things, such as raising a family of her own. But when she learns that the Constitution affords no rights to married women, she declares that she will never marry and dedicates her life to fighting for change.

At a time when it is considered promiscuous for women to speak in public, Lucy risks everything for the anti-slavery movement, her powerful oratory mesmerizing even her most ardent detractors as she rapidly becomes a household name. And when she begins to lecture on the “woman question,” she inspires a young Susan B. Anthony to join the movement. But life as a crusader is a lonely one. 

When Henry Blackwell, a dashing and forward-thinking man, proposes a marriage of equals, Lucy must reconcile her desire for love and children with her public persona and the legal perils of marriage she has long railed against. And when a wrenching controversy pits Stone and Anthony against each other, Lucy makes a decision that will impact her legacy forever.

Based on true events, Leaving Coy’s Hill is a timeless story of women’s quest for personal and professional fulfillment within society’s stubborn constraints. And as an abolitionist and women’s rights activist fighting for the future of a deeply divided country, Lucy Stone’s quest to live a life on her own terms is as relevant as ever. In this “propulsive,” “astonishing,” and “powerful” story, Katherine Sherbrooke brings to life a true American heroine for a new generation.

Review:

Immersive, insightful, and exceptionally inspiring!

Leaving Coy’s Hill is a powerful, alluring, enlightening interpretation that sweeps you away to the American East in the mid-1800s and into the life of Lucy Stone, an independent, intelligent woman ahead of her time who after becoming the first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree spent the rest of her life dedicated to organizing, promoting, and advocating for both the anti-slavery and suffragist movements.

The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are strong, passionate, and determined. And the plot, using a story within a story, is a fascinating tale of life, love, bravery, strength, loss, loyalty, friendship, motivation, politics, and the early battle for equality and justice in the U.S.

I have to admit that I had never heard of Lucy Stone before I started Leaving Coy’s Hill, but Sherbrooke did such a beautiful job of blending historical facts with captivating, alluring fiction that I was left incredibly intrigued and motivated to learn even more about this iconic woman’s tireless efforts, influence and legacy on abolitionism and women’s rights.

This novel is available now.

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