The Golden Door
The Golden Door tells the story of several European emigrants who endure not only the treacherous conditions onboard the ‘Yorkshire' sailing packet ship but also the struggles and trials of finding themselves in a country unlike their own. All have different reasons for leaving, some far more sinister than others, but their collective goal remains the same: the hope of a better life. Although strangers to begin with, their lives are set to collide and become entwined with love and sorrow as their paths cross and recross. From the hustle and bustle of New York City to the vast flatlands and rolling plains of Kansas, into the battlefields and hospital wards of the Civil War, Hartley, Caitlin, Owain, and the Kleist family must each find their way, knowing that their lives will never be the same again.
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The Golden Door is a work of Historical Fiction by award-winning author Alice Mitchell. it is intertwined with the real events and persons of the time. It is a tale of of new beginnings and harsh realities: of kindness, hope and fear, bravery and sacrifice, of freedom, love and loss.
The Golden Door and The DBE
I am a Police Sergeant with over 29 years of service, preparing for retirement this year. My wife Maria and I own Arcanum Press Ltd, an independent publishing and media company we founded in 2017 to tell the story of our son Alexander's battle with cancer. Misdiagnosed by the NHS for over six months, Alexander was eventually treated in Kansas City after we raised over $600,000 for his pioneering surgery. His journey, captured in the first book I wrote and published through our company, has sold 6,000 copies and led to multiple book events in the UK and US.
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During our time in Kansas, we connected with many supporters, including members of the Daughters of the British Empire (DBE), notably Audrey, an expatriate who became a dear friend. Through these connections, we’ve been able to raise awareness and funds for Alexander's continued rehabilitation. We have attended the DBE Faire in KC and I have attended in my traditional dress uniform to help the day and 'vibe' along.
There is something special about the DBE: it is everything that is good about our shared history and heritage. I owe the United States a debt of gratitude for saving my son's life. I also, as a practicing Christian, thank God for his goodness for placing us in the path of good kind people.
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Arcanum Press remains active, helping new authors break into the industry, with profits supporting our son’s recovery.
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-Jeff Goodwin
Arcanum Press has been kind enough to donate a portion of the proceeds from The Golden Door to the Daughter's of the British Empire in Kansas. They have also extended a 10% discount to members who pre-order the book before publishing. Books can be purchased at the link below. Please contact your Regent for the 10% off code.
About The Author And Alexander's Journey
The Author
Alexander's Journey
Alexander’s Journey shares the inspiring story of British boy Alexander Goodwin. Alexander is a remarkable young man who inspires others, showing immense care for people, animals, and nature. He is passionate about owls, birds of prey, conservation, history, and sports like archery, swimming, and rugby. He is also deeply connected to his faith and the police community.
In 2015, at just eight years old, Alexander was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, after six months of misdiagnosis in the UK. By late 2016, his condition was dire, and doctors predicted he had only months to live. With support from the international policing community, Alexander’s family traveled to Kansas City, where he received life-saving treatments, including chemotherapy and pioneering surgery to replace his femur and knee with a telescopic prosthetic bone.
Alexander has undergone extensive rehabilitation and faces ongoing challenges. Despite the difficulties, he remains optimistic, kind, and full of hope for the future.
