This is the first book I wrote.
It was inspired by a copy of a 1970s article written by Mary Tinkley in a newsletter circulated to the Halfmoon Bay community, where I now live. The article introduced Clara Lyell, our area’s first white woman settler, who became the postmistress here in 1893. I was intrigued by her story, but even more by the additional information that she was ‘assumed’ to have been involved in an as-yet-unsolved murder of a logger in the community in 1922. My story traces Clara’s arrival and life on the coast as she faces its challenges and discovers its joys. I did a great deal of local research in the process of developing the story. While some is, of necessity, speculation and imagination, the majority is based on fact. It remains my bestseller!
My books are available directly from me at my studio (contact me via email at rodgers.ruth@gmail.com), on Amazon (ebook and audiobook available as well as print-on-demand), and at local bookstores here on the Sunshine Coast, BC: Talewind in Sechelt and EarthFair in Madeira Park.
“The quickest I have ever read a book. The historical aspect kept me engaged and I couldn’t wait to get to reading it again each night.” SM
“A great read! Perfect amount of adventure, romance, play, and heartbreak…I want more!” ES
“I can’t put it down! My bookclub meets this week where I will put your books forward for our reading list this year.” KM
“I too must confess my lack of knowledge, understanding and even sensitivity to the treatment of Indigenous Peoples by the early white settlers of this country. Unfortunately, as we are all now becoming increasingly aware, what happened on the west coast was common across the country. Your story has inspired me to better understand this sad part of our history and to be more open to recognizing and appreciating the role and importance of indigenous peoples in the future of our country. Thank you for writing and sharing your story.” GW