Come On In, Don't Get Lonesome, is an historical novel loosely based on ancestral history. The author's great grandparents ran the Old Alpha boarding house in the heart of Tacoma, Washington in 1910. Immigrants flocked to the City of Destiny for jobs in lumber mills, the railroad, fishing, boat building, and shipping. Each new boarder was greeted with, "Come on in, don't get lonesome." Considered the little princess of the Old Alpha, six-year-old Myrtle is a central figure in the book. Her life as the endearing daughter of the hospitable proprietors of the Old Alpha, intertwines with those of the borders of many cultures, and their immigration stories, amidst the hustle and bustle of this boom town. Everyday activities, as well as special events, outings, and poignant moments are sprinkled throughout this period tale, immersing one in the customs and norms of the time in Tacoma, as well as the natural beauty of the surrounding area.