The Depth of Beauty: A Sinner's Grove Novel

In 1903, San Francisco's Chinatown is teeming with vice just blocks away from the city's aristocrats, but wealthy Will Firestone sees the district as a potential market for his shipping enterprise. Dazzled by an exotic young widow from Canton, he is drawn into the immigrant enclave, a decision that will rock his foundation, change his attitude, and lead him down a treacherous path.

Country girl Mandy Culpepper is only fifteen when she's orphaned and brought under the protection of the Firestone name. Grateful for her privileged status, she's determined to give back by helping Chinese immigrant girls in jeopardy, even if it means facing dangers that put her at odds with both her guardian and those in power.

Following their own divergent paths, Mandy and Will are caught up in the rising tension between city power brokers and the reviled foreigners. But an intruder no one bargained for will bring them together in a fight against a horrifying disease - a scourge that cares nothing for race or social standing or the love one person feels for another.

Who will survive? Who will not? The Depth of Beauty is a gripping tale of social unrest, forbidden lust and simmering love. It's rich in historical detail about San Francisco and its iconic Chinatown at the turn of the twentieth century.

A 2017 RITA Award finalist, The Depth of Beauty is the latest full-length addition to "Sinner's Grove," a multi-generational saga that chronicles the family, friends and colleagues of a world-famous artists' retreat in northern California. The series follows both historical and contemporary tracks, and while each novel stands alone, together they tell an unforgettable tale. Other titles in the series include the award-winning The Art of Love, Sinner's Grove and The Lair.

Recognition for The Depth of Beauty:

2017 RITA Finalist - "Mainstream Fiction with a Central Romance"
Shelf Unbound 2016 "Notable Indie"
Bookstores without Borders Lyra Award for Historical Fiction
Chanticleer Book Reviews Goethe Award - First in Category: North American Turn of the Century