The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

In the 1850's, Honor Bright accompanied her sister Grace from England to America where Grace was to be married.  When Grace dies along the way, Honor chooses to continue the journey alone hoping to find a new direction for her own life.  When she arrives at the Quaker community in Oberlin, Ohio she soon becomes involved in the activities of the underground railroad.  As she ponders the bravery and determination of the slaves she helps, she searches for those qualities in herself to guide her on her own journey.  Although her marriage provides a safe place to start new, family connections complicate her ability to follow her own moral North Star.  Lots of wonderful strong characters and great quilting connections.