A Woman Named Smith

"A Woman Named Smith" by Marie Conway Oemler is a story focused on Sophronisba "Sophy" Smith, a practical woman who finds her life turned upside down when she inherits Hynds House in South Carolina from her Great-Aunt Sophronisba Scarlett. The story looks at what it means to make your own path, deal with what people expect, and how family history shapes us, as Sophy and her friend Alicia Gaines try to get used to their new home and fit in with everyone else in Hyndsville. The book kicks off with Sophy trying to figure out what to do with her surprise inheritance. It shows Sophy as a down-to-earth person with a background in business, and why she’s not too excited about becoming part of this small, unwelcoming town. The reader gets a good look at Hynds House, which is a fancy place that has seen better days, and the long shadow of her aunt's tough reputation. As Sophy and Alicia get ready to move in, they know they’re going to have some tough times ahead, but also that this could be a chance to change their lives, suggesting there might be some surprising and magical things waiting for them as they start their new adventure blending real life with a hint of mystery.