UNDER THE RED RIBBON is a novel of a young woman, her family, her deepest desires, and the people who shaped her life. Lucille Kramer comes of age during the Great Depression in a small Iowa town. As valedictorian of her high school class, Lucille has big dreams, but like so many people during that time in our country's history she is forced to put many of her dreams on hold. Although UNDER THE RED RIBBON takes place in the early part of the twentieth century, it deals with many contemporary topics, such as infertility, homosexuality, and racial prejudice, specifically against Native Americans. This novel with its authentic characters, offers insight into our own lives. It connects us to the most profound forms of love found in friendships, family relationships and romantic intimacies. Long after reading the book, recalling the names of Nick, Lucille, Dan and Bill will hold special significance and once again we will relive their story and fall in love.