Tanglewood

In 1858, Kentucky's slave trade was in its darkest days. Cassius is a young virile black man who feels privileged to live at Tanglewood. His best friend is John LIvingston, an enlightened progressive man. He chose to set up his land as a haven and refuge for the enslaved to live until the emancipation would free them.

Their connection is a driving force, a black and white brotherhood that challenges prejudicial norms of the South. Livingston's actions stir up the hatred and animosity of fellow landowners. Cassius is his best friend and helper, and an expert horse trainer. He plans for a win in the county horse race. His victory reignites the vicious rivalry of the other landowners.

Then one terrible night, the hidden secrets of John's greedy wife led into an unspeakable tragedy. As his life shatters, Cassius plans vengeful murder. Now he must flee with his pregnant wife, son and father onto the Underground Railroad. He runs now to escape the hangman's rope and cruel bounty hunters. His wife gives birth in a cave on a cold wintry day, making their travels even more difficult.

A safe house on the trail hides another traveler. It is his ex-lover and mother of his son. Cassius is forced to see for whom he is willing to fight. Now his freedom is at stake, sharpened by his recognition that they are very much alike. He remembers her kiss but forgets she can betray.

Shirley Petro-Timura is a writer of fiction and poetry. She has served as a public school teacher for 25 years. Tanglewood is her first novel.