Protected

In the winter of 1804, fourteen-year-old Eliza Huger seeks solace in the woods, where she encounters a mysterious woman whose kind eyes offer comfort amidst her family's grief. Four years later, the pressures of her family's expectations and an unwanted engagement weigh heavily on her spirit, fueling her yearning for freedom. When her beloved Babitha returns with urgent news, Eliza sees a glimmer of escape. Guided by Babitha and joined by Thomas-a young man with ties to Babitha's past-Eliza's journey from Charleston to New Orleans becomes a test of courage and self-discovery.
As they face dangers in the vast, untamed landscape, Eliza grapples with her identity, the bonds of family, and the allure of independence. Secrets and shadows from her past pursue her, while Babitha's wisdom and Thomas's unyielding strength ignite resilience in Eliza she never knew she had. But freedom demands sacrifice, and as the stakes rise, Eliza must confront the haunting pull of her family's legacy and the price of carving her own path.
In a tale of resilience and empowerment, Eliza Huger learns that true freedom requires courage-and that the journey to find herself may lead her down paths she never expected.