Warren T. Ashton's 'Hatchie, the Guardian Slave; or, The Heiress of Bellevue' is a moving and thought-provoking story that will stay with you long after the final page has been turned. The story follows Hatchie who is an African-American slave, a property of the wealthy Bellevue family in Louisiana. When her master passes away, Hatchie becomes the property of his young and inexperienced daughter, Belle. Belle's guardian, Anthony Maxwell, is a successful attorney with a shady reputation. He convinces Belle to sell Hatchie to pay off her father's debts. Little does he know, Hatchie has been Belle's confidante and friend since childhood. Hatchie's journey to freedom is fraught with danger and heartache, but with the help of some unlikely allies, she eventually finds her way to a new life.