Thorns of a Tainted Rose, 1881

Book excerpt: Ms. Barbara Juliet Adams (a for-hire writer from New York City whod recently broke off a one-sided engagement with a self-centered fool who saw equal rights for women but a detriment to the weaker sex) now ventures her prideful way deep down into a still-bitter South on an elegant riverboat, the Southern Rose, hoping for inspiration for her latest historical account, Again We Are One (the rebuilding of the defeated South), and runs a smitten foul of Mr. Sterling Able, a most dangerous riverboat gambler (veteran of the Southern Stars and Bars), and noted bottom dealer is quite taken too by this brash, quick-talking, high-stepping, beautiful Yank (which fast spreading Southern gossip lends is sure to come to unwise folly) as the courting two near the Magic city, New Orleans, for there are boyhood enemies in steadfast plot of Mr. Sterling Ables Yanks smitten demise. So venture down with Ms. Barbara into the land of cotton for old times there were or are not forgotten, depending how one sees Southern and Northern right from wrong. So yall coming? People are gonna talk sure, but do mind your purse and the voodoo that threatens your soul.