The Emboldening of Kassia West

Kassia learns that her life is not her own, but the narrow path provided by her parents and a rigid, male-dominated society is one she cannot follow. Not at all the typical Victorian girl, Kassia has a simple dream, to become a writer and live by the sea with her colorful cousin Cade,a character beyond all others whom she loves dearly. Their relationship, though, is strictly forbidden, creating inhibitions in Kassia’s mind; she cannot give herself over to him completely. Disillusioned, Cade begins to spend a great deal of time at the home of Deborah Woodson, a most curious choice, and Kassia focuses her desires on an older, intriguing man, Heath Preston.They appear to be moving in different directions until Kassia’s father makes a stunning decision that challenges everyone’s character and compels them to assess what they can live with and live without.