Every name opens a door. Meet the characters introduced in the first part of the story.

The series draws inspiration from the author’s family research. Characterizations, dialogue, private thoughts, and the mystery are fictional. The relationships and historical details presented here are an introduction to the novels, not a verified genealogical record.

An imagined vineyard scene featuring an older worker and child
Previously created concept artwork. An imagined scene, not a historical photograph.
Select a name to learn more.

More generations will be added as their stories are ready to be shared.

Names that travel

Family stories are made from more than dates. They live in work, meals, decisions, and the memories people choose to share. These introductory portraits are a starting point for the fictional world; more characters and generations will appear as their stories are ready to be revealed.

Read the Journals
The Second Name

A family’s everyday life

Explore imagined moments of work, conversation, and celebration.

Imagined scene from the Simard family story
Imagined scene from the family’s world
Imagined scene from the Simard family story
Imagined scene from the family’s world
Imagined scene from the Simard family story
Imagined scene from the family’s world
Explore the family journals →
Character concept

Faces of the family

This early character concept imagines the people who may appear across the series. Names, relationships, and character details shown in the artwork are creative concepts and remain subject to the author’s review.

Concept artwork depicting members of the Simard family

Fictional character concept, not a documented family tree.