The Avalanche

"The Avalanche" by Gertrude Atherton is a captivating novel set in San Francisco after the devastating 1906 earthquake. The story revolves around Price Ruyler, a successful businessman sent from New York to restore his family's business. Despite becoming one of the city's most eligible bachelors, Price remains uninterested in the local girls and their mothers' attempts to matchmake. However, everything changes when he meets the beautiful and enchanting Helene. Their connection is undeniable, and within a week, Price proposes to her. As their marriage progresses into its fourth year, Price begins to notice a shift in their relationship. He still loves Helene deeply, and he believes she loves him too, but he becomes increasingly curious about her mysterious past. He starts to wonder if there are hidden family secrets buried in the rubble left behind by the earthquake. This realization leads Price on a journey to uncover the truth about his wife's past and explore whether these secrets