Mud Creek (33 page)

But the four optimistic teenagers—as with most homesteaders—didn’t know any of that. They were fascinated by the prospects presented in the ad and decided to seek their fortunes out west.

The boys left that summer. They chose plots of land that were side by side, and they built sod houses and prepared for the girls to join them.

The girls traveled by train the following spring. When my great grandmother arrived in South Dakota, she was carrying a newborn baby—my grandmother—who was six weeks old.

This is
not
my great grandmother’s story. But I think of her sometimes, holding that tiny baby and stepping off that train when she was just seventeen. I think of her climbing onto my great grandfather’s buckboard and starting off across that deserted, endless prairie. I think of how young she was, how brave and undaunted.

Then I think of myself, how—just a few short decades later—I’m a lawyer, the mother of a Hollywood film and television actor, and a bestselling author of over thirty novels.

I’ve come a long way.

“Best storyteller of the year…”

Romantic Times Magazine

“A master writer…”

Fallen Angel Reviews

“Cheryl Holt is magnificent…”

Reader to Reader Reviews

“From cover to cover, I was spellbound. Truly outstanding…”

Romance Junkies

“It is always a wonderful feeling, like comfort food, to read a favorite author, and her storytelling here is just as wonderful as in her first book. I find this to be uncommon, but Ms. Holt is this type of author. I recommend any reader to search out her books and read them.”

Book Wenches.com

“A classic love story with hot, fiery passion dripping from every page. There’s nothing better than curling up with a great book and this one totally qualifies.”

Fresh Fiction

“This book pulls you in and you won’t be able to put it down.”

The Romance Studio

“This is a masterpiece of storytelling. A sensual delight scattered with rose petals that are divinely arousing. Oh my, yes indeedy!”

Reader to Reader Reviews

“Bravo, Ms. Holt, for continuing to entertain us with your exceptional talent.”

Coffee Time Romances

The beautiful cover art for this novel was designed by Angela Waters.
www.angelawatersart.com