In 1856, the political unrest is growing in the South. Lucas Mailly gathers his granddaughters and sends them west by wagon with a handful of men to lead them. He must stay behind to sell their beloved Riverton home and timber mill. The recently widowed Elizabeth Bromont doesn't want to disappoint her grandfather and pushes her own emotions aside to do what is expected. She takes charge of this band of women on their adventure across the frontier.
With every turn along the wagon trail, these cousins, filled with city social graces and charm must learn how to handle the hardships and heartaches they face. Elizabeth finds herself with an unexpected suitor-her deceased husband's best friend. Her sister, Megan, encourages her, while keeping a secret of her own. Abby and Emma, the Mississippi cousins that have journeyed west, peel away the emotional layers put there by their heavy-handed plantation owner father and mother.
On the road west, through wagon accidents, total exhaustion, raging storms and wild animals the small band of travelers learn about survival on the prairie and the individuals they need to become to survive.
Relieved to finally arrive at the abandoned military post at Fort Worth, Texas they begin the hard work of establishing a home. The cousins help build schools and churches, and try to civilize the community with manners. Friendships are mended together around the quilting frame. But, they soon realize it that heartache has followed them. When their strength is put to the biggest test of all, they become true warriors of their heart, mind, and souls.
Published by: Moody PublisherISBN: 978-0-8024-0937-9
Publish date: June, 2013
Page Count: 224
Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD
Check out Threads of Home (A Quilting Story #2)
About Author
JODI BARROWS has spoken to quilting audiences throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, South Africa, and Australia. The unique method that she teaches is called Square in a Square. Jodi has written twenty-four books, produced four tools, two video/dvds, five teacher books, and several fabric lines. Jodi has been commissioned to compose quilts for many state and national organizations as well as working with the Kansas Historical Society. Jodi was raised in southwest Kansas, has two grown sons, a granddaughter, and is married to Steve, her high school sweetheart.
Visit her blog/website http://squareinasquare.danemcoweb.com/blog/
My Thoughts
Lucas Mailly has made the the decision to sell his home and business in Louisiana in anticipation of the war between the North and the South. He is making the move to Fort Worth. Texas. Four of his granddaughters will be heading out ahead of him on a wagon train. Along with the girls will be some of his most trust worthy hired hands to protect his family and their belongings.
The journey is not easy there are many dangers and mishaps including some bad weather before they reach there destination. What makes these women think they are ready for such a dangerous adventure into the Texas frontier. One of Lucas's granddaughters, Liz is recently a widow and the other three are single. These young women are brave with a fortitude that amazes not only the hired hands but surprisingly themselves. They each are looking forward to building a new life which includes a mercantile, a dress shop and maybe even a husband.
This was a real page turner for me. There was lots and lots of action packed in this one book. I had to keep running my family out of the room so I could read. I definitely enjoyed reading this story. The author gave these women some major backbones for sure. The love of family for this grandfather and his trust in God to protect his granddaughters was heartfelt. This is what it took to settle in the Texas frontier. It was as if the author had been an eyewitness on this journey. In this story is romance, adventure and so much more.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from MP Newsroom/Moody Publishers/River North for review.
