Westerfelt

"Westerfelt" by Will N. Harben is an early 20th-century novel that pulls at the heartstrings as it examines love, disloyalty, and how tangled human feelings can become. The story centers on Sally Dawson, whose deep love for John Westerfelt is thrown into chaos by chattering neighbors and competition for his attention. Early on, we see the women of the town gathered to quilt, but their real work is spreading rumors about John's interest in Lizzie Lithicum, not Sally. Sally is crushed by the gossip and grapples with her emotions, leading to a moment of sadness. The book reveals how connected everyone is and hints at a tragedy that will impact their lives. The relationships between the characters highlight the community's rules, especially the painful truths about love, envy, and what society expects.