What It’s About

I believe you’ll find this history truly unbelievable and if you are unaware of it, you’re not the only one. As is often the case, when I land on what I think is obscure and will interest others, I write about it!

Accused of “promiscuity” in 1940s North Carolina, a young woman unjustly incarcerated and subjected to involuntary medical treatment at The State Industrial Farm Colony for Women decides to fight back in this powerful, shockingly timely novel based on the long-buried history of the American Plan, the government program designed to regulate women’s bodies and sexuality throughout the first half of the 20th century.

The day Ruth Foster’s life changes begins the same way as many others—with a walk through her North Carolina hometown toward the diner where she works. But on this day, Ruth is stopped by the local sheriff, who insists that she accompany him to a health clinic. Women like Ruth—young, unmarried, living alone—must undergo testing in order to preserve decency and prevent the spread of sexual disease.

Though Ruth has never shared more than a chaste kiss with a man, by day’s end she is one of dozens of women held at the State Industrial Farm Colony for Women. Some, like 15-year-old Stella Temple, are brought in at their family’s request. For Stella, even the Colony’s hardships seem like a respite from her nightmarish home life.

Superintendent Dorothy Baker, convinced that she’s transforming degenerate souls into upstanding members of society, oversees the women’s medical treatment and “training” until they’re deemed ready for parole. Sooner or later, everyone at the Colony learns to abide by Mrs. Baker’s rule book or face the consequences—solitary confinement, grueling work assignments, and worse.

But some refuse to be cowed. Against Mrs. Baker’s dogged efforts and the punishing weight of authority, Ruth and other inmates find ways to fight back, resolved to regain their freedom at any cost . . .

“A remarkable fusion of research and imagination [with] vivid scenes, compelling characters, perfect pacing—but most impressive of all is Everhart’s creation of Dorothy Baker. She is one of the most memorable characters I’ve read in recent fiction, and further proof of Donna Everhart’s immense talent.” —Ron Rash, award-winning author of Serena

Pre-Order Links (and more to come)

Here are a few pre-order links. I’ve mentioned in the past how important these are as they give the publisher an idea of interest in the book. I’d be so appreciative of your support. It’s the only way I can keep doing what I love.

Bookshop (this is the online store that supports independent booksellers – you can select your preferred store to pre-order)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Hudson Booksellers
Target
Walmart

First Sentence Fridays!

It won’t be long before I begin my First Sentence Fridays for this book where I share the first sentence of each chapter in Women of a Promiscuous Nature. Along with that sentence, I usually write something about what’s going on (spoiler free always) or talk about the characters, or the setting, etc. In other words, I begin to introduce you to the story. The novel has thirty-five chapters and it’s timed so the final sentence lands on the Friday just before release day, Tuesday, January 27th, 2026.

I hope you’ll join me, beginning May 30th, 2025, right here on my blog!