The Last House On The Street

 Diane Chamberlain is the author of The Last House On The Street. The story is told in the present time and also fifty years ago. The current story is told by Kayla. Kayla and her husband are architects. They built their dream home on Hockley Lane in North Carolina. Just before the house was finished Kayla's husband lost his life in a tragic accident inside the house. Kayla must be strong for her four year old daughter. Kayla's father lives in the same town. The older story is told by Ellie Hockley. When Ellie was in college for pharmacology she took the summer to work on a civil rights project. With other college students from the north Ellie encourages black voters to get registered. The Civil Rights Act was signed by President Johnson in August of that year. Ellie. While walking through the neighborhoods they have to hide if they see any pick up trucks with white drivers for their own safety. Faced with so much hatred and violence Ellie left town after that summer and didn't return for 50 years. She is back now to take care of her brother and mother. Ellie and Kayla meet as they live on the same block. Some odd older woman is trying to scare Kayla away from that house. The threatens Kayla's life. Another time she kidnaps Kayla's four year old daughter. The truth comes out gradually at the end of the book and this is quite the story to tell. The Civil Rights work is based on a real event.