At What Cost, Silence: The Texian Trilogy, Book 2
By (Author) Karen Lynne Klink
She Writes Press
She Writes Press
17th October 2023
United States
General
Fiction
Paperback
256
Width 139mm, Height 215mm
Adrien Villere suspects he is not like other boys. For years, he desperately locks away his feelings and fearsbut eventually, tragedy and loss drive him to seeking solace from his mentor, a young neighbor Jacob Hart. Jacobs betrayal of Adriens trust, however, results in secret abuse, setting off a chain of actions from which neither Adriens wise sister, Bernadette, nor his closest friend, Isaac, can turn him.
At What Cost, Silence presents two contrasting plantation families in a society where strict rules of belief and behavior are clear, and public opinion can shape an entire life. Centerstage are the Villeres, a family less brutal than the Harts, but no less divisive. Often-absent Papa Paien Villere guards several secrets he has kept from everyoneincluding one which could destroy his entire family. Years after Jacobs betrayal, Adrien falls hopelessly in love with his former mentors erotically precocious and beautiful young sister Lilywhose father has affianced her to a wealthy older man.
What will happen if Lilys violent brother learns of Adrien and Lilys clandestine affair Will Adrien aid in freeing Isaacan enslaved Black manas promised Will Bernadette find the unconventional life she seeks Or will their entire world end as states secede and war creeps ever closer
"At What Cost, Silenceis a family saga that transforms the way we see the past, turning over little-known stones of history by focusing on the antebellum world of East Texas. This is both an epic novel spanning decades of history, culture and politics, and an intimate, passionate tale of love and morality, rooted deeply in the contradictions and complexities of its many characters. Klink has captured it all with great care and compassion and understanding.
Molly Gloss, author of The Hearts of Horses
Karen began reading before entering first grade and started her artistic career drawing imaginative adventures in the margins of schoolworkwhich, unfortunately, few teachers appreciated. After completing her formal education at Kent State University and San Diego State, for four decades she hiked and backpacked her way through the West and parts of Mexico and Central America before settling in Tucson, Arizona, with her cat buddy, Dickens. Although she enjoyed minor success as a watercolor painter, she discovered her true passion when she began writing fiction at the age of sixty. Her interest and experience in psychology and therapy inform her writing about persons who overcome their fear to be who they truly are. She resides in Tucson, Arizona. To learn more, visit www.karenklink.com.