The 1918 influenza pandemic robbed Constance Warkentine of both her parents. The stringent terms in her father's will robbed her of everything else. Unless she can find a husband and produce a son, the family property founded by her grandparents and lovingly tended for generations will pass to the Mennonite church, and she will be sent to live in a religious order. She has only a few months until her thirtieth birthday, when her life will change forever.So, when the traveling caddis man shows up with his sales case of samples-extracts and spices that fill her kitchen with their heady scent-and his own powerful presence, it seems evident to Constance that God has, indeed, answered her prayer. And if it's not exactly a match made in heaven, at least she will be allowed to keep the Kansas farm she loves so dearly. Or will she? There may be other forces at work, those in power who don't wish to see her succeed.Constance marries her caddis man, a decision that will shape the destiny of her family for generations to come. Her middle child is born with the good looks and fierce determination of her father, and at a fairly young age Evy finds herself in a position where the very existence of the family hinges upon her being able to safeguard the caddis man's most devastating secret.Readers are loving this sweeping family saga that spans fifty years and half a world, from the wide Kansas farmlands to the missionary settlements in the Congo, through the effects of two world wars and the Great Depression. The Caddis Man will appeal to fans of Elizabeth Gilbert's Signature of All Things.This is historical fiction at its finest, and a great choice for book groups. Includes Book Club Discussion QuestionsPraise for Susan Slater's novels:"… witty and absorbing" –Publishers Weekly"… definitely enjoyed the author's smooth writing style, plus the protagonist's positive attitude and sense of humor. I can see why Hollywood came calling. I will certainly read more of Susan Slater's work." – JPE, 5 stars, on 0 to 60"If you like surprising twists and turns this book certainly will offer you some. Right from the very first sentence on you are supplied with one jaw-dropping-moment after another. Keeps you reading!" – 5 stars, online review Kansas native Susan Slater lived in New Mexico for thirty-nine years and uses this enchanting Southwest setting for most of her mystery novels. Her Ben Pecos series reflects her extensive knowledge of the area and Native American tribal ways. As an educator, she directed the Six Sandoval Teacher Education Program for the All Indian Pueblo Council through the University of New Mexico. She taught creative writing for UNM and the University of Phoenix.The first in this highly acclaimed series, The Pumpkin Seed Massacre, reached Germany's bestseller list shortly after its initial publication as a German translation. Original print versions of the first three titles were outstandingly reviewed in nationwide major media.In July, 2009, Susan made her first foray into women's fiction with 0 to 60, a zany, all too true-to-life story of a woman dumped, and the book was immediately optioned by Hollywood.Late 2017 and 2018 brings a new era to Susan's storytelling. Secret Staircase Books is releasing newly edited versions of her entire Ben Pecos series in paperback, and brings the series to a whole new set of readers for the first time in all e-book formats.Now residing in Florida with her menagerie of dogs and canaries, Susan writes full time and stays busy in community theatre and other volunteer projects. Contact her by email: susan@susansslater.com
