George Pettigrew and his papa must leave the California rancho they'd lived on since his birth. They end up in New York City, where Papa marries and George gets a new beloved mama. George also meets Frank and Bart who become fast friends, and in Bart's case, even more.<br><br>The start of the Civil War leaves George the man of the family, but although he’s found a job, it’s difficult to pay the ever-increasing rent. Then Papa dies at Appomattox and Mama falls ill.<br><br>After Mama dies, her father takes George’s siblings. When George learns his younger sister is being abused, he rescues the three children. But will dressing his sisters as boys and himself as a woman be enough of a disguise to keep them safe until they can reach the valley he’s dreamed of? Will Bart leave behind his own family and go with the man he loves?

Home Before Sundown

Mr. Ike chuckled. “Well, okay then. I’ll adjust the stirrups, and you can try it out. Then I’ll take a look at the mare.”


“Okay.” George waited patiently while Mr. Ike made sure the stirrups were the right length for him. Once that was done, he gathered the reins into his left hand and gave Nightfall the signal to walk. George rode him out into the street and circled around a time or two before coming back into the stable.


“I always did have a way with saddles.”


“Her hoof’s fine, even though she’s been walking without that shoe for a bit.”


“Papa stopped riding her as soon as he realized something was wrong,” he said defensively.


“No offense intended, boy.” Mr. Ike put the mare’s foot down and patted her right shoulder. “It’ll take me a few minutes to fire up the forge, but once I replace the shoe, she’ll be right as rain.”


“Papa will be relieved to hear that.”


Chapter 7