WASHINGTON'S WOODS SERIES
“We may be free from slavery, but we still fight the slavery within our own hearts and minds.”
Click the title to purchase Book 1: Jasmine in Bloom
Washington’s Woods, a tobacco plantation, borders the Ohio River while shrouded in abolitionist controversy. When Simon, a handsome, British speaking Mulato arrives, Master Proctor’s daughter, Constance, and her maidservant, Jasmine, are caught between loyalties. Forbidden romance crosses racial lines, leaving a family secret hidden in the symbols of a star sampler. Generations later, the truth emerges as best friends, Nicole and Kate realize they are related through a newly discovered biracial bloodline and rights to an 18th century farmstead. This painful reality tears at the heart of their lifelong friendship. Nicole pursues a romantic interest with Johnny Beck, but his father, KKK leader Judge Beck learns of her biracial ties and forbids it. They elope and tragedy strikes. In his grief, Judge Beck inflicts much hardship on Nicole’s family. Nicole struggles to forgive him as she renews her faith in God. The journey to find hope for a promising tomorrow is secured when Washington’s Woods is once again restored as a shared inheritance. In the end, a new understanding of family comes to light.
Click the title to purchase Book 1: Jasmine in Bloom
Washington’s Woods, a tobacco plantation, borders the Ohio River while shrouded in abolitionist controversy. When Simon, a handsome, British speaking Mulato arrives, Master Proctor’s daughter, Constance, and her maidservant, Jasmine, are caught between loyalties. Forbidden romance crosses racial lines, leaving a family secret hidden in the symbols of a star sampler. Generations later, the truth emerges as best friends, Nicole and Kate realize they are related through a newly discovered biracial bloodline and rights to an 18th century farmstead. This painful reality tears at the heart of their lifelong friendship. Nicole pursues a romantic interest with Johnny Beck, but his father, KKK leader Judge Beck learns of her biracial ties and forbids it. They elope and tragedy strikes. In his grief, Judge Beck inflicts much hardship on Nicole’s family. Nicole struggles to forgive him as she renews her faith in God. The journey to find hope for a promising tomorrow is secured when Washington’s Woods is once again restored as a shared inheritance. In the end, a new understanding of family comes to light.
Click the title to purchase Book 2: Elizabeth's Cross
An 18th century tobacco farmstead in the rural Virginia Colony, finds Elizabeth Proctor of age and ready for courtship. Her abolitionists family encourages her to dress well and attract suitors, but Elizabeth would rather ride horses, wear britches, and hunt game. After saving a runaway slave, she is arrested. Deputy Lum Harris is assigned to inspect the farmstead weekly for any suspicious activity during her year-long restriction period. Master Charles Davis begins courting Elizabeth, but her feelings grow for Deputy Harris, who suddenly departs, leaving no explanation. She is only left with a necklace bearing a handcrafted cross; a gift from him. Meanwhile, Master Davis remains steadfast in his pursuit of love. Does Elizabeth embrace his affections, and live a life of comfort, or does she risk everything to find Deputy Harris, who may not feel the same? In a future generation, Nicole Durham is raising her five-year-old, biracial twins. Local Ku Klux Klan leader, Judge Beck is released from prison after serving only five years for attempting to murder Nicole and her family. Nicole’s daughter develops a brain tumor, leaving Nicole to juggle hospital visits, college exams, and family dynamics. Judge Beck threatens to rob her of inheritance rights to an 18th century farmstead and her children. Fresh out of law school, Justice Langley falls in love with Nicole, but can a twist of fate stand between them? Amidst the turmoil, they discover a handmade cross. Can it unlock past secrets to save the farmstead and her family?
An 18th century tobacco farmstead in the rural Virginia Colony, finds Elizabeth Proctor of age and ready for courtship. Her abolitionists family encourages her to dress well and attract suitors, but Elizabeth would rather ride horses, wear britches, and hunt game. After saving a runaway slave, she is arrested. Deputy Lum Harris is assigned to inspect the farmstead weekly for any suspicious activity during her year-long restriction period. Master Charles Davis begins courting Elizabeth, but her feelings grow for Deputy Harris, who suddenly departs, leaving no explanation. She is only left with a necklace bearing a handcrafted cross; a gift from him. Meanwhile, Master Davis remains steadfast in his pursuit of love. Does Elizabeth embrace his affections, and live a life of comfort, or does she risk everything to find Deputy Harris, who may not feel the same? In a future generation, Nicole Durham is raising her five-year-old, biracial twins. Local Ku Klux Klan leader, Judge Beck is released from prison after serving only five years for attempting to murder Nicole and her family. Nicole’s daughter develops a brain tumor, leaving Nicole to juggle hospital visits, college exams, and family dynamics. Judge Beck threatens to rob her of inheritance rights to an 18th century farmstead and her children. Fresh out of law school, Justice Langley falls in love with Nicole, but can a twist of fate stand between them? Amidst the turmoil, they discover a handmade cross. Can it unlock past secrets to save the farmstead and her family?
"Where Two Rivers Meet" - First Edition Version of Washington's Woods
A forbidden historical romance leaves secrets for a future generation to discover. In a contemporary time, Nicole Durham discovers her true heritage from the symbols on a star sampler given to her by her grandmother. Conflict arises surrounding her rights to an 18th-century farmstead located in Ravenswood, West Virginia. Her budding romance with Johnny Beck complicates things further when his father, Judge Beck, leader of the KKK, learns about his son's involvement with Nicole, who happens to be a biracial teenager. This prompts Johnny to elope with Nicole, and she becomes pregnant. In the meantime, the sins of past generations catch up to Nicole when she learns of her true identity. Tragedy strikes, her house is burned down, and Judge Beck attempts to purchase the farmstead out from under her. Nicole must do whatever it takes to secure her inheritance rights and legacy for her family.
Contact the author to order this First Edition signed copy for $20.00 today; limited quantity available. This price includes fees, tax, and shipping. Just send me an email at londahayden@gmail.com to obtain a signed copy. Thank you.
“Londa Hayden takes us from 1767 to present day with seamless skill and delight. There are times when a writer discovers personal genealogy, which touches the grander scale of history. Londa took such a risk to weave this family tale during uncertain times. A must read for those who love historical and contemporary romances. This book has it all.”
-Dr. Trisha Petty, ThD
"Jasmine in Bloom" and "Elizabeth's Cross" released simultaneously fall of 2023.