Praise

‘The strength of her character stood out above all the others’
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2024
Educator/artist/author Sheridan Brown shares her skills as a teacher with her excellent books: OH SNAP! IT’S ALEX is a children’s guide to safety measures, and now THE VIOLA FACTOR, in the second edition, brings history into focus, along with excellent inspiration for resilience in life. The novel is based on extensive research into 19th century America and the lives of Viola Knapp Raffner and Booker T. Washington: the time frame of this return to history is 1812 – 1903, though the period most carefully examined is the post-Civil War era.

With lilting prose the novel follows the life of New Englander teacher Viola Knapp as she experiences the conflicts of slavery in the South and other issues that propel her desire to make a difference in a world that was bordering on changes. Along the way she encounters the lad Booker T. Washington, serves as his confidant, employer, teacher and his friend and life model – an unusual occurrence between a white woman and a Black man, a freed slave with an eager, creative mind. Viola’s life is portrayed poetically, allowing the reader to become involved with the steps this amazing woman achieved, becoming not only an influence on Washington, but also a positive icon of resilience and proponent of justice for all who encountered her. While history books (and social growth) acknowledge the impact of Booker T. Washington (1856 -1915) as the first African American voice to address the racially mixed Southern audience with dramatic success, it is rare to find mention of the impressive Viola Knapp Raffner. That empty space has now been corrected!

THE VIOLA FACTOR succeeds on many levels, including the impact ‘true teachers’ have made and continue to enhance our world. This is an exceptionally fine novel and superb examination of American history!

"The Viola Factor" by Sheridan Brown is a poignant tale set against the backdrop of post-Civil War America, following the journey of Viola Knapp Ruffner. Viola's story transcends mere historical narrative; it's a testament to resilience, love, and the pursuit of justice. As she navigates the complexities of her time, Viola emerges as a symbol of strength and determination, challenging societal norms and advocating for the education of the oppressed. Brown's portrayal of Viola as a multifaceted character, from a dutiful daughter to a fierce advocate, is both compelling and inspiring.

Sheridan Brown masterfully captures the essence of Viola's journey, from her humble beginnings to her pivotal role in shaping the lives of those around her. Through meticulous attention to detail, Brown brings to life the struggles and triumphs of a woman ahead of her time. Viola's evolution from uncertainty to conviction is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and resilience.

As Viola embarks on her quest for justice and equality, she encounters obstacles that test her resolve and challenge her beliefs. Yet, with unwavering determination and unwavering courage, she perseveres, leaving an indelible mark on those she meets along the way. Brown's narrative skillfully weaves together themes of love, trauma, and redemption, offering readers a poignant reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

Overall "The Viola Factor" is a captivating tale of hope and resilience, offering readers a glimpse into a pivotal period in American history through the eyes of a remarkable woman. Brown's evocative prose and richly drawn characters make this a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience. Viola Knapp Ruffner's story serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring power of compassion, courage, and the pursuit of justice.

The Viola Factor by Sheridan Brown
Love this story because it's about the US history, salt mines, history and personal life and growth.
Viola starts out as a young woman teaching encompassing many states, VT, VA, etc. Like the parts where her teachings make a difference to those receiving them. She does lose her job when she attempts to teach a black boy, a slave how to read and write. She did not understand the rules of the state.
She finds other jobs and advances her career and ends up marrying a man who had lost his wife and she now inherits his ready made family. They do have children of their own.
The talks of their life, reading to one another, her work with the community, she style of landscaping and teaching others how to tend to it.
Booker T. Washington was a child she took under her wing to educate him. Love hearing about the US presidents and rules of the land and how they effected her, her teaching, and her life.
Such an amazon, ententaining story of a strong woman. There is even a German favorite cookie recipe from the husbands family that I want to try. There are pictures, photos of letters, sketchings of various topics in the book. There are discussion questions at the end, resources are listed and even the slang of the language used..
Received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.

Chris A n d e r s o n
S e n i o r B o o k R e v i e w e r, Writer's Branding
The Viola Factor
SHERIDAN BROWN
Page 2
Book Review: The Viola Factor by Sheridan Brown
Sheridan Brown’s The Viola Factor is a quietly powerful historical
novel that shines a long-overdue spotlight on a remarkable woman
hidden between the lines of American history. Through thoughtful
storytelling and rich emotional depth, Brown crafts the life of Viola
Knapp Ruffner—not as a static figure from the past, but as a fleshand-
blood woman who stumbles, perseveres, and ultimately finds
purpose in a divided post-Civil War nation.
What makes this book stand out is its refusal to oversimplify.
Rather than painting Viola as a flawless hero, Brown shows her
wrestling with doubt, loneliness, and trauma. We meet Viola not
just as the woman who once mentored Booker T. Washington, but
as a daughter, teacher, widow, and moral compass in a time when
women’s voices were easily dismissed. The title’s “factor” becomes
clear—Viola was a force, influencing others not through fame but
through everyday choices, radical compassion, and a fierce sense
of fairness.
Brown writes with reverence for both historical accuracy and
emotional nuance. Each chapter unfolds like a conversation across
time. Readers don’t just learn about what Viola did—they feel the
mud under her boots, the weight of her conscience, and the quiet
courage it took to teach and uplift those others had cast aside.
There’s poetry in the prose, but it never distracts from the story.
The result is a book that lingers, much like Viola’s own legacy.
Page 3
Within the crowded shelves of historical fiction, The Viola Factor
stands out by shedding light on a woman who never sought the
spotlight but shaped one of the most important voices in African
American history. And in doing so, it raises timely questions about
justice, resilience, and the unsung power of mentorship. Sheridan
Brown’s narrative is not only a tribute—it’s a reclaiming of a vital,
complex life.
From a publishing and literary standpoint, this book has enormous
potential to catch the attention of key leaders in the industry.
Viola’s connection to Booker T. Washington adds historical weight,
but it’s the heart of the story—its attention to emotional truth and
its portrayal of a woman’s hard-won influence—that makes it so
compelling. This is a book that could find its home on university
reading lists, book club circuits, and streaming adaptation pitches
alike. Its quiet strength will speak to readers looking for both
meaning and movement.
The Viola Factor is not just a book—it’s a bridge between past and
present, reminding us that the soul of progress often lives in the
quiet persistence of those history almost forgot. Sheridan Brown
has done something important here, and this story deserves to be
read, discussed, and remembered.