In a time when raiders, bushwhackers, and Redlegs rode the Cass County, Missouri, countryside bringing fear and destruction with them, Elizabeth Miers and her family barely survived into the next day. When the enemy, in the form of Elizabeth's neighbors, comes a-calling more than once with mischief on their minds, Elizabeth fights back to keep her children safe against men she once called friends. On August 25, 1863, following the issuance of General Order No. 11, thousands of women, children, and the elderly were forced to vacate their homes in the brutal summer heat within fifteen days. With determination and a plan, Elizabeth sets out on a sixty-mile trek toward St. Clair County. Carrying enough prepared food and water on a rickety built sled to reach her family, she prays her kin are there to welcome them, uncertain whether they survived the buring of Osceola two years prior, or not. Facing more than just the lack of food and shelter and the unbearable heat, they're set upon by raiders and foraging soldiers who try to take more than just their meager provisions. Much more. Left with little, Elizabeth and her fellow travelers continue south, facing more indignities before their journey is done.Through Elizabeth and the thousands of other refugees that traveled ahead of and behind her, feel what they felt in the wake of General Order No. 11, an order that took everything and left them destitute and afraid they wouldn't live to see one more day.
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, dogs, 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 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 her books, either writing or marketing, she spends time with her family, or is curled up reading a good book or is 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.