"An exciting tale of redemption through love"

In 1852 Muddy Flats, California retired outlaw Sam Ransom Glover eludes the law to find work in a lumber camp. He applies for a job at Zenobia Gray's Stew Kitchen. Zee has doubts about Sam Ransom, but tells him her prerequisite involving working with a Chinaman Lee Yung, reading the bible every evening, and trust. He agrees to her conditions so she hires him.

Almost immediately afterward, Caleb Barlow feels something is not right with his wife Sue Ellen, who is in severe pain with her about to give birth. He asks Zee to help. She does her best, but her best friend besides Lee dies as little Mary enters the world. Zee raises little Mary.

As time passes, Sam and Zee fall in love. However, both have a past that each fear will return one day. Neither feels worthy of the other, making a permanent loving relationship almost impossible unless love can overcome the obstacles of the demons that haunt Sam and Zee.

This pre-Civil War California historical romance is an exciting tale of redemption through love saving two lost forgotten souls. The story line is filled with the ambience of life in a lumber camp just after the Gold Rush. The lead couple is a delightful pair as each one expects the worse to occur but hopes for a miracle to happen as they know they found their soul mate, but believe it is too late for their souls to interact.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted October 6, 2003