Books
Linda Sittig brings to life the untold stories of courageous women overlooked by history. Linda believes that every woman deserves to have her story told.
Cut From Strong Cloth
1861, Philadelphia. Ellen Canavan strives to become a textile merchant while the Civil War explodes around her, and an arsonist seeks her ruin.
At nineteen, Ellen Canavan lives for her late father’s dream of succeeding in business. Trying to change her life from an Impoverished Irish immigrant to an aspiring textile merchant, Ellen is befriended by James Nolan, a Philadelphia mill owner. Together, they launch a plan to create a new type of cloth for soldiers’ uniforms.
While in Savannah to purchase premier cotton, they become trapped as the Civil War explodes around them. Amidst their blossoming love, the two must find a way to return to Philadelphia and present their prototype cloth to the War Department before other mills discover their plan.
But a malicious arsonist has targeted Ellen in his zealous attempt of revenge.
Follow three generations of the Canavan family from Ireland as their lives collide with history in the series Threads of Courage.
"A fantastic historical story with a strong, determined female lead. I was hooked from the first page!"
"Sittig brings the past to life with a fascinating look into the textile industry of pre-Civil War Philadelphia and the unshakeable spirit of a young woman who fought to change the status quo."
"Once I started, it was impossible to put down. For strong women, everywhere. This historical selection of family and conflict was engaging throughout the entire story."
Last Curtain Call
1894, western Maryland. Annie Charbonneau fights the coal company, preying on vulnerable women in her village. Then, the company comes after her.
All Annie Charbonneau wants is to stop working at her father’s bakery, graduate high school, and attend college. But in 1894, she is thrust into a personal battle against the ruthless Maryland coal company preying on the vulnerable women in her town. Unaware that her actions will bring the evil to her own front door, Annie is caught in a web where her every movement is watched, and a vengeance-seeking enemy wants to silence her.
Follow three generations of the Canavan family from Ireland as their lives collide with history in the series Threads of Courage.
"Sittig is a master of coal company town writing. I feel I could sit down with her characters and have a conversation with them."
"The author bares the underbelly of life in coal country in the 1890s. Although both the author and protagonist are female, this is not a ‘girly book’. Gripping, well-written account taken from real history."
Counting Crows
1918, New York City. Maggie Canavan comes to Greenwich Village to study art but becomes swept up in the sweatshop scandals and women’s rights.
It is 1918, and fourth-grade teacher Maggie Canavan feels invisible, living in the shadow of her parent’s successful teaching careers. A unique opportunity sends her to live with her aunt in Greenwich Village, NYC, for the summer. Once settled, Maggie falls in love with the city and soon becomes drawn into the world of feminism, the horrors of the sweatshop industry, and the two men who both steal her heart.
But nothing prepares her for the flu pandemic that ravages the city and claims over 33,000 lives, changing her destiny forever.
Follow three generations of the Canavan family from Ireland as their lives collide with history in the series Threads of Courage.
"Sittig brings to life the remarkable characters of Greenwich Village during WWI."
"Sittig’s description of the streets of New York was spot on, as were her details about the clothing and garment factories."
"A captivating coming-of-age story set in 1918 Greenwich Village, New York City. Sittig once again shares a story of a woman of strength."
B–52 DOWN
Join in the terrifying rescue attempts of the B-52 bomber that crashes in Maryland.
January 1964: America and the Soviet Union are embroiled in the Cold War. Each country has massive aircraft armed with nuclear weapons, ready to attack.
A B-52 Stratofortress, the icon of American airpower, has been brought back from overseas patrol for needed repairs. A B-52 crew from Turner Air Force Base in Georgia flies to Massachusetts to retrieve the plane. Expecting a short return flight to Georgia, the crew is caught unaware as they fly into an Arctic blizzard, disabling the plane. Bailing out at 30,000 feet, dressed only in their Georgia flight suits, the crew ejects over the rugged 52,000-acre Savage River State Forest in the mountains of western Maryland.
Each man lands about 2 miles away from the other in the still-raging blizzard with only their parachutes and simple survival kits.
The nearby community rallies and sends out search parties. The search teams continued for five days, hoping to find survivors. Meanwhile, the plane crashed in the mountains with its two nuclear bombs still on board.
"I got it, I read it, I loved it. You brought to light the backstories normally not written about. I often wondered about the outcome of the families’ lives. Now I know."
"I couldn’t put the book (B-52 Down) down. Very informative and readable. I loved the way the author interplayed the technical information with the personal lives of the crew members. I swear I could feel the cold as Sittig described the conditions the men and the rescuers endured. The excellent photos added to the narrative. Read it in one sitting!"
Opening Closed Doors
Walk with Josie Murray as she attempts to check out a book from the public library, but is denied.
Not long ago, public libraries in Virginia were not so public. It would take the courage of a young African-American woman, Josie C. Murray, to challenge that.
From a young age, Josie felt the supreme injustice of the Jim Crow South- ordering ice cream inside a restaurant and continuing her education beyond the seventh grade were opportunities denied to Josie during her childhood. Josie was surrounded by closed doors, barred from opportunities available to white people. But in 1957, when she was denied the ability to check out a book from the Purcellville Library because of the color of her skin, Josie took action. With the help of her husband, Sam Murray, a lawyer, and even President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Josie built a case and became the catalyst for all public buildings in Virginia to desegregate.
Ages 8-12
"I predict Opening Closed Doors will receive wide circulation and be read for many years. It describes a challenge that has long faced America with hope that a better world is possible. I thank Linda Sittig for sharing it."
"Add the name Josie Murray to the list of the previously unsung heroes who fought back against the restrictions of Jim Crow America. Highly engaging and compelling story."