My Books
Sandra White has spent most of her life in Midwestern states, and she places her stories in those familiar settings. Although the states are real, most of the cities are not. She prefers to write about fictitious cities, thus avoiding the need for historical accuracy; for example, Blakefield, Nebraska in The Album, Valeria, Indiana in Riches to Rags, and Marybelle, Missouri in Who Killed The Cook?.
Sandra has long been interested in social issues, and that interest reached a height when she was working on her doctoral studies in the 1980's and early 1990's. Her interest in issues of the elderly inspired The Album, the story of a victim of elder abuse. Observing the increase of homelessness over the years, and following news reports of the great number of mentally ill individuals living on the street, prompted her to write Riches to Rags, a tale of a wealthy physician whose mental illness sends her to a life on the street. Both books are works of fiction.
Her third novel, Who Killed the Cook? was written to appeal to the younger teenager - particularly those intrigued by mysteries. It is intended to be the first of a series of "Heddy Bliss mysteries."
The Album
Catherine Rowan, the protagonist in The Album, has had a good life as an acclaimed artist, a much-loved wife, mother and grandmother. But after her husband dies, and her own ability to care for herself is lessened by illness, she begins to live a nightmare as a victim of elder abuse. Afraid of one thing above all else - the loss of her dignity - she tells no one of her plight, of the mistreatment she endures at the hand of her self-centered and cruel daughter-in-law. She struggles alone, often with only an old photo album to comfort her.
Riches to Rags
This book is the fictitious memoir of Merritt Hall-Davis, an heiress and successful physician whose life is shattered due to her mental illness. Her illness drives her to flee from her home and all familiar surroundings to a life of homelessness, a life on the street, where she in known as "Molly." Over the years she meets may others existing in the same circumstances as she. Her life on the street is filled with tragedies and danger, love and enlightenment. Her innate characteristics of strength and caring for others shine on in spite of the difficult and harrowing experiences she encounters.
Who Killed the Cook?
A young person's mystery, readers will be introduced to Heddy Bliss, an 18-year-old orphan who finds herself deeply involved in a mystery she's determined to solve. As Heddy finds the body of the diner's missing cook, she nearly drives the town sheriff crazy with her independent efforts as a sleuth. In addition to her unofficial detective activities, she is courted by the new deputy, who is swept off his feet by this very lovely, very spunky town sweetheart.