Contemporary fiction is a great tool for learning history and examining social issues. What would you risk to protect someone? This is the question Elizabeth Robinson asks herself in “Who Brought the Dog to Church?”
Elizabeth Robinson serves as fictional Prosper’s first female mayor. She has golden-brown skin and drives a Mercedes purchased from her personal fortune. She loves luxury but doesn’t come from a privileged background. She has earned her way up with long hours and lots of financial savvy.
She serves her small town in quiet ways to bring healthy change. One of her behind-the-scenes charities is a shelter for women fleeing domestic violence. Like her ancestors, Elizabeth orchestrates daring escapes and transports others in danger to safety through a modern underground railroad.
The mayor believes that God has given her special abilities to carry out His work providing sanctuary in Prosper for those needing protection. She endeavors to conduct all her business with integrity.
A member of The First Church of Prosper, she attends with her friends Betty Herndale and Letitia Larrimore. They cross social divides to form solid friendships.
One thorn in Elizabeth’s side is the pompous county sheriff, Sheriff Thomas Bottoms III. They battle for regional control in a high-stakes tug-of-war to sway public opinion. The sheriff isn’t above using smear tactics to discredit his political rival.
Will Mayor Robinson’s kindness be her undoing?
Ambassador International releases Tracy L. Smoak’s debut novel in June 2023.
History Resource:
John Hennessy, retired chief historian of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in Virginia, wrote in Mysteries and Conundrums about slaves fleeing to freedom in 1862.
Information about ordering the novel can be found at
Free book club guide shareable document:
YouTube playlist for survivors of domestic violence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3Aq2myofjo&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMd0mkdKujmZeq7iKDzi8IoQ&index=2https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3Aq2myofjo&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMd0mkdKujmZeq7iKDzi8IoQ&index=2
