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

Tom took her in his arms and dropped a kiss on her hair. “I wouldn’t ever do that. Not to George. Not to you. Not to our children.”


But he was concerned. His son had seemed so pleased that Tom had married Olivia. What could have happened that would cause him to do such a mean-spirited thing to a woman who’d been nothing but kind to him?


“Try to get some rest.” He patted her hand and left her there, striding into the kitchen.


Mrs. Hall looked up from the dough she was rolling out. “I brought some blueberries I put up last season. I thought a pie would be nice for dessert.”


“Thank you, yes. That would be nice.” He knew his expression had to be preoccupied at best, and he offered her a smile.


“Would you like to take them home? They…er…seem to make Mrs. Pettigrew sneeze.”


“Ah. Poor lady. A friend of mine has the same reaction to ragweed. Of course that’s not nearly as pretty as roses, which makes your missus’s reaction unfortunate.”


Chapter 39