Coming Fall 2026
Exalted Objects
A railroad tycoon must choose between his brother’s freedom and his own ambition—before one wild act shatters both their lives.
By Jane D. Cairns
In 1869 New Hampshire, railroad magnate George Stark faces an impossible choice: commit his eccentric brother Will—poet, prankster, and zookeeper—to an asylum or risk his career and family name after a disastrous train crash and public scandal.
Rewinding to 1846, this sweeping historical novel follows the Stark brothers on diverging paths. George’s ambition propels him into the heart of America’s railroad boom, while Will’s restless spirit transforms the family estate into a sanctuary for exotic animals and ideas. As the Civil War looms, their lives collide in a tragic climax when Will’s beloved elephant sparks a catastrophe that changes everything.
Torn between duty and compassion, George must decide whether to sacrifice his brother’s freedom or embrace the creativity that once united them. A moving meditation on ambition, forgiveness, and family, this novel brings a forgotten chapter of American history to life with wit, heart, and unforgettable characters. Perfect for fans of historical fiction exploring the price of progress and sibling bonds.
Advance Praise
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Jane D. Cairns is a Massachusetts-based writer and grassroots local historian. She is an active member of GrubStreet in Boston and a graduate of its highly selective Novel Incubator program. An alumna of Smith College, she has worked as a columnist and researcher for numerous trade magazines, including Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. Currently, she serves as a board member of the Andover (Mass.) Center for History and Culture, where she speaks and writes on popular topics in social and economic history. When she isn't reading or writing, you can likely find her hiking with her husband on regional trail systems, riding her class-1 e-bike, or chasing critters out of her organic vegetable garden. Exalted Objects is her debut novel.