"Yosemite at Last" and "Stranger in the Glade" Book Reviews

Yosemite at Last: And Other Tales from Memory Creek Ranch

Christian YA reads that are clean, wholesome, and truly "Christian" are steadily becoming harder to find, so I am especially thankful for those few that I have the privilege of adding to my shelf . . . like Susan K. Marlow's Circle C Milestones series, and particularly Yosemite at Last: And Other Tales from Memory Creek Ranch, the fifth book in the series.

While I have read and enjoyed all of Mrs. Marlow's books to date, Yosemite at Last will probably always be my favorite.
This book was originally self-published as Tales from Memory Creek Ranch, but it was re-published by Kregel Publications on March 15, 2022, with a new title, a fresh cover, and yes, even some brand-new, never-before-seen-in-print stories!
The previous book in the Circle C Milestones series, Courageous Love, left readers hanging regarding Andi and Riley's courtship year, wedding, honeymoon, and married life. Even with the addition of the self-published Tales from Memory Creek Ranch to the series, Andi and Riley's honeymoon adventure alone was not given justice since it was only briefly mentioned in one of Andi's journal entries as being uneventful. With Andi involved, how is it possible that anything can go uneventfully, much less a honeymoon in the wilderness? Hence, the all-new story "Yosemite at Last" (after which the re-published book is titled) is sure to be a favorite for long-time Andi fans and new readers alike as it expands on the couple's disastrous, week-long honeymoon trip . . . complete with the perfect ending scene that makes the whole story worth reading.
Besides getting to see more of Andi and Riley's wedding and reception and trek along with them on their honeymoon, readers will also find out more of what happened during the year Riley and Andi courted (including a hilarious account of how Riley learned to dance), welcome a new member to the Prescott family (!), and meet a specter from Andi's past with whom she and Riley must offer a second chance (a story that continues to tug at my heart every time I read it). This book can be read as a standalone, but to enjoy it to the fullest I would recommend reading the rest of the Milestones series first.

Believe me, Yosemite at Last: And Other Tales from Memory Creek Ranch is a book you won't want to miss!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Stranger in the Glade: And More Tales from Memory Creek Ranch

Life has not calmed down for the Prescotts since the last installment in the series (Yosemite at Last: And Other Tales from Memory Creek Ranch). Some of their newest adventures include having old friends (and enemies) reappear, finding a stranger in their hidden glade, Andi learning a few fresh lessons on forgiveness and gratitude, a rabid raccoon sneaking in during the dead of night, and Andi and Riley experiencing the biggest surprise of their lives when they try to enjoy a relaxing visit with Kate and the kids in San Francisco. These adventures test Andi's faith and help her mature as a wife and mother.

Some of my favorite stories were "Winter Ice for Summer" (one of the FOUR new stories since Kregel re-published the book), "Nanny Riley" (this story still makes me smile, even two years since it was first released . . . and especially now with fresh short scenes and details woven in), "A Night to Remember" (also new - and confirms that hands down, Riley is my favorite fictional male character ever), and "San Francisco Suprise" (you'll find out why I like this one when you read it *winks*).

I  would 100% recommend this book to long-time Andi fans who've enjoyed the former five books in the Circle C Milestones series (Thick as Thieves, Heartbreak Trail, The Last Ride, Courageous Love, and Yosemite at Last).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Have you read either one of these books? Do you want to? Are there are any clean Christian YA reads you would recommend? Comment below!

Blessings,

Ellen

Monday Musings // "More Tales from Memory Creek Ranch" RELEASE!!!

note: instead of a life update + photo dump for this week's Monday Musings post, I have a special announcement to share with y'all. :) :) :) 

a few weeks back, I posted a pic of my prized CCA (Circle C Adventures) book collection. and now, I'm so excited to say . . .

My favorite author/writing mentor, Mrs. Susan K. Marlow, has just released her latest Andi book to the world!! (*cue intense applause and plenty of celebratory confetti*)

The all-new, five-star More Tales from Memory Creek Ranch is the sixth installment in the CC Milestones series, as well as a sequel to the first Tales from Memory Creek Ranch book . . . with Jared growing up and another Prescott baby born during one of the ending stories. (eeks!) 

As many of you know, Mrs. Marlow's Tales from Memory Creek Ranch is my very most favorite book EVER. I have whole scenes from that book memorized, and two copies of it at home with one on my Kindle so I can take it with me wherever I go. And when Mrs. Marlow said she was coming out with yet another Milestones book, I have to admit I might've been a bit skeptical. As far as I was concerned, there was no beating the original Tales collection.

Even so, I was very excited to be given the opportunity to help read and edit this most recent bunch of short stories. (and YES, that was my secret "job" I told you all about in an earlier post.) It wasn't long before I lost not only my reservations but also my imagination to the joys of devouring twelve more, never-before-seen-in-print adventures with Andi, Riley, and Jared Prescott.

 

A great manuscript + music = one happy young editor. :D

Each tale is spectacular, but I think my favorites would have to be the final two (San Francisco Surprise and Riley to the Rescue). Oh, and Nanny Riley, 'cause that one was inspired by a dear friend of mine and just makes me smile to read it. :)

So, what're you waiting for??? Go grab your own copy of More Tales from Memory Creek Ranch!! <3

FIND IT ON:

Amazon || Goodreads || CCA Website

Blessings,

Ellen S.

GIVEAWAY!

It's time for a fun giveaway!! 
Tales from Memory Creek Ranch was published in February of 2019. Soon after its release, Mrs. Marlow hosted a Valentine's Day giveaway for the book (and yes, I stole the above graphic from her post). 
Now, nearly a whole year later, I'm hosting a giveaway of my own . . . but this time for a Memory Creek keychain. 
A few pics of the prize:

You guys excited yet?? I know I am. These keychains are the CUTEST, and I look forward to sharing one of my "literary treasures" with a certain blessed winner.

Right, time for the rules. 

This giveaway runs from Monday, February 10th, to Friday, February 14th, 2020, and it is open to USA residents only. To enter, you can:

❤Follow me (via either blogger or email)

❤Comment below and tell me what your favorite story is from Tales from Memory Creek Ranch

One final note: be sure to let me know how many entries I should credit you for. If you follow me but don't clarify that you did so for the giveaway, you won't be entered in the drawing.

And . . . that's it! Have fun, and good luck! 

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Musing #108 - The Funniest Story You'll Ever Read

Six years ago I entered Mrs. Marlow's first-ever Circle C Writing Contest. I entered in the ages 6-9 category with a story called "Taffy is Missing!" I didn't win, but I had tons of fun. Looking at that story now, I can't help but laugh. It. is. so. historically. inaccurate!! To find out for yourself just what I mean, you'll to have to read my entry (pasted below). I didn't fix any typos or do the editing I now so earnestly desire to do. ;-) So, #keepingitreal. And I mean, we all have to start somewhere, right? LOL
NOTE: you have my permission to laugh. 

Taffy is Missing

Ellen Senechal

"Mom! Mom!" Andi cried as she ran inside the house. "Taffy wasn't in her pasture when I came for her!" Andi panted.

"Is she in the barn Andrea?" Mother asked.

Andi shook her head. "I'm telling you mom, she's missing!"

"Who's missing?" Justin who'd just come into the house asked.

"Taffy!" Andi yelled.

"Don't yell dear," Mother said.

Justin sat at the table with a plate of pancakes. "Taffy is old enough to jump the pasture fence," Justin declared.

Andi screamed, "Taffy is gone for good!" Andi started crying.

Mother sat down on a chair and pulled Andi up on her lap. Mother gave Andi a tight hug and said, "Don't cry honey. Once breakfast is over, you and Justin can go look for her."

Andi cheered up at the thought.

After breakfast, Justin and Andi got up on Star, Justin's Horse. Off they went into the woods. Andi held tight to a brown bag of lunch for her and Justin. Star trotted slowly through the woods. His hooves made a crackling noise as he trotted across fallen leaves on the ground.

Suddenly, Justin made Star's trots into gallops. Andi laughed. She had fun galloping with her biggest and best brother! Star galloped to a big rock where Justin stopped him and hopped off. Andi got off too.

They sat beside the rock and opened up the bag of lunch. Inside there was: a lump of sugar for taffy, carrot sticks, apples (one for each), peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and a bottle of grape juice for each. Andi ate her sandwich and grape juice but saved her carrots, apple, and sugar for Taffy. Andi and Justin got back up on Star and galloped away.

"Justin!" Andi cried. "Is that...is that...Taffy?!?!?!" Justin looked. He turned Star in the direction Andi was pointing at. There a golden, not pale golden, horse stood. He was tied to a tree. The horse had a brown mane instead of white, and he looked younger than Taffy. The horse whinnied.

"Nope.  Not Taffy," Justin said. Justin was right. Even the whinny sounded weird. They hopped back up on Star and galloped away.

About an hour later, Andi got hungry and thirsty. She was also tired. Justin took her to Woods Creek. Andi drank some creek water then ate some of her carrot sticks. After she had her fill, she got up onto Star and into Justin's lap. There she slept contentedly.

A half hour later, Andi woke up. Star was galloping, and Justin steered him. Andi rubbed her sleepy eyes. 

Star kept galloping. Justin whistled for Taffy, and Andi called for her horse. Suddenly...crunch!  Something was moving in the bushes! Star stood still. Andi jumped off Star and ran to the bushes.

It was Taffy! Her hoof was caught in the bushes' thistles. Andi thought fast. She called for Justin who came running. Justin tried removing the thistles. Andi fed Taffy her sugar, apple, and leftover carrots. Taffy ate it all for she was very hungry. Finally, Justin had removed all the thistles. Andi looked at Taffy's hoof. It was bleeding and swollen.

"She won't be able to trot or gallop," Justin said.

"We must help her." Andi started to cry. Her horse was hurt!

Justin got up on Star and said, "I'll go get Chad. He knows about horses. You stay here with Taffy."

Andi watched as Star galloped away with Justin. Tears leaked out from her eyes. "Taffy is hurt and now mean-bossy Chad is coming!" she said to herself. Andi patted Taffy's nose.

Taffy whinnied. She was hungry. So was Andi. Andi put her hand into her pocket and pulled out an Oreo she had saved. She slowly nibbled it. Andi finished her Oreo then reached into her pocket again. She pulled out seven red-yummy-looking cherries she had found by Taffy's pasture. Andi gave Taffy four of the yummy cherries then ate the other three. After their snack, Andi and Taffy fell asleep. 

The next thing Andi knew she was being picked up. Justin was carrying her. Justin placed Andi into a wagon with Taffy. Then Justin got up with Chad in the front seat and clutched a giddy-up to the two horses Janes and James. Janes and James pulled the wagon. 

Andi was happy. Things were alright! Andi laid down and went back to sleep.

The End.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? Bottles of grape juice? OREOS?? XD I'm so thankful to be able to say I have improved in my writing and in the accuracy of my Andi stories since 2013. ;D

Comment below and let me know your thoughts on this unique little musing! 

Musing #77 - Chapter 17

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 17. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

“Let me go! Oh, Riley, save me! Save me!”

          Vega came closer. “You are mine now, missy.”

          “No! Riley, Riley, where are—”

          Andi jerked awake from the terrifying nightmare. She flew to a sitting position, her heart beating fast. Her head throbbed.

          “Riley!” she shrieked, thrashing wildly. “Riley!”

          “Shh.” Hands closed around Andi’s shoulders. “It’s all right. You’re safe.”

          Andi didn’t know who was speaking, but the voice was soothing…and familiar. She allowed the unknown person to push her back down onto the pillows. Then, reaching up, she latched onto one of his hands and held it firmly.

          “Shh.” Fingers brushed across her forehead, moving aside the sweaty strands of hair clinging to her face. “You have influenza. But you’re safe. I’m here.” The hand holding hers squeezed gently. “And I’m never letting you leave my sight again.”

          Andi wanted to know more, wanted to say more, but the fever enveloped again, and she dropped into a delirious sleep.

***

          The next time Andi awoke, she felt somewhat better. Her head still ached, but it didn’t pound. Where am I? What happened?

          Forcing her eyes open, Andi looked around her.

          I’m…it couldn’t be! Am I really—?

          She was. She was really and truly home. She recognized the bedroom as her and Riley’s own at Memory Creek Ranch.

          This bed is so soft! And Riley—

          Her gaze landed upon him. He sat at her side, head buried in his hands. A basin of water and a cloth sat nearby. A lamp was the only light in the room.

          “Riley?” Andi whispered hoarsely.

          His head jerked up. He looked at her face and let out a breath. “You’re awake.” He laid a hand against her forehead. “Your fever’s down.”

          Andi’s tears rose, choking her. “You look all worn out.”

          Riley smiled and clasped her hand tightly in between both of his own. “I’m fine now. Completely fine.”

          “Oh, Riley…” The tears Andi was holding back spilled. A sob ripped from her throat. It sent her into a sudden coughing fit.

          Riley reached quickly for a cup of water, which he held to Andi’s lips. Weakly, she batted it away. The fit was passed, and she had important things to say and ask.

          “I thought I’d never come home again,” she whispered. “The days were so long—and so hard.”

          “Hush, Andi. Dr. Weaver told me that you mustn’t overexert yourself, but rather rest and regain your health. Besides, your brothers and I have been figuring out most of it. From Molasses’s sudden disappearance, to the messy kitchen…to the note we found.”

          “What note?”

          “One signed ‘Mateo Vega.’ That was all, and it was so clumsily scribbled I think it was quite accidental that it was there at all. It must’ve fallen, unnoticed. However, it still gave us some sort of a lead. At least we knew what’d happened. But I’m talking too much. Dr. Weaver and your mother will have my hide. Go back to sleep.”

          “But—”

          “No buts.” Riley pressed a kiss to her cheek. “You’ll have plenty of time to tell me later. Sleep now.”

          But Andi couldn’t sleep. She had more to ask. “Where’s the baby? Is he all right?”

          Riley beamed. “Your mother has our little son. He’s in better shape than you are.”

          “He seemed so miserable,” Andi rasped, then coughed.

          “Dr. Weaver inspected him, too. A slight cold, but nothing serious. Your mother has him taken care of.

          “Now…” Riley dipped the cloth in the basin, wrung it out, and draped it across Andi’s brow. “Go back to sleep. I’ll stay right here.”

***

          Several days more, and the fever finally left Andi. At last, she was able to crawl from bed and enjoy a hot, lengthy time in the bathtub. Afterwards Mother brushed out her hair and tied it back neatly.

          “There,” she said, adjusting the ribbon, “you’re all clean and fresh, sweetheart.”

          Andi stared at the Andi in the mirror. What a big change! The old skirt and blouse weren’t even fit for rags. They’d been tossed in the trash and burned, never to be seen again. Instead, she wore a new dress. That hideous weeks’ worth of tangles her hair had used to be now lay against her back in soft, silky curls, all held back by one big bow. Her hands were clean. So was her face.

          And I’m home.

          Andi sighed with contentment. God never left me. Thanks, Lord, for always being there. For being my rock. Helping me trust. And never letting me go.

          She smiled at her mother. “How well did Dr. Weaver say I am?”

          “Well enough to come to the Circle C tonight for supper,” Mother answered, beaming.

          “And well enough to make me a loaf of cinnamon bread for breakfast someday soon,” said a voice from the doorway. “Believe it or not, I’ve missed your cooking.”

          Riley strode into the room, all smiles. He pulled Andi into a heartfelt embrace. “It’s good to see you up and around, looking well,” he said. “We’ve been very worried about you.”

          Andi relaxed in his arms. “It’s good to be well. And to be…here.”

          “I sure did miss you, Andi,” Riley said.

          “I know. I missed you, too.” Andi let out a breath and smiled.

          I’m safe. Jared is safe. Riley is here. And we’re all home.

          Andi looked up at Riley. “You know what?”

          “What?”

          “It’s good to be home.”

The End

Well, this makes for the final chapter of Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws, so now I'd love to hear your thoughts on this story! What did you enjoy most? In what areas were you surprised or shocked at the plot twists? Tell me in the comments below!

This story has finished posting, but thankfully I still have more musings to share with you all! A fun post titled "The Ten Questions Book Tag" goes up tomorrow, and Saturday features a special musing called "Our First Peek at Baby." Stay tuned! 

Musing #76 - Chapter 16

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 16. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning. 

The days and nights whizzed together. Three train rides and several days later, Andi opened her bleary eyes as she felt the car pull to a stop.

          “Out! Out! Everyone out! Fresno! Fresno!”
          Fresno? The word clicked. Fresno!

          Andi pulled herself to her feet, collected her meager belongings and Jared, and, laboriously pushing back the car door, stepped onto the station platform.

          She looked about her, tears flowing. I’m here! I’m here! Finally! Thanks, Lord.

Musing #75 - Chapter 15

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 15. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning. 

Slowly one day dawdled by. Then two.

          Andi was weary and cold, but she concentrated only on putting one foot in front of the other.

          It’d been a miserable journey, short as it may seem. Both nights she’d barely slept a wink. Worse, the first night into the second day it poured torrents of rain, sending Andi to seek shelter beneath trees. Still, she became thoroughly drenched, and her baby was little better.

Press onward. Press onward.

Musing #74 - Chapter 14

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 14. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

Bags littered the room from roof to floor. Paper bills carelessly thrown about added to the clutter. Worse, at least one hundred wanted posters lay about, all of them screaming, “WANTED: $1,000 Thomas Chadwick,” with a picture of Luke Cornwallis on each!

          Andi’s mouth fell open, and Lily burst into tears. “Oh, my husband will do something dreadful for sure if he finds out—”

          “What is this?”

          Andi and Lily spun around as one. Luke—no, Thomas—stood, arms crossed, face red with rage. Andi clasped her clammy hands together to keep them from shaking. Who is this man?

Musing #73 - Chapter 13

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 13. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

The man, whose name was Luke Cornwallis, told Andi she’d never been far from Los Angeles. “That means it’ll take less than a week to get to my home,” he explained.

          They rode the whole way, and it was pure bliss to Andi. She continually thanked God for this huge miracle.

          The group arrived at a small cottage with handsome white walls clung to with ivy. The windows were clean and glittered in the afternoon sun. A red-tile roof, fully adorned with colored leaves, looked bright and cheerful. An old, wooden door that almost hung only by its hinges completed the homely scene.

Musing #72 - Chapter 12

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 12. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

Andi groaned as she placed a heavy load of firewood down and yet still felt the sting of burns on her raw, chapped hands. They shook with cold, yet burned with pain. Her cheeks were flushed crimson, and her teeth chattered.

          So much for us staying at the camp for only a little while, Andi thought bitterly, rubbing her hands together for warmth. That “little while” had turned into four long, work-filled months that felt more like years to poor Andi. The November air seemed especially icy this year.

          And yet as bad as Andi’s hands ached, and her neck and back screamed with pain, the ache in her heart was a thousand times worse. She yearned to be with Riley again. And hold her son in her arms. And be in her house.

          And be away from every bandit she’d ever heard of.

Musing #71 - Chapter 11

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 11. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

Benita firmly told Andi she would sleep with her in her own cabin so that Andi could not escape again.

          Ha! Benita fell asleep as soon as she laid her head on the pillow, leaving Andi wide awake.    

Musing #70 - Chapter 10

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 10. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning. 

“After those women!” shrieked Benita, and the mob gathered around her swarmed forward.

          Run! Andi’s mind shouted, and she forced her heavy feet into a blind run, no longer caring to be silent. In her arms, Jared wailed his unhappiness.

          Andi followed Lily’s auburn braid until finally she caught up with her, and the two ran together. When Lily stumbled, Andi held her up. Then Lily’s skirt caught on a bush, and together they yanked it free, not even noticing when it tore.

          But when Andi’s braid snagged on the same bush, they couldn’t get her loose. Panic and despair set in almost immediately. Andi practically threw Jared into Lily’s arms and then hacked at her braid with her dull knife. She couldn’t think straight.

          “Take off your ribbon and undo the braid!” Lily cried, sobbing.

          Too late. Andi knew they had no time to wait for her to undo her braid. The bandits’ shouts and footsteps were coming dangerously close. If they waited for her, they’d never escape.

          In that moment, Andi made her choice.

Musing #69 - Chapter 9

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 9. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

Andi hurriedly took up the sheet on her bed and folded it over. Grabbing a needle and some thread, she sewed the sheet together with great, sloppy seams. It was a sorry excuse for a bag, but it’d still work, Andi decided. She crammed her change of blouse and skirt inside, added her hairbrush, Jared’s few diapers, some hair pins, and an old, worn apron. Then Andi tied the bag to her shoulder.

          Just as she was stooping to pick up Jared, Lily entered the cabin. At the sight of Andi, looking worried and desperate, with her messy bag knotted over one shoulder, Lily’s brows drew together in confusion.

          “What are you doing?” she asked.

Musing #68 - Chapter 8

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 8. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

Andi gave the shelf a final sweep with her cleaning rag.
          
          “I’m done,” she told Benita.

          Benita nodded curtly. “Bueno. Now, there is someone here to see me. Take the rags you have used and clean them. I had water brought while you were busy.”
          “Yes’m.”

          Andi took the rags Benita handed to her and left the cabin. No sooner did she round the corner than she stopped.

          Were those distinct whispers coming from inside? They carried clearly to her ear, and she listened intently.

Musing #67 - Chapter 7

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 7. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning. 

Throughout the day Andi slept soundly, her baby nestled between her and the wall so that no one who peeked into the cabin could see him. As soon as the baby awoke, with a sharp little bawl, Andi snapped awake and fed him. Lily came in every few hours to change his diaper.
          
         The outlaws fell for Andi’s story of feeling poorly, and all in all it wasn’t as dreadful as had been expected.
         
         The next morning, Andi forced her weary limbs to get out of bed. She couldn’t stay in the cabin for too long, or the outlaws would become suspicious. She fumbled into a skirt and blouse and braided her hair.
         
         “Here, Andi.” Lily held out a rolled-up wad of fabric. “Stuff this under your blouse. You must look pregnant at all times today, my friend.”
         
        Andi accepted the roll and tucked her blouse securely around it. She was too groggy to worry about it slipping. 
         

Musing #66 - Chapter 6

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 6. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

“Lily!” Vega barked at once. “Why are you dawdling here? There’s work to be done! Señora Rodendo needs you at her cabin right away.”

          “Yes, Señor Vega,” Lily muttered, shuffling from the cabin. But, unlike Andi, she did not appear to be the least bit fearful of Vega. Andi caught the withering glance she gave him just before leaving the cabin.

          But Andi also couldn’t miss the small shriek Lily uttered as she stepped oustide. A scared expression overcame her features, and she ran off, head drooping and hands uncurled in fear.

          What on earth? Andi stared after her, completly bewildered. Who or what could’ve scared her like that if it wasn’t Vega?

Musing #65 - Chapter 5

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 5. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

Two days more and the weary group trotted into “camp”—a small area littered with tents, small sheds, and little buildings, much like Procopio’s camp had been. Children ran and squealed; women tended fires; men sawed wood and prepared their guns for hunting.

          Andi was so hungry she could’ve eaten half a steer all by herself. The appetizing odor of chili made her stomach growl. 

          After they had dismounted, Amos headed for a cooking pot hung over a small fire. Once again, the others followed.

         “Lily, that chili almost done?” Amos inquired of a petite young woman bent over the pot.
         The woman straightened, and Andi gasped. Lily was as white as Andi herself, although one could hardly tell, as her tan was deep. Her hair was a dark, pretty color of auburn and was drawn into a bun that lay against her neck in a dejected manner. Her sea-green eyes told their sorrowful tale of hard work. Her whole being—in its drooping, hopeless manner—wailed the news—this woman was a captive who worked as the Mexicans’ servant.

Musing #64 - Chapter 4

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 4. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

“But how?” was the number one question that zoomed through Andi’s head as the group travelled tirelessly for several days. They galloped over vast, wide-and-empty spaces, breaking only on short occasions for meals and naps.

          Andi soon became saddle-sore. Every day she was overcome with a fresh wave of worry. She longed for Memory Creek Ranch. For Shasta. Most of all, for Riley.

          While her captors slept during their half-hour breaks, with one awake to keep an eye on their prisoner and watch after the horses, Andi lay awake and cried the tears that she forcibly held back during their rides. She prayed for long periods of time, and, even though she was as wearied out as she was, she could never rest well.

          What’ll become of me? And the baby?