The Diary of Essie Lassiter
Historical Fiction - Book 1 of The Essie Lassiter Trilogy​
​
In the runup to the Revolutionary War, a young English midwife is unsuspectingly thrown into the London Debtor’s Prison. With no prospect of retiring her debt, she becomes indentured to Aquila Wright, a wealthy mill owner in the British colony of Maryland. After saving Aquila's life and earning his admiration and trust, Essie faces her biggest challenge when she is asked to start the colony's first hospital.
The Diary of Essie Lassiter is a startling, first-person account of one woman’s improbable journey from prison to prominence.
​
​
​
​
​
Praise for The Diary of Essie Lassiter
The Diary of Essie Lassiter was an authentic read, with a strong female narrator blazing a fiery path in a harsh new world. Her voice was as captivating as her journey, and the world created around her was vibrant with the sights, sounds and smells of colonial life. - Reedsy Discovery
“The perfect blend of action, conflict, and emotional depth.”
“A memorable tale that resonates long after the last page is turned.”
“Polakoff skillfully intertwines Essie's personal struggles with the broader historical events of the era, creating a vivid tapestry that kept me riveted.”
“Historical fiction at its best.”
“…it was easy to get swept up in the trials and tribulations of a strong, intelligent woman.”
“Another page turner from Sam Polakoff.”
“Characters felt so real, I was truly invested in their fates.”