Secrets to the Wind: A Novel

“A very interesting story with many historical events, and I highly recommend it! I give it more than 5 stars!!!”

– B. Erickson, Goodreads

One secret can shatter a family, ignite a war, or awaken a love that defies history.

1863: Spirited Annie Osborn longs for a life of purpose beyond the confining shores of Martha’s Vineyard. When a wartime attack on her father’s whaling ship cancels the coming-out she hoped would secure a suitor and an escape, she’s sent to upstate New York. There, she meets an older man whose fierce antislavery convictions fire her soul—but whose frontier life in Kansas has bred rumors that cast shadows on his reputation.

Mayor Daniel Read Anthony of Leavenworth would rather be remembered as a guerrilla abolitionist and Union colonel than for the fatal confrontation that branded him a killer—even though he fired in self-defense. When he meets the keen-witted Annie Osborn, he knows he must tell her the truth if he hopes to court her. But circumstances—and Annie’s suspicious stepmother—interfere at every turn, and he fears he’s lost his chance.

When a Southern sympathizer targets Annie and her father uncovers Daniel’s darkest secret, her dreams of a life together in Leavenworth threaten to scatter on the wind. Can Daniel clear his name and outmaneuver Annie’s vengeful accuser, or will one fatal misstep cost him his family’s honor—and the woman he’s come to love?

* * *

Secrets to the Wind is the first book in the acclaimed Dauntless series. Inspired by true events from suffragist Susan B. Anthony’s family, it’s perfect for book clubs and readers of 19th-century women’s fiction, Martha’s Vineyard historical fiction, and unforgettable Wild West romance.

Basing her novel on hundreds of newspaper articles, scrapbooks, and archives, the author fashions the fragments of Annie and Daniel’s legacy into an account that seems larger than life—except that it’s mostly true. Sure to please fans of Stephanie Dray, Marie Benedict, and Glen Craney.

Get your copy and start your journey today!

“The best historical fiction is not just a plausible reconstruction, but an entry into the lives of people in times long passed. Jeanne Gehret demonstrates the ability to do just this in Secrets to the Wind . . . . The combination of detail, historical realism, and a well-crafted, plausible historical relationship makes this a compelling and worthwhile read.”
Brandon Fess, Librarian, Rochester Public Library, Local History & Genealogy

Awards

2025 American Legacy Book Awards
Family Saga Category Finalist

2025 Chanticleer Laramie Book Awards
Semifinalist

Praise

“Great story-telling . . . recommended reading for high school and adults.” William MacKenzie, Student Teacher Advisor and former Principal

“Romance shot through with an astonishing depth and breadth of historical research.” Bill Brockmeier, author of The Stone Cutter

“Real-life historical people walk out on the page in this dramatic account of Daniel Anthony, brother of Susan B. Anthony, but full of significance in his own right.” Kyle Hunter, author of Prodigals in Provence

“[Gehret’s] ability to show the normalcy of life on the Union home front, to show the ways in which everyday life continued in the midst of national tumult, is noteworthy and impressive.” Brandon Fess, Librarian, Rochester Public Library, Local History & Genealogy

“This book left me wanting to learn more about the people and politics of the abolition movement.” Kit Karson, author of Justice Rendered, a Sheriff Elliott Mystery

“The author… offers an intriguing perception of the challenges faced by the Anthony and Osborn families, as well as emigrants who started fresh in newly-opened U.S. territories.” Mary Ann Sachse Brown, Celebrating Women of Leavenworth County, Kansas

“Fans of historical fiction will relish learning about lesser-known events and people of the past.” Janis Robinson Daly, Author of The Path Beneath Her Feet

“This love story made the Civil War period personal. If you like story lines that feature a strong and daring female lead, then this book is for you!” Beth Ward

“Impeccable historical accuracy, high moral stakes, and unforgettable emotional resonance. An evocative, deeply human tale that feels timeless and profoundly relevant.” Katie Meyers

“An amazing historical fiction book. The writing and wonderful details woven with romance painted a vivid picture of the Civil War era. I highly recommend this book; a very enjoyable read.” Patti Whitaker

“Susan B. Anthony historian Jeanne Gehret weaves a captivating romance set in the Civil War era.” Nancy Massand

“If Civil War historical romance is among your favorites, or if you’d like to learn more about the times of Susan B. Anthony, this book is a fresh look at the adventures of that time.” Kathy Brasby

“Totally enjoyed this wholesome historical tale and look forward to the sequel!” TaniaRina Valdespino

“An excellent, well-researched work of historical fiction with engaging characters in the time period of the American Civil War. I’m truly looking forward to Jeanne Gehret’s next book in the series!” Susan Domina

“Based on real people … well-researched historical fiction that evokes a visceral response.”

Excerpt

“Oh, my! What a dance.”

Annie tried not to pant. “I thought I was just going to fly away during that polka. No one’s ever lifted me off my feet before!”

Daniel barely acknowledged her comment. “Annie, I…” He cleared his throat. “Oh, blast. Flowery words aren’t my strong suit. Do you mind if I just tell you in plain language what I’ve been thinking?”

Her bred-to-the-bone politeness won the day. “Go ahead.”

“I find you very, very attractive, Annie, and would like to court you. So before I speak to your aunt or your father, I’d like to know if you welcome my attentions.”

“Oh!” Still recovering from the dance, she was struck speechless by this sudden announcement. And there was that unanswered question: Had Daniel really killed someone? She would ask him the question, even if it was impolite. She would.

At the same time he was saying, “Before we go much further, there’s something that I want to…”

“Annie, there you are!” Eliza approached and stood before them until Daniel rose and bowed. “Good evening, Colonel. I’m afraid I need Annie to bring my smelling salts that are in her reticule. One of the ladies looks faint.”

Annie gawked at Eliza. Why couldn’t she just take the salts? “I’ll be there in a moment.”

“Please, Annie. Come now.” Eliza pulled Annie out of her seat. To Daniel, the stepmother said, “Please excuse us, Colonel. This may take some time.”

Eliza kept her hand on Annie’s arm, propelling her toward the door. “I told you yesterday: it’s better if you don’t spend much time having tete-a-tetes with Colonel Anthony. We don’t know what he’s really about, do we?”

That question! It was like gossip with only a shred of truth. Planting her feet, Annie said, “If you had let us talk a little longer, maybe by now we would know what he’s about. But how can I learn about his past if you won’t let us talk?”

Powerful Themes in this Gripping Historical Novel:

• Enemies to lovers
• Age-gap romance
• Strong female protagonists in historical settings
• Underground Railroad
• Civil War fiction
• Biographical fiction
• Gritty, principled protagonists fighting for justice
• Abolitionist love story
• Susan B. Anthony family fiction
• The forbidden love of Susan B. Anthony’s brother

Semifinalist for the Chanticleer Laramie Award for Western fiction, highlighting its setting in the Wild West.

Finalist for The American Legacy Book Award in the Family Saga category. Born of This Fire continues the saga with drama, humor, and fire.

A marriage forged on the frontier. A partnership tested by fire. Inspired by true events.

When outspoken abolitionist Daniel Read Anthony meets young heiress Annie Osborn, their shared antislavery ideals bring them together—but his reputation as a firebrand and her sheltered seaside upbringing ignite a clash between respectability and risk. From Martha’s Vineyard to the Kansas frontier, their worlds collide amid an ongoing tempest of conflicting ideologies and border-town tensions. As secrets from Daniel’s volatile past threaten everything they’ve built, will love be enough to save their future—and each other?

The Dauntless Series is a romantic historical women’s fiction trilogy about true events from the family of suffragist Susan B. Anthony, meticulously researched from archives and period newspapers. From Bleeding Kansas through the Civil War and into the long struggle for equal rights, follow Annie and Daniel as they fight for the soul of their country and the love that brought them together.

Perfect for readers who crave character-driven history on the American frontier—gritty, intimate, and redemptive.

Jeanne Gehret writes women’s historical fiction that explores the emotional and spiritual journeys behind public lives, especially those of Annie and Daniel Read Anthony. Informed by her masters in theology and certification in spiritual care, Gehret uses her passion for untold stories to bring the Anthony family to life through writing, blogging, and historical presentations. Her Dauntless Series draws from years of archival research and a deep interest in how women endure—and transform—through hardship.

Early in her career, she authored the first children’s book about dyslexia, an international bestseller with over 60,000 copies sold.

Reach out to her at Jeanne@JeanneGehretAuthor.com.