In the small town of Bellwether, where prejudice and judgment prevail, the harrowing journey of Ada and Elinor Williams unfolds—a tale of survival, defiance, and the unyielding human spirit.
Chad V Broughman was the recipient of the Rusty Scythe Prize Book Award and the Adobe Cottage Writers Retreat honor in New Mexico. As well, Chad was awarded two chapbook contracts for his short story collections––“the forsaken” and “slighted”––both published by Etchings Press. His fiction can be found in journals nationwide, such as Carrier Pigeon, East Coast Literary Review, River Poets Journal, Burningword, Pulp Fiction, Sky Island Journal, and From Whispers to Roars, and he is anthologized in Write Michigan Short Story Anthology, On Loss, and Scribes Valley Anthology. He is a Best of the Net and Pushcart Prize nominee, holds an MFA from Spalding University and served as co-editor for the fiction/poetry blog “Cafe Aphra” based out of the United Kingdom. Chad teaches English and Creative Writing at the secondary and post-secondary levels but is most proud of his roles as a husband and devoted father to two rambunctious young sons.
Book description:
“The Fall of Bellwether” transports readers to 1841, immersing them in a world of duplicity and struggle. As the mother-daughter duo fight against abandonment and starvation, their resilience challenges the very fabric of the town’s beliefs. With its vividly depicted setting, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, this historical fiction masterpiece weaves a mesmerizing tale of love, forgiveness, and the power of unity. Step into the pages and discover the strength that can be found even in the darkest of times.
The novel opens with a riviting scene, the moment of Elinor’s impending execution. The narrative paints a stark picture of the town’s hypocrisy—as the same people who once attended church with Ada, now act as judge, jury, and executioners.
With masterful strokes, the author breathes life into the town of Bellwether, capturing the intricate web of relationships where superficial appearances and fervent religious beliefs dictate people’s actions. Authentic dialogue serves as a siren’s call, drawing readers into this exquisitely sculpted tale that exalts love, forgiveness, and communal bonds. Through the author’s deft exploration of redemption and the imperative of embracing one’s past while steadfastly reaching for a brighter tomorrow, this literary gem stands as a testament to the indomitable resilience of the human spirit—a reverberating reminder that through unity and boundless compassion, even the most foreboding shadows can be vanquished.
