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

George gave the mule the other half of the carrot, then caught up the reins and climbed onto the dogcart. As soon as Franklin was seated beside him, George clicked his tongue and shook out the reins. Sancho Panza flicked his long ears back and forth and set off at a brisk trot.


Tom leaned against the fence. “He’s a good boy, isn’t he?”


“He is.” Olivia came to stand beside him, her cheeks flushed and a happy smile on her mouth


“I thought you were going to take a nap.”


“In a little while, perhaps. I had to come back to tell you how happy you’ve made me. The cottage is spotless, although Mrs. Hall claims she had nothing to do with that. She is an excellent cook, though. Wait until you smell the wonderful scent of the roast duck. Oh, I missed the boys.”


“They’ll be back soon. Would you like to feed the horses a carrot?”


Chapter 34