Water and Fire

Set in the period from 1906-1908, Water and Fire follows a young Negro woman, Sheba Tully, from the Lincoln Colored Home into the racially charged city of Springfield. After landing a coveted position as a maid for Susan Lawrence Dana, one of the wealthiest and most notorious women in town, she meets Elliott Loper, an attractive white reporter for the Springfield Record. Elliott's goal: to become a respected journalist at any cost. As Sheba and Elliott pursue their dreams, the pair encounters obstacles and romance -- with explosive consequences.

Culminating with the city's 1908 race riot, this historical novel vividly recreates life in Springfield at the turn of the century, populated with people of the time including poet Vachel Lindsay, Illinois Governor Charles Deneen, Eva Carroll Monroe, and Frank Lloyd Wright. The fates of Sheba and Elliott explore the enduring themes of racial equality, personal freedom, and spiritual searching.