The Engine Woman's Light - by Laurel Anne Hill (Paperback)

About the Book

"Ghosts command Juanita to protect thrown-away people from a murderer. Yet to save innocents, Juanita must take lives of the corrupt, despite her belief in the sacredness of human life. And she might not survive to marry her betrothed. Come visit Juanita's California-where spirits meet steampunk, where love and anger emanate from beyond the grave."--Publisher's description.

Book Synopsis

A mystical vision of an airship appears to fifteen-year-old Juanita. The ethereal captain commands her to prevent California's thrown-away people--including young children--from boarding trains to an asylum. That institution's director plots murder to reduce the inmate population. Yet to save innocent lives Juanita must take lives of the corrupt. How can she reconcile her assignment with her belief in the sacredness of all human life? And will she survive to marry her betrothed?

Juanita sets out despite inner trepidation to sabotage the railroad. Her ancestor Billy guides her. Then bit by bit, she discovers the gut-wrenching truths all of her ancestors neglected to reveal.

Come visit Juanita's world--an alternate nineteenth-century California--where spirits meet steampunk, where both love and anger emanate from beyond the grave.

Review Quotes

Steampunk as it should be, with mysticism and adventure, an alternate history that warns about what could happen and a coming of age story that should appeal to teens and adults alike. - Irene Radford Author of the Merlin's Descendants Series Veteran author, Laurel Anne Hill, adeptly empowers her heroine, Juanita, to go the hell and back in a compelling coming of age story. She'll surprise the reader with uncharted territory delving into the shamanic mysticism of Native American and Mexican cultures. Get ready to barrel down the tracks in this alternate history, "habanero" steampunk adventure. - Elizabeth Crowens, author of Silent Meridian, Finalist for the Chanticleer Review's Cygnus and Goethe Awards