Frank Greerson and Gregory Young have been discharged from the Army and are headed to their childhood homes. They both defied their parents in 1861 when they joined the Army. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union of the United States of America, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Once they find their claim, they encounter common obstacles to life on the Kansas Prairie in 1866: Native Americans, tornadoes, wild animals, and weather.<br><br>When a prairie fire destroys their crops and takes their neighbor’s lives, Frank and Gregory are instructed to find their young son’s aunt. Faced with leaving a destroyed claim, the railroad coming through their land, and dwindling funds, Frank and Gregory must decide whether to leave the place they have worked hard to make their own or fulfill their friends' dying wishes.

A Place to Call Their Own

Although it was August, the river ran cool and clear. It was just what they needed to cool off and relax after a month of traveling in the sticky summer weather. William and Viola took their time to enjoy the water as they watched the sunset, something foreign to both of them most of their lives.


“Seems like we arrived just in time,” William said to Viola. “They look like they’ve been through the mill.”


“Yes, it does. I’m glad we decided to deliver the gift personally, rather than sending a letter.”


William and Viola Harley continued to swim and bathe in the cool stream.


“Who knows how long it would have taken to reach them. Then we wouldn’t have been in Iowa for them to return the letter,” Harley said.


As the sun went down, the air cooled. The water gently lapped at the riverbank creating a soothing sound that almost put both of them to sleep.


Chapter 57