Emma and Jonathan Carter, aboard the steamboat Carter's Dream on her maiden voyage up the Big Muddy, head toward a new beginning in the wild, emerging town of Independence. From their newly opened store, Carter's Mercantile Too, they hope to make their fortune outfitting traders, trappers, and emigrants heading west into Indian Territory. The years in Independence, and later Westport, bring both joy and pain as Emma and Jonathan face would-be robbers, a "star shower," the fear brought by not one, but two outbreaks of Cholera, the devastation of the Great Flood of 1844, the joy of a new life and pain of death, the uncertainty of the expolding hostilities of the Border War, and just plain growing old. One of their greatest joys, however, is the purchase of the land that would become White Oaks, the ranch that signified the fulfillment of everything they'd worked for over the years.Through all their experiences, whether good or bad, there was one thing that always sustained Emma and Jonathan - their love. A love that gave them the strength to endure whatever confronted them - as long as they faced it together.
About the Author: Diane was born on "The Jersey Shore" and spent much of her youth on the beach, but for the past 20+ years has lived in the Kansas City area. She currently resides south of Kansas City with her husband, horses, and cats. She has two grown children and five grandchildren. She's always loved the old west and the history of the Civil War. Her favorite movie is DANCES WITH WOLVES, an inspiration for the first book in her (original) trilogy. Having parents from both the north and south, and a cousin whose parents were reversed, they grew up calling each other "Yebels," imagining themselves 150 years ago and the possibility that their families could have fought on different sides of the war. As a kid, Diane played Cowboys and Indians more than she did Barbie, and it shows in what she writes--stories of the struggles of common people and what made this country great. As a senior in high school, she had the option of taking study hall or World History. She took World History-a class she'll remember all her life. When Diane's not working on writing or marketing her books she's spending time with her family, or curled reading a good book or in front of the television enjoying old movies (but most especially old westerns). Diane currently works full time as a Legal Administrative Assistant at a law firm on the Plaza in Kansas City (while working to get her writing career kick-started). Diane would love to hear from you with comments. If you'd like to contact her, please do so via email at: dlrogers2@peoplepc.com.