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

“Okay, but this better be good. I ain’t got all day to hang around watching you make a fool of yourself.”


Tom grinned down at George and ruffled his hair when he bounced with excitement. “Here, son.” He handed George Sunrise’s reins.


Hudson led them into the stable just as a horse in one of the stalls gave a scream of outrage. A man squirmed out of the stall and lit out like his tail was on fire.


The sound of thuds rang through the stable as iron-shod hooves came into contact with wooden walls.


The man sent a terrified glance behind him. “I quit,” he shouted as he ducked behind them and bolted into the street.


“That goddamned knothead is gonna tear my stable apart,” Hudson said sourly. “I’ve had it. That’s the third man that flea-bitten nag has lost me this month alone. You better stay out of the way, boy, before he stomps you to dust. Barney.” Hudson yelled for one of the stable boys. “You go get the knacker. I’m done with this outlaw.”


Chapter 9