My Name is Emilia

Johanne Moyes is a writer whose work explores the mysteries of the past, the secrets hidden within historic homes, and the enduring power of love across generations. Drawn to the stories that places and people leave behind, she is fascinated by the ways in which history, memory, and human emotion intertwine, often revealing truths that have remained concealed for decades. In her novel, Johanne brings readers into the world of Emilia, a woman whose life and untimely death leave her bound to a historic Baltimore home. Through Emilia's perspective, the story unfolds as a journey of discovery, revealing the painful differences between what Emilia once believed about her life and the truth she gradually comes to understand. What begins as a haunting tale develops into a deeper exploration of betrayal, loneliness, grief, forgiveness, and the extraordinary ways in which love can survive the passage of time. Set against the backdrop of Baltimore's rich history, the novel draws upon the atmosphere of an old house, where architectural details, forgotten possessions, faded letters, and long-hidden secrets become fragments of lives once lived. As the past gradually emerges, the house becomes more than a setting. It becomes a keeper of memories, a silent witness to human suffering and devotion, and a place where the living and the dead remain connected in unexpected ways. At the heart of Emilia's story lies a love that transcends conventional understanding. Although Emilia's life was shaped by deception and loss, her deepest attachment reveals itself not through the relationships society might have expected, but through an act of compassion toward someone who desperately needed protection. This discovery forms the emotional foundation of the novel and challenges the assumption that the most important truths are always apparent during our lifetimes. Through her writing, Johanne hopes to remind readers that people are often more complicated than they appear, that the past may hold truths we have yet to uncover, and that kindness can leave a legacy far greater than wealth or possessions. She is particularly interested in the quiet ways love expresses itself—in a treasured object preserved for another generation, a story passed down through a family, or a simple act of courage that changes the course of another person's life. For Johanne, Emilia's journey is ultimately about more than a restless spirit or the secrets of a historic house. It is about the human need to be understood, the courage required to confront painful truths, and the possibility of finding peace when love is finally recognized for what it truly is. She invites readers to step inside Emilia's world, where the past is never entirely silent, memories linger in unexpected places, and even the smallest discovery may hold the power to change everything.