About A New York Lady In Helldorado by VC Williams:
A Wild West killer changes a Victorian lady’s life. Sarah Herring, a historical, forgotten woman, made history over a hundred years ago as the first female to argue before the US Supreme Court unassisted by a man. She won. But she didn’t get there overnight. It took tenacity and guts. This is the story of a brilliant woman who fearlessly broke down barriers and showed the world what a woman could do, forever changing history.
It’s 1881 and Sarah Herring is a 20-year-old primary school teacher. Having left New York after her younger brother Howard graduated from high school, they are on the last leg of their long journey, traveling by stagecoach to Tombstone. They are joining their family who moved in 1879 after her father inherited silver mines. Sarah is dismayed by the rustic environment and worries about her future. Her mother expects her to marry, but Sarah wants more. Hearing about a gunfight the day before, Sarah discovers her father, an attorney, is defending a gunman, Wyatt Earp, charged with murder. She is soon taking notes for her father at the inquest where she is drawn to Thomas Sorin, the attractive co-owner of the Tombstone Epitaph. After demonstrating her natural legal acuity, her father assigns Sarah to work with Wyatt Earp on his defense testimony. Conversations with the notorious gunman and courtroom drama open her eyes to new possibilities. Wyatt reveals his private thoughts and she discovers what she wants: to be a lawyer. They become friends.
Split by volatile Civil War loyalties, Tombstone’s judicial system and the rule of law are under constant threat. Sarah thrives in this dangerous environment while helping the hated Earps and facing threats from cowboy outlaws and Wyatt’s mistress, Josie Marcus. Studying her father’s law books every spare moment, Sarah learns women are barred from most law schools and licensing is rare. She seeks her father’s mentorship and he hints he may help her after the hearing.
During this time, Sarah and Thomas fall in love. Sarah agonizes that marriage and a law career don’t mix. But Thomas’s mining aspirations and departure provide a bitter compromise: postpone marriage indefinitely.
With the exoneration of the Earps, Sarah is saddened by the murderous attacks against Wyatt’s brothers and his resulting ‘vendetta’ ride. She is plunged into further despair when her father vilifies what he sees as her fanciful legal aspirations. Downcast, she returns to teaching as her young brother joins the firm. Sarah continues her independent law studies, seeking occasional respite with friends and riding her horse through the wild landscape. Thomas’s letters and visits are encouraging but infrequent. As time slips by, Sarah doubts she will succeed. Yet, when tragedy strikes, Sarah demonstrates that a lady of honor and charm can show the men they might have it wrong.
Buy the book, and follow the author on social media:
Learn more about the writer. Visit the Author’s Website.
Visit the Twitter page.
