To the Bone By Alena Bruzas

Ellis arrives in America filled with hope and dreams of a new life. The long journey from England was grueling, but James Fort promises a fresh start. As an indentured servant to Henry Collins and his pregnant wife, Ellis believes she'll earn financial security and find love with the vibrant and courageous Jane Eddowes. But the reality of colonial life is far darker than she ever imagined.

As the oppressive summer heat gives way to the crisp air of fall, Ellis begins to see the brutal truths lurking beneath the surface. The colonists' hostility toward the Indigenous people is more violent than she was prepared for, and Henry's control over his household is suffocating and cruel. The tension in the Fort is palpable, and Ellis realizes she might have traded one form of servitude for another, more insidious prison.

When winter arrives, James Fort is gripped by hunger, and the veneer of civilization quickly crumbles. As food supplies dwindle, desperation sets in, and Ellis witnesses the horrifying lengths people will go to in order to survive. The stark reality of life in the New World strips away the myths of glory and prosperity, revealing the true cost of colonialism.

To the Bone is a harrowing tale that challenges the romanticized narrative of America's early settlers. It’s a story of survival, horror, and the unflinching human spirit that will linger long after the final page is turned.