Kindle Edition
Amazon
Sara Barnard Books
Category:
Historical Fiction
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN-10: 1536831018
Type: Fiction
Pages: 142
Copyright: August 9, 2016
ISBN-13: 9781536831016
Price: $2.99 (eBook)
The gold rush has left Altrose, Arkansas a ghost town. With the promise of the job of Indian Agent under Jerry Thomas in California, Sanderson packs up newly-pregnant Charlotte and heads west, crossing paths with some of the Old West's early figures, smack-dab into the heart of western adventure, in search of home.
Sanderson Redding is set to go west to a waiting job as an Indian Agent—if Charlotte agrees. Leaving their home in Arkansas isn’t easy, but there’s not much left of Altrose—and no jobs for men with families. War veteran Jerry Thomas has secured positions for himself and Sanderson in California, but they must leave immediately. With a heavy heart, Charlotte bids goodbye to her father, Minerva, and Cotton. There’s no time to spare, and they set out early the following day for California.
Travel is hard on Charlotte, who is pregnant, but she finds a new measure of determination to face what comes their way—including a prairie fire, hostile Indians, and a hard childbirth she is afraid she might not survive.
But the demons of Sanderson’s military life refuse to be left behind, as he finds himself embroiled with the Earp brothers and a lady of the night who carries a grudge against Charlotte. Will Charlotte and Sanderson’s marriage withstand the turmoil they must overcome? And should they survive the journey through a hostile, wild country, will they find happiness in an unfamiliar place that drove them west and took them from their beloved Arkansas home?
Excerpt
A mask of terror hid Charlotte’s normally radiant face. Minerva could see the muscles in her tired and pregnant body clench and unclench, a sure sign she was on the verge of a hysterical fit. Another labor pain gripped her, distorting her face and body into odd planes. Slowly, her mouth opened. “Minerva!”
Jolting bolt upright, Charlotte’s final call echoed in her ears. Glancing around, Minerva took in the scene. On the other side of camp, Cotton was asleep in his bedroll, which was tossed just a few feet from Moses’. Cocoa and Peanut were curled up near the flickering fire; their ten puppies nestled safely between them. Jay Jay was wadded up in her bedroll, sleeping soundly. The sky over Indian Territory was wide and bright with stars, and the low hanging moon gave the impression that the night was still young.
That was so real. Minerva yawned. If I can just get back to sleep, maybe I can help Charlotte.
Lying back, Minerva closed her eyes, but the odd dream was gone. The sounds and smells were gone. Even the memory of the dream seemed to be drifting away. Despite the fact that Minerva danced on the threshold of sleep, she was no nearer to Charlotte, who was still so very far away.
|
