Hard times and struggle are a repeating constant in life and literature. My historical narrative tale of such a struggle; is a little different because my heroes are female 'companions'. A genteel Victorian euphemism, which often meant lovers. This is however not a gay novel, it is a universal love story about breaking free of society's constraints.

Pat and Clara are born into a straight-laced Victorian England that will never permit their love for each other to be, so they flee, aged just seventeen, to the wilds of Saskatchewan, Canada. There they grow wheat and build a life together. Pat is clever; her ambition is limitless and her drive, insatiable. Clara is gentle, sensitive, loyal and aristocratic. Pat and Clara have only a vague idea of the hardships awaiting them in their journey to fulfil their dreams. They soon discover that the world is much wider and much harsher beyond the walls of the boarding school where they first met. Yet, they are steadfast and determined. They find strength, love and acceptance with their Cree neighbours who adopt them and give them Cree names, share their earthy spirituality, and an extended family. This helps them cope with the raw struggle and heartbreak of two wars, the great 20's depression, and the joy and tragedy of new life and premature death. On the windswept prairies, they must be courageous and intrepid to establish themselves. Life is as harsh as the winters and a barren landscape offers no solace. The girls realize that they must rely on their newfound friends and their love for each other to survive, let alone flourish. Along the way, they learn many things no boarding school could have prepared them for: about their world, the possibility of acceptance, and what it means to be pioneers.

We journey with Pat and Clara and share the triumph and tragedy of their lives. Their nobility is inspiring and uplifting because it is ordinary and built on true love and devotion. We soon forget this love is between two women as we share their struggle and celebrate the victories great and small that inspire and make the heart soar after the tears and self-doubt are forgotten.