The Brief and True Report of Temperance Flowerdew

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Determined to set the historical record straight and clear her conscience, Temperance Flowerdew, wife of Virginia's first two governors, recounts the hardships that nearly doomed the Jamestown colony and the extraordinary sacrifice of her servant girl, Lily. When she boards the Falcon in 1609, Temperance is not just leaving England for America; she is stepping into a future filled with opportunity. Unaware of how she will make her mark, she is eager to embrace this new world, yet ill-equipped to survive its challenges, having only lived through the pages of adventure and philosophy books. Loyal Lily, a young woman fleeing accusations of witchcraft, stands by her side, offering friendship and acceptance of her psychic gifts. Together, they navigate pioneer life: Temperance attempts to influence the makeshift government while Lily experiences her first love. As winter approaches, Lily senses a looming darkness over the colony; negotiations with the Indians grow hostile, and food supplies dwindle. She must forage and be resourceful to keep them alive, knowing that famine could spell disaster. Ultimately, it falls to Lily to save them both, but the question remains—what sacrifice will be enough to ensure their survival?