One of the things that still astounds me as I look back over the journey traveled during the writing of these books, is how much I’ve discovered about my country.

Despite the fact that a woman couldn’t get a loan without the signature of a husband or father, couldn’t vote, couldn’t buy or sell most things without a man overseeing the transaction, a few women did claw their way into the position of successful entrepreneur. “She-merchants” they were called. One of the heroines of City of God, Carolina, can be what she is because I found that out.

Long after it had been demonstrated that ether could safely put a person to sleep during surgery, doctors were still sawing off arms and legs of patients who were wide awake and screaming in agony. Because, they said, it went against God’s law to avoid pain.

And if the slave market on Wall Street shocked you (and me) in City of Dreams, wait till you find out about thousands packing into religious revival meetings on Broadway, while a few blocks away men in top hats refresh themselves at the Rotunda Bar, or wine and dine bejeweled ladies in the lush precincts of the incomparable Delmonico’s Restaurant.

Now City of God awaits its most important test: your verdict. I hope it gives you reading pleasure, and maybe a better understanding of where we’ve been – so we can figure out where we’re going on this exciting American adventure.

Meanwhile, I have agreed to write another book for Simon & Schuster about the offspring of Lucas Turner and Sally Devrey – their seven times great grandchildren if you can believe it. (I almost can’t!) That book is still a hazy dream in my mind. But as it comes into clearer focus I’ll share some of the process in my (admittedly very occasional) blog.

Thanks again to all of you who write to tell me you’ve enjoyed one of my books. I am truly honored and blessed to be permitted to tell you a story.

Beverly Swerling writes what the Los Angeles Times calls “near perfect historical fiction.” Sweeping, swashbuckling tales that reviewers swoon over, and readers award five stars on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. Listen to Francesca Rheannon interviewing Beverly about City Of God - download the audio MJP3 here