Julius Parker (Charleston ’89) announces the release of his debut novel “Beneath the Draper Moon”

Author Julius Parker (Charleston ’89) announces his debut novel — a breakout narrative that combines young love, a nation’s secrets, and family mysteries for a truly inspiring historical novel.

Until 1861, Grace Henry lived a quaint and quiet life with her adopted family in Southern Maryland despite being the child of an Iroquois man and an enslaved mother. Amid the turbulent backdrop of the times, external forces

ripped her from everything she’s known and delivered her onto a remote plantation in Southwestern Virginia. Now oscillating between hope and despair on an hourly basis, Grace must become comfortable with commanding her fierce independence if she’s ever to find peace again.

One hundred years later, Emmaline Foster is struggling to forge her way through the first colored nursing program at the University of Virginia while the Civil Rights Movement reaches a fervent pitch outside her door. When she stumbles upon a hidden portion of her lineage, Emmaline’s life becomes intertwined with Grace Henry and a complicated past.

With the unlikely partnership of a basketball star and a passion for uncovering the truth, Emmaline begins to unravel the threads of a wartorn, secret-ridden tapestry that spans through generations of her family — and that of the very South.

Bridge the chasm of time with Emmaline and Grace as they become united in their quest for identity, freedom, and enduring love.

Historical fiction fans will fall in love with both Emmaline and Grace. Written for readers with a vested interest in romance and mysteries based in history, Beneath the Draper Moon makes a great addition to the library of anyone who enjoys historical romantic mysteries.

“Beneath the Draper Moon” is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.