Join Janis Robinson Daly, a Norfolk resident for 22 years, for a presentation detailing how her genealogy research inspired her idea for The Unlocked Path.

Janis's discovery that her great-great grandfather was a founder of the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania inspired her next career direction: unearthing the stories of women whose lives have remained in the shadows. Janis's debut novel, the Unlocked Path, balances authenticity and rich historical detail with deep emotional connections to create engaging fictional characters. 

#1 New Release in US Historical Fiction on Kindle, 08.30.22

Synopsis

Meet a “New Woman” of the 20th century: educated, career-minded, independent Eliza Pearson Edwards. In 1897 Philadelphia, after witnessing her aunt's suicide, Eliza rejects her mother’s wishes for a society debut, and 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.

Organic Chemistry may slay her, if the strain of endless study, odoriferous labs, and gruesome surgeries don’t claim her first. As a young intern, she summons a forthright confidence asserting her abilities to those mistrustful of a woman doctor. Through her work with poverty-stricken patients, she defines her version of suffrage work to champion women’s rights for and beyond the right to vote. Love is found, love is lost. During a visit to the fairy-tale-like city of Newport, a new relationship may fulfill her desires. When global events devolve into chaos with the 1918 influenza pandemic and a world war, Eliza renews her vow to help and heal.