Ken Casper, Upstairs at Miss Hattie

Upstairs at Miss Hattie

Ken Casper

Harlequin Everlasting, Sep 2007, $5.25

ISBN: 9780373654178

Out of love for her spouse, Sarah Clyburn decides to divorce her architect husband Bram so he is not impacted by the scandal that is brewing over her. The wife of a political rival has proof that Sarah paid her college tuition as an escort.

Bram's grandparents, Evvie and Edgar know the pair deeply love each other and wants them to reconsider. Evvie tells Sarah that years ago she earned a living as one of those girls at Miss Hattie's house of ill repute. That was how she supported her dirt poor Oklahoma family during the depression. Feeling ashamed of what she did Evvie was going to throw away Edgar's love for his sake until he went overseas fighting for America during WW II. She prayed for him everyday to come back to her; as her past had nothing to do with the present or future except to affirm she was a strong person willing to sacrifice virtue for food for her family. Six plus decades later her loving marriage to Edgar is the legacy she leaves to Sarah and Bram to match and top.

UPSTAIRS AT MISS HATTIE is a well written tale that affirms there is still plenty of room for creative story lines. The relationships, past and present, are fully developed so that the audience knows the four prime players. Readers will especially appreciate Evvie who did what she had to do to insure her family had food on the table during the Depression and while her Edgar served overseas during WW II. Ken Casper provides a strong family drama starring fully developed likable characters, especially the women, willing to do whatever for the benefit of their loved ones.

Harriet Klausner