For readers of historical fiction, fans of local history, book clubs, and anyone who loves a great story.

Janis Daly, author of The Unlocked Path, a historical novel set in 1897 Philadelphia, will visit the library. The Unlocked Path book is about a “New Woman” of the 20th century: educated, career-minded, independent Eliza Pearson Edwards. At a time when five percent of doctors are female, she enters a woman’s medical college. With the support of a circle of women and driven by a determination to conquer curriculum demands, battle sexism, and overcome doubts, Eliza charts her new life path. Combining science and sympathy, she triumphs to heal others and herself.

Daly, who spent her career in sales and marketing, was inspired to write this novel based on discoveries she made during a genealogy search.  Her great-great-grandfather, William S. Peirce, Esquire played an active role in founding the Woman’s Medical College in Philadelphia. Inspired by her finding, she continued research and felt that the early graduates of the Woman’s Medical College had remained in the shadows too long.  Their stories needed to be told.

"Daly presents a well-researched story that weaves the fictional details of Eliza’s life with major, real-life historical events. Her careful crafting of each character, and her detailed, old-fashioned setting of each scene, encourages readers to root themselves in the moment, and as a result, they’ll feel emotionally invested in the protagonist’s every sadness and joy. Daly also develops Eliza’s family ties and shows her passion for social change through her career choices and her opinions, which have a strong feminist element. It results in a work that effectively showcases the power of love, friendship, and faith—both in one’s calling and in oneself—to create change in the world. An often-riveting fictional testament of a doctor’s life at the turn of the 20th century." –Kirkus Reviews

Copies of the book will be available to purchase and have signed. Please register below. Walk-ins welcome.