Secrets to the Wind: Civil War Historical Romance of the Underground Railroad, Bleeding Kansas, and a Love Tested by Secrets and Sacrifice

by Jeanne Gehret

One secret can shatter a family, ignite a war, or awaken a love that defies history.
In the shadow of the Civil War, where divided loyalties threaten families and towns alike, Secrets to the Wind unfolds as a sweeping Civil War historical romance set against the turmoil of Bleeding Kansas.
Annie Osborn, spirited daughter of a Martha’s Vineyard whaling family, longs for a life of purpose beyond her island’s shores. Drawn into a clandestine Underground Railroad drama, she risks everything to help those fleeing bondage. But her compassion attracts the menace of a Southern sympathizer who knows too much—and will only guard her secret at an unbearable price.
When Annie encounters Daniel Read Anthony, abolitionist publisher and brother of Susan B. Anthony, her heart collides with history. Daniel’s uncompromising passion for justice draws her toward the Kansas frontier, where violence and hope battle for supremacy. Yet Annie soon learns that loving a man who kindles both enemies and admiration comes with its own heartbreak.
From Martha’s Vineyard’s windswept coastlines to the raw streets of Leavenworth, Kansas, Annie’s journey is one of courage, endurance, and awakening. Every choice she makes reshapes her understanding of family, freedom, and faith in a war-torn nation.
Jeanne Gehret’s vivid storytelling—rich with authentic detail and based on real people—breathes life into the struggles of a womn whose name rarely appear in history books. This moving tale of resilience intertwines romance with sacrifice, transporting readers to a world where secrets can destroy reputations or set hearts free.
For Book Club readers and admirers of women’s 19th-century fiction, Martha’s Vineyard historical fiction, and unforgettable frontier town romance, Secrets to the Wind is the stirring first volume in the Dauntless Series.

Sure to please fans of Stephanie Dray and Marie Benedict, and Glen Craney.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2024

About the author

I’ve been portraying Susan B. Anthony in costume and researching her family since I wrote her biography in 1994. I became hooked when I discovered her brother Daniel Read Anthony, the subject of my 2017 novel The Truth About Daniel. Although raised a Quaker, he was one of the original Kansas Jayhawkers, possessing a lightning speed trigger finger and an even quicker temper. Chronicling his courtship of an heiress from Martha’s Vineyard has led me to ten cities as well as many delightful side trips to study Victorian customs and the Civil War. I enjoy English Country Dancing every week and one of my favorite scenes happens at a ball.

Reviews

[Nancy Massand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets to the Wind surprised me with its seamless weaving of history and romance. Meticulously researched, the historical narrative was never dry but undergirded the characters' motivations and driving forces. Their passion for abolition shaped Annie and Daniel before they ever laid eyes on each other, setting the scene for an attraction far exceeding the physical. Yes, it's a romance, but the couple are individuals of substance and principle. Not only are we rooting for them to get together despite family objections and rumors of scandal, but we are rooting for their shared devotion to a cause that shaped America.

Susan B. Anthony historian Jeanne Gehret weaves a captivating romance set in the Civil War era. Young, headstrong heiress Annie Osborne of Martha's Vineyard, MA, melts the heart of Susan B. Anthony's brother, the dashing Colonel Daniel Anthony, military veteran and mayor of Leavenworth, Kansas. Unlike her socialite peers, Annie keeps a cool head despite the older man's attentions. And Daniel belies his worldly demeanor by becoming completely unhinged in her presence. It's such an engaging read as the couple navigates roadblocks set up by their families, their society and even each other. The tension will keep you wondering until the very end when they finally...

But I'm not a spoiler. History buffs, you won't be disappointed. Romantics, neither will you. A gem of a page turner, Secrets to the Wind is a must-read!

[Kathy Brasby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets To The Wind by Jeanne Gehret introduces the reader to the Dauntless Series taking place in the 1860s. While the Civil War rages, family cultures clash as a wealthy young woman from Martha’s Vineyard meets an activist from Kansas. Both are looking for a possible spouse - and the question quickly becomes if their common interests and goals are stronger than their differences.

I found this historical romance well-written. Those who enjoy a story which includes many accurate historical details will enjoy this novel. The hero, Daniel Anthony, is the brother of Susan B. Anthony, a well-known historical woman who fought for anti-slavery practices as well as women’s suffrage movement. Anna, the daughter of wealthy family on Martha’s Vineyard, is searching for a possible husband, but also devoted to the anti-slavery movement.

Secrets to the Wind will take you back to a time of genteel activities of the Eastern US contrasted with the rougher actions of the West. If Civil War historical romance is among your favorites, or if you’d like to learn more about the times of Susan B. Anthony, this book is a fresh look at the adventures of that time.

[Beth Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book which weaves historical details with a love story. High school history seemed so impersonal, but this story made the Civil War period personal.
The pairing of Annie and Daniel, and their courtship, seems so unlikely. Gehret brought the characters to life with bits of humor and teasing between characters; I especially chuckled at some of the jabs between the famous Susan B. Anthony and her brother Daniel. I was transported easily to a different time, with Gehret’s description of the scenery in each town, as well as details of social graces, courting rules, and various types of dress that men and women would wear during that era. Witnessing Annie finding her purpose, while pushing the boundaries of roles that were accepted for women of that time, was inspiring. If you like story lines that feature a strong and daring female lead, then this book is for you!

[TaniaRina Valdespino · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘They don’t call the West wild for nothing’
Leavenworth, KS is a far cry from life as Annie knows it on Martha’s Vineyard. Our heroine is certainly not a gal who spent her energy only on ‘china dolls and kid gloves’.

Daniel’s sure knows what he’s got in his intended, as he notes: ‘it would be so good to have a wife who could converse about something wider than her personal sphere’. More so, since he holds offices in Leavenworth and seems to be a man who will remain in the public eye after his terms are over.


Totally enjoyed this wholesome historical tale and look forward to the sequel!

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing historical fiction book that give readers a glimpse at a difficult time in our history - the civil war. I was drawn in by the writing and the wonderful details that painted a most vivid picture of how life was during this time period. I also liked the way Gehret wove in the romance of the novel. I very much enjoyed watching Annie and Daniel navigate the many difficulties that they face on their way to a happy ever after. I highly recommend this book as I found it a very enjoyable read.

[Susan Domina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Secrets to the Wind! It is an excellent, well-researched work of historical fiction, and I learned so much about the time period of the American Civil War. Ms. Gehret is so good at developing her engaging characters that one is drawn into the story. I'm truly looking forward to Jeanne Gehret's next book in the Dauntless Series!!!

[B. Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows Annie Osborn and Daniel Read Anthony, who met in the preview book, Songbird in the Marsh. In Secrets to the Wind, Annie and Daniel correspond with each other, Annie in Martha's Vineyard and Daniel in Leavenworth, Kansas. It was a very interesting story with many historical events, and I highly recommend it!!! I give it more than 5 stars!!!

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting

What an interesting story! I love that it’s based on real people and historical facts! What a fascinating way to learn about history, and with a clean romance! Very satisfying!

[Jeanne Gehret]

I had so much fun traveling to research Secrets to the Wind before writing it. One of our trips was to the Whaling Museum in New Bedford where we saw a to-scale replica of a whaler. These gave me perspective of the Ocmulgee incident mentioned in Book One (Secrets) and also some beautiful examples of carved scrimshaw (whalebone). A case of scrimshaw pocket watch stands at the museum inspired me to have Annie have one sent to Kansas for her first married Christmas with Daniel in my short story The Heart of Christmas.

[Janis Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeanne Gehret’s novel offers an enthralling glimpse into the tumultuous years of the American Civil War through the lives of two characters based on the lives of real people, Daniel Anthony (brother of Susan B. Anthony) and Annie Osborn.
Gehret’s line: “It often begins with a thread of truth that people embroider into a whole picture,” encapsulates one of the book’s most resonant themes. She applies this philosophy to her storytelling, skillfully blending historical fact with imaginative fiction to create a narrative that feels authentic and compelling. Moving between the diverse backdrops of Martha’s Vineyard, Saratoga Springs NY and Leavenworth KS, meticulous research and vivid descriptions immerse readers in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the era.
At the heart of the novel, Daniel and Annie’s romance blossoms through letters exchanged across a war-torn country. Annie, the daughter of a whaling captain from Martha’s Vineyard, falls for Daniel’s heroic efforts. He falls for her energy, beauty, and courageous spirit. They’re destined to be together despite the obstacles of distances and events placed upon their course.
Set in 1863, the story paints a sobering portrait of historical events on the periphery of the Civil War, including the devastating Lawrence Kansas Massacre when Confederate guerrilla forces attacked the town, a stronghold of anti-slavery sentiment and Free-State activists, killing close to 200 boys and men. As the mayor of nearby Leavenworth KS, Daniel Anthony comes to the aid of the survivors, cementing his family’s reputation as the defenders of the rights of others to live free.
Fans of historical fiction will relish learning about lesser-known events and people of the past. Secrets to the Wind tells a story of love, legacy, and human drama, set against the backdrop of one of America’s most defining eras.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Secrets to the Wind by Jeanne Gehret. I've always loved historical novels and this one did not disappoint. Jeanne brought to the forefront a part of Kansas history that rarely sees the light of day. How refreshing to learn some new facts set in a well documented, richly woven story line.

The level of detail given to the characters' surroundings (furnishings, clothing, etc.) really brought the story of Annie and Daniel into your mind's eye. So too, the dialogue between characters flowed well and truly brought them to life.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.