"Hidden Hand" by Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth is a captivating Victorian historical romance filled with mystery, intrigue, and suspense. Set within the intricate tapestry of high society, the novel weaves a tale of drama and secrets that entwine the lives of its characters in a web of love, betrayal, and revenge. At its heart, the story revolves around a clandestine affair, shrouded in mystery and deception, as hidden agendas and ulterior motives drive the narrative forward. Against the backdrop of Victorian society, the characters navigate the complexities of familial ties and societal expectations, grappling with the consequences of their actions and the betrayals that threaten to tear them apart. Amidst the opulence of wealth and the facade of respectability, the true nature of relationships is revealed, exposing the dark underbelly of society and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their secrets. With its rich historical detail and intricate plot twists, "Hidden Hand" is a spellbinding tale that immerses readers in a world of passion, intrigue, and the timeless struggle for love and redemption.
Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth (December 26, 1819 - June 30, 1899) was an American novelist who wrote over 60 books in the late nineteenth century. She was the most popular American novelist of her day. In her works, her heroines frequently challenge modern ideas of Victorian feminine domesticity by demonstrating that virtue is naturally coupled with wit, adventure, and rebellion to fix any terrible situation. Though The Hidden Hand (1859) was her most popular novel, Southworth preferred Ishmael (1876). Emma Nevitte was born on December 26, 1819, in Washington, D.C., to Susannah Wailes and Charles LeCompte Nevitte, a trader from Virginia. Her father died in 1824, and she was given the name Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte at his final wish. She attended a school run by her stepfather, Joshua L. Henshaw. She later described her youth as lonely, with her best times spent exploring Maryland's Tidewater region on horseback. During such rides, she developed a deep interest in the area's history and mythology. After attending her stepfather's school, she finished her secondary education at the age of 15 in 1835.
