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

“Tell Mrs. O’Connor if she approaches my family—At. All—she’ll deal with me, and believe me, the results won’t be the sort she’d be happy about.”


Mrs. Keogh gave a breathless shriek and slid down to the floor, pressing her hand to her bosom. Her legs sprawled out to reveal her cotton stockings and the frill of a petticoat.


Tom turned and started toward the stairs when the door behind him opened and a shoe went sailing past his head. A glance over his shoulder revealed his former landlady standing there, her bosom heaving, looking somewhat disheveled.


“She’s not going to survive the birth, you stupid man! How many times do I have to tell you? She’s too young and too narrow in the hips!”


Tom shook his head. “That’s no concern of yours. Stay away from my family.”


She shrieked, but he ignored whatever else she had to say and made his way down the stairs and out of the house.


Chapter 40