The Coal Cracker's Woman

Famous reporter, wealthy and privileged Peg O'Keefe, is laid off her TV news job. She returns to her childhood home, and also back to Planet Earth, as she loses all her perks, and becomes caregiver for her elderly family members. It seems the O'Keefe family is on a losing course in other ways, too - her father's death and stock losses as well as serious illness challenge the family. Intrigued - she finds papers in a hidden chest that her grandmother wrote. It tells the history of Maddy and Jack Barrett, her own great grandparents. Jack, an impoverished worker in Pennsylvania's coal mines, has a powerful spirit to overcome the inequities the miners suffered along with the mortal dangers in the mines during the tumultuous 1890s and into the 20th century. He disappears for periods of time and Maddy has to trust him, though only her love for him keeps her going. He comes through for her and for his men in the end with her help. The two share a lifelong passionate love affair. Their powerful adventure instills renewed hope in Peg that she can remake her future as it opens her heart to love in a way she never imagined.