The shadow between them; $b or, A blighted name

"The Shadow Between Them; or, A Blighted Name" by Mrs. Alex. McVeigh Miller is a novel that appears to have been written during the late 19th century. The story begins in a rural West Virginia farmhouse, focusing on the lives of the Groves family amidst the backdrop of Hallowe'en festivities and a tense family vendetta. The protagonist, Eva Somerville, is a vibrant and romantic young girl caught in a web of familial expectations and misunderstandings, as she longs for the affections of her mysterious admirer while facing the harsh realities of her family's turmoil. At the start of the book, the narrative introduces us to Eva and her relatives, specifically her stern cousin Tabitha and the jealous twins, Patty and Lydia. The evening's preparations for a Hallowe'en hayride unfold, revealing the dynamics of their household and their treatment of Eva, who feels constrained and denied the freedom to enjoy life. As tensions mount, misunderstandings lead to a tragic confrontation between two young men, resulting in a violent outcome that will irrevocably change Eva's life. The opening portion sets a stage ripe for drama, romance, and the exploration of themes such as familial strife, personal desire, and the consequences of societal expectations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mrs. Alex. McVeigh Miller was the pen name of Mittie Frances Clarke Point, an American novelist. She wrote 80 dime novels during a 50-year career. Her first novel was Rosamond, but her success began with the 1883 romance, The Bride of the Tomb. She died in 1937. In 1978, her home, "The Cedars", was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.