The Spinster I Once Knew

In retirement, Dr. Kay Perrin turned to historical fiction to uncover and celebrate the extraordinary life of her great-aunt, Clara Schattinger (1887-1986). While her siblings followed traditional paths, Clara chose a life of bold independence-earning a degree in education and setting out on a whirlwind journey across the globe.

Her travels began in Hawaii as a Guest Ambassador aboard a cruise ship, leading to unexpected promotions, romantic entanglements, and betrayals that ultimately carried her to Paris. But just as quickly as her adventures unfolded, duty called her back to Denver, where she would live the next 41 years in quiet seclusion-a striking contrast to her daring past.

Decades later, a hidden travel diary resurfaces, revealing a tale of ambition, resilience, and deception. Through Clara's own words, Dr. Perrin reconstructs the mystery of a woman far ahead of her time-leaving readers to ask: Who was the real Aunt Clara?