Nancy Horan Books

Standing on the sidelines of life, Mamah Borthwick Cheney yearns to immerse herself in its currents. In her diary, she reflects on her clandestine love affair with Frank Lloyd Wright, which began after she and her husband commissioned him to design their home in 1903. As the house was built, a powerful attraction blossomed between Mamah and Frank, leading them, both married with children, into a relationship that would scandalize Chicago society and alter their lives forever. This debut novel intricately blends fact with fiction, giving Mamah the prominence often overlooked in historical accounts of America’s greatest architect. Author Nancy Horan draws on extensive research to craft a compelling narrative that highlights Mamah’s profound influence on Wright while exploring her internal conflicts. Caught between her roles as mother, wife, lover, and intellectual, Mamah embarks on a journey to discover her creative calling. Her story is marked by transformative choices that redefine her understanding of love and responsibility, culminating in a stunning conclusion. Elegantly written and rich in detail, this novel serves as a tribute to a courageous woman and her timeless love story.

Nancy Horan, author of the bestselling Loving Frank, presents an insightful narrative that chronicles Abraham Lincoln's journey from a humble lawyer to U.S. President and Great Emancipator, while framing Lincoln's Midwestern home as a vital backdrop to the Civil War. Rich in historical detail, the story unfolds through the eyes of a young immigrant, Ana Ferreira, who arrives in Springfield, Illinois, from Madeira, Portugal. At just fourteen, Ana is hired to assist Mary Lincoln with her children and social duties, providing her a unique perspective on Lincoln's evolving views on equality and the Union. Ana witnesses the complexities of Mary Lincoln's character and the emotional struggles she endures as the wife of a prominent political figure. Alongside her close friend from the Black community, Ana confronts the racial prejudices faced daily, observing the workings of the Underground Railroad and the stark contradictions between slavery and the promise of freedom in her new country. The narrative culminates with a depiction of the lesser-known Springfield race riot of 1908, guiding readers through the significant historical changes that have shaped America and continue to resonate today.