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

“Georgie, why haven’t you been to see us?”


“They wouldn’t let me. Every time I came by these past two months, your grandfather sent word you were visiting or shopping or something.”


“He told us you didn’t love us anymore—that you didn’t want to be our brother.”


George swore under this breath. “I’ve been trying to save money to take us all away from here.”


“This is Charlotte’s room.” She pointed it out.


George put her behind him and used care entering. Noelle was a dainty little girl, and just because she’d hit her grandfather again and again didn’t mean she’d done as much damage as she’d thought.


“Georgie!” Thomas stood over the old man, holding a chunk of firewood. “Christmas! I do just what you tell me and watch the mean old man. He not move.” He nudged the body with his little foot.


“Good boy, Thomas. Can you watch him a little longer? I want to see how Charlie is.”


Chapter 91