Convinced to sign up to homestead in Nebraska,where women are allowed to homestead without a husband, 16 single women and widows board a train in St Louis, to make the trip west. They were promised free passage back to St Louis, if they didn't wish to stay. What they aren't told, is that that they are really expected to marry some of the men who are already there, and that is how their way was paid.
When they reach Plum Grove, the last stop before their final destination, Cayote Nebraska, one of the ladies overhears some comments, and some of the ladies decide to stay there.
They are:
Caroline, the southern belle, whose only mistake was to marry a Union Officer, so her parents no longer have anything to do with her.
Sally, whose husband had beat her, and broken her arm, before she divorced him.
Ruth, whose Union General husband had died, leaving her with no will to live, but a young son to care for, so she has to go on.
Hettie, who boards the train at the last minute, and carries a secret she doesn't wish to share.
Elle, whose husband had made her feel worthless, because she was tall.
Mama, Elle's mother, who tries to convince her daughter that she is beautiful in her own way.
Together they homestead 4 tracts, and meet the challenges of Prairie life, wild fires and learning to depend on themselves and their neighbors.
Have you ever read a book that you weren't ready to end? This is how I felt about this book. I'd have loved to have had at least another 100 pages. I only hope that the author will continue this story in another novel.
Bethany House publishers
I was not paid for this review, I did receive a copy of the book to read and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
1 comment:
Well, you are a reading fool this week-that's for sure! ANOTHER book I would like to read. Good Lord, Jett..slow down cuz I'm never gonna catch up~
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