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eBook Category: Historical Fiction/Romance
eBook Description: Eliza Lily harbors a terrible secret she cannot fully recall. With her past exposed, and her reputation ruined, she leaves for New York with her guardian--William Bennett and his sister, Jewel. Hoping to forge a new life for herself, will her past come to haunt her future happiness?--Eliza Lily's fragmented memories torment her of the terrible day she fled Jeb Harris, her foster parent. William Bennett finds Eliza by the river with blood on her dress. She insist its from an animal, but being an avid hunter, he knows better. Ignoring the inner alarm in his head, he makes a decision that will forever change his life. He brings Eliza home to live with him and his sister, Jewel. When ugly rumors resurface years later, Eliza and Jewel take shelter with William who now lives in New York. He plans to marry Eliza to a suitable gentleman who can give her a home and safety from her past. Eliza thwarts his plans in her quest for social change. To make matters worse, stirrings of love for this exasperating women challenge his determination. Even in a city of millions, Eliza's past once again resurfaces. Only by going back to the scene of her lost memories can she hope to discover the truth. But will the truth set Eliza free or dash all hope?

eBook Publisher: Grace Publishing, Published: 2007, 2007
Fictionwise Release Date: September 2007

2 Reader Ratings: Great Good OK Poor

Available eBook Formats [MultiFormat - What's this?]: Adobe Acrobat (PDF) [816 KB], eReader (PDB) [295 KB], Palm Doc (PDB) [290 KB], Rocket/REB1100 (RB) [257 KB], Microsoft Reader (LIT) [243 KB] - PocketPC 1.0+ Compatible, Franklin eBookMan (FUB) [296 KB], hiebook (KML) [642 KB], Sony Reader (LRF) [351 KB], iSilo (PDB) [237 KB], Mobipocket (PRC) [297 KB], Kindle Compatible (MOBI) [340 KB], OEBFF Format (IMP) [388 KB]
Words: 87516
Reading time: 250-350 min.
Microsoft Reader (LIT) Format: Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud ENABLED
Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Format:  Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud ENABLED
All Other formats: Printing DISABLED, Read-aloud DISABLED
ISBN: 978-0-9784096-3-0

"Eliza had been raised in a foundling home and became part of the orphan train where she was accepted into the home of Jeb Willard Harris; when William Bennett found her at the creek with blood smeared over her clothes, he took her home with him and, from that day, she became a 'cousin' to both William and his sister, Jewel. When William left to make his way in business, he stayed gone for seven years. He came back at the same time that Eliza was accused of improper conduct, lack of virtue, and incompetence. She was fired from her teaching position for which she had studied long and hard because of her past. William took Eliza and Jewel back to New York with him--hopefully to find Eliza a husband. Living in the big city introduced both ladies to the suffrage movement, and Eliza had finally found her calling. William tried to keep her at arm's length because of his misfortunate former love; she excelled in the city, which just made it harder for him to ignore his personal feelings. Eliza had always loved William, but because of her past, she knew she was not good enough for him. Ms. Vicki Gaia has written a good book with a myriad of characters which make this epic, though quite lengthy, also stimulating. This book expounds the live--both past and present--of Eliza Lily. She could not remember the circumstances surrounding her departure from her foster home and, as the book delved into her past, it became more and more evident that even though she was regaining some memory during her dreams, she needed to face the situation. This elongated story, while totally different in context, reminded me of the well-known Civil War classic.. It will truly arrest your attention and, while reading, you might be anxious to complete the story, but you would never find a part you would choose to leave out. I really liked Ms. Gaia's writing style, and the plot was certainly unique. You will be glad you have read this book; I recommend it highly. 4 Hearts!"--The Romance Studio

"A thought provoking and emotionally stirring romance, ELIZA'S HOPE by Vicki Gaia is filled with thrilling action and surprises. There are many wonderfully realistic scenes describing the fight for equality between the classes and women's rights that transports the readers back to an exciting time in our nation's history. This is the story of a compelling character, who suffering memory loss from a traumatic experience, tries to find her place in the world by facing her fears and discovering the truth. Only a few pages into the story and I was in tears. This is a story for readers that enjoy becoming emotionally involved. Eliza's story dares you not to feel her pain as she tries to relive her past and find a place where she can belong. She is a young girl that finds that losing her memory limits her freedom to pursue her happiness. Her story is so powerful that you have to admire the way she works to help others as she gets involved with social reform. She is a character that I wanted to see succeed in learning the truth and hoped that the truth would be something she could live with. The romance is complicated because it involves a man that saw a young girl, who was like a little sister, suddenly become a desirable woman. He fights his desire, feeling that it is wrong to look at her that way. He also, unfortunately, fears for his career. If Eliza's secrets get out they could ruin him. As I watched him struggle, it was hard at times to see his point of view. I was too caught up in how his actions affected Eliza, but now I understand his side more and that makes the story that much more interesting. This is an exciting story filled with surprises. ELIZA'S HOPE by Vicki Gaia is a wonderful and passionate story that I truly enjoyed and that I recommend to everyone. By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Anita----Society held propriety high in the 1920's and William feels led to follow them. Eliza just wants to help people in need. If they could only see eye to eye, the passion would be intense. Ms. Gaia is an emotional writer. I found myself swept up in the story. Eliza and William are two wonderful people who may be able to have it all. I truly hoped that they could get over the past and start a new life together. Awarded 5 cups!"--Krista Reviewer, Coffee Time Romance

Eliza grabbed her hat and stormed out of the one-room schoolhouse. She wouldn't kowtow to Mr. Benjamin or any of the town folks, but her ferocious heartbeat made her knees tremble.

The sun rose above the woods and warmed her face but her body shivered colder than a block of ice. All because of her encounter with the school superintendent. How dare he judge her virtue, and, above all, her competence! She had been top of her class throughout college. She'd lowered her standards to teach at this backward school. She could have gone anywhere, but chose to return, for Jewel's sake.

She gritted her teeth to keep from ranting. The thick fragrance of the silver maples, ash, and cottonwoods hung in the air. Paying no heed to the scents and delights of her surroundings, she cut through the woods, using the path winding past the lake and up the hill to her home. Solitude was what she needed ... if only for a few hours.

How could she tell Jewel she'd lost her teaching position? Could she hold her head up high while the town folks gossiped? A lump in her throat choked back her tears. Too lost in her thoughts, she bumped into someone, and stumbled back. Zack Murphy. The one man she'd like to punch in the nose and enjoy every second of it. But as much as she disliked him, she wouldn't follow through with her gut instinct. She'd been raised better.

"Well, well, what a surprise to find you like this," he sneered. "Alone."

Eliza strangled out a 'good day' as his body blocked her from going forward. His chest puffed out like a preening cock.

She'd known men like Zack Murphy all her life. He was a bully who never grew up. A broad shouldered man, she frowned at his chest, and his enormous hands flexing at his sides. Phantom hands of the past skimmed across her memory like an unwanted visitor and made her mouth dry. Fury drove a wedge in her heart. She'd never let a man overpower her again.

A menacing flicker in Zack's eyes warned her to run. Darting around his massive body, she almost got away, but he caught her arm and swung her around. Her hat flew from her hand, and when he bent to kiss her, she gagged from the stale tobacco and alcohol on his breath.

"We've got business, orphan-girl." He grinned, showing off brown-stained teeth. "Been passed around, they say. Willie-boy found you in them woods, did he? Reck'in he had his way with you, too."

The lie sent a spark of rage up her spine. Never had William touched her with any impropriety. If Zack knew the truth, then the whole damn town knew, too.

Ignoring her proper upbringing, she stamped her heel on his instep and lifted her knee to his groin. Oh, how she enjoyed the agony of his howling as he crouched on the ground, squirming and cussing. Hitching up her skirt, she ran, and kept on running, her heart threatening to split open. She came to the lake's edge, relieved to see Zack gave up his pursuit.

Collapsing in a heap, she cradled her knees to her chest. Hugging her arms around her legs, she rocked, but it didn't stop the infuriating tears from slipping down her cheeks. She wanted to scream how unfair life was for those who didn't fit in. She wanted to scream against a society that judged a woman by her family name.

Her mother had abandoned her to a foundling home at age four. Maybe she couldn't take care of a baby, or couldn't feed another mouth? But why brand the child because of her parent's mistakes? Zack accused her of a worst discretion, and painfully, Eliza had no idea if it was true. She'd escaped the clutches of her foster father, but with no recollection of that day.

Stop your whining. She detested self-pity.

Eliza watched the elegant geese float on the lake's surface. They cried out like babies wailing for their mothers. Their heartfelt sound carried across the lake, their wings skimming across the water creating a thunderous noise.

The rippled water beckoned. It would be a release to allow the water to take her, but she wouldn't let others bury her, not quite yet. At twelve years old, she'd been reborn, finding a fresh start with the Bennett's. At college, she's learned there were choices for a woman who had a brain. She realized the potential for a different life. Marriage and family was not the only avenues opened to women. Damn if she'd let the Mr. Benjamin's of the world ruin her life.

Drying her eyes with her sleeve, she looked up. The blinding sun glared across the figure of a towering man. He touched her hair, which sent frissons of disgust down her back. She gasped and scuttled back from the invasion. "Don't touch me!"

"Lizzie, it's William."

There was only one person who ever called her Lizzie, and usually out of exasperation.

She rubbed her eyes, trying to clear her vision. It couldn't be...

William Bennett withdrew his hands and knelt back on his haunches. He removed his hat and ran his fingers through a patch of unruly curls. Falling down over his ears and framing his face, the brown hair emphasized his stark blue eyes. Polished in his tailored coat and matching pointed vest, he wore a crisp white shirt and tie. Yet, for all his fancy get-up, an untamed side showed in his tanned face and hands, and his muscular forearms strained under his coat.

Yes, it was Will who knelt before her, but not like she'd remembered. But then again, it'd been seven years since he went away. She had given up on ever seeing him again.

Eliza's heartbeat struck a quick rhythm, and she folded her trembling hands in her billowing skirt. "It is you."

Yet, what'd happened to the gangly young man who had taught her to swim in the lake, climb trees, and use a slingshot? This William looked too sophisticated in his blinding white shirt. He left at age nineteen to make his fortune and prove his worth. He promised to return, but he never did. The monthly money wire and occasional letter must have soothed his guilt, she fumed.

"Why are you here?" she demanded.

William's hearty laugh irked her. So he thought to humor her. It was too late to make amends. He abandoned her like everyone she'd ever loved, except Jewel. William's sister would always be there for her.

"I don't see what's funny?" She frowned at his bemused smile.

"I've been gone for awhile, but this is a funny way to greet me." He brushed the grass from his trousers, than held out his hand. "It's best if you come home with me. Jewel's worried."

Refusing to take his hand, she stood without his help."I see you're still telling me what to do."