Magnificent ruins

A spellbinding novel of dark family secrets, female revenge, and a rise from the very bottom against the backdrop of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake.After her mother’s death, May Kimble is penniless and living alone until an aunt she never knew existed takes her to San Francisco. There, May is welcomed into the wealthy Sullivan family and their social circle.Initially overwhelmed by the riches of her new life, May gradually realizes that dark secrets lurk in the corners of the Sullivan mansion. Her charming cousin often disappears at night. Her aunt wanders alone in the fog. And the maid constantly hints that May is in danger. Trapped, May risks losing everything, including her freedom.Then, early one April morning, San Francisco is destroyed. From the smoldering ruins, May embarks on an agonizing journey to reclaim what is hers. This tragic turn of fate, along with the help of a fearless journalist, will allow May to avenge herself on her enemies. But will she take advantage of this chance?May Kimble is an orphan with nothing to her name. One day, as if in a fairy tale, she is contacted by a wealthy aunt from San Francisco whose existence she never knew. After a life of near-starvation in New York, May finds herself in the luxurious Sullivan mansion. But, intoxicated by the splendor of her new life, she fails to notice the web of lies and deceit that entangles her—and falls into a carefully laid trap.On April 18, 1906, a monstrous earthquake strikes San Francisco. The catastrophe becomes a second chance for May. She is determined to avenge herself on those who wronged her—and this time, she will not be so naive.