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

“That’s very thought-provoking,” Frank remarked. He did find politics interesting. “I wish I could have attended, but Father feels I’m too young to be involved. And Mr. Vaughan…” His expression became sour. After a moment, he dismissed the lawyer. “I’ve been hearing good things about Mr. Lincoln, though.”


“Yeah. I’m telling you, I ain’t never heard nothing like it in all my born days,” Bart said.


George swallowed a grin. Bart wasn’t all that old. He’d turned fifteen a few weeks after George’s birthday in January.


“I want you…I want everyone to call me Abe. Abe Lincoln Hall.”


George exchanged glances with Frank, who shrugged. George shook his head. “Okay, Abe.”


For a second, he thought Bart was going to do handsprings across the stable floor.


“We’re almost done. Why don’t you sit on that bale with the cat and tell us about it.”


Chapter 51