Wagons West!

It's early springtime on the ranch, and Hank is going through the usual motions of making sure that a warm spring arrives safely: singing songs about it, barking faithfully each morning, and helping the cowboys with their work around the ranch.

However, in the midst of a particularly hard day's nap, he receives a report that his little birdy friend, Madame Moonshine, is in danger of being eaten by Pete the Barncat! Naturally, Hank springs into action to save her, but a misstep brings the wrath of Sally May down on his head, and Hank must flee the scene of the rescue and travel west on the Oregon Trail with Little Alfred.

Later, when a freak storm causes the creek to rise, stranding Little Alfred far from the house, Hank must rely on his instincts and clever wits and perhaps a little help from Madame Mooshine to keep them both safe and get Alfred back to his mother!

It is 1838. The first wagon train to Oregon country moves slowly across the Great Plains, reaching the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in early autumn. Led by wagon scout “Whip” Holt, the 500-strong community of courageous men, women, and children prepare for the bitter winter ahead. Among them are dreamers and drifters, foreigners and natives, friends and enemies. But it is a pair of strong-willed women who are Whip’s most unexpected allies: the outspoken Cathy van Ayl, widowed and alone at 24, and the beautiful half-Arapaho, half-Cherokee La-ena, who was once Whip’s mistress.

Before these brave pioneers lie endless miles of hardship and danger, treachery and death. Beneath their struggle for survival lie hidden rivalries, unspoken secrets, and burning jealousies that threaten to consume them all. But in their hearts beats the dream of a new beginning in a promised land — the unstoppable dream of America itself.

They are the first wagon train to cross the American continent—and forge the Oregon Trail. Five-hundred courageous men, women, and children, led by mountain man Whip Holt, they have survived the Rocky Mountain winter, fierce native attacks, and countless other hardships. Now, on the last leg of their journey, they face their greatest challenge yet.

Three mighty nations have sent explorers to stake their claims—the English army, Russian agents, and American pioneers—but only one can win. Devoted to the dream of a new home, Whip Holt finds himself divided by two women: his wife, who is courted by both the English and the Russians, and Cathy van Ayl Blake, who is married to an American commander. Together, these would-be settlers must fight for what they believe in, or die for what they love—in the name of freedom, justice, and destiny. This is their story—the birth of America.

The year is 1837. The American West is untamed, uncivilized, and largely unclaimed. U.S. President Andrew Jackson, in a race with the British and Russians, sends a wagon train of would-be settlers into the uncharted Oregon territory, led by his close friend, mountain man and veteran Sam Brentwood. Teaming up with trail hand Whip Holt, widow Claudia Humphries, and a colorful group of courageous pioneers, Brentwood sets off from New York, heading westward to Independence, Missouri—the last outpost of civilization before the unknown and treacherous dangers of a new frontier.

Along the way, they will form unbreakable friendships, fight unforeseen enemies, and face unimaginable and often fatal odds. But in spite of the hardships and heartaches, the tragedies and triumphs, they will risk their lives to follow their dreams—and forge a nation’s destiny. This is their story.

Colorado!

Some came for freedom; others, to build a new life. But in 1858, when gold is discovered in the Colorado region, thousands of desperate men and women descend on Denver like a hungry swarm. Homesteaders struggle to hold onto their claims, but none are immune to the effects of gold fever. Wagon train veteran Chet Harris risks his life to repeat the success he found in the California gold fields. Mineral expert Luke Brando masquerades as a banker, while his wife hides a yearning for riches of her own. And young Cathy Blake discovers just how far she’ll go to defeat a voluptuous rival. But the greatest challenge belongs to General Lee Burke, one of the original pioneers of the Oregon Trail. Under orders from U.S. President James Buchanan, he must gain the support of Colorado – with all its newfound wealth – to forge the fate of a nation.

But time is running out. Tensions between the North and the South are heating up. Soon every American will be called on to fight – for the greatest dream of all….

Virginia City, 1861. As thousands of fortune-seekers descend on the silver-rich boomtown hoping to cash in on the Comstock Lode, a very different cause unites the ranks of courageous soldiers in the coming Civil War - the supreme battle for America’s future. Major General Lee Blake is assigned the treacherous task of transporting silver to the Union troops in Missouri - while enemies plot to sabotage his mission. By his side are some of the bravest men and women Blake has ever known: wagon-master Whip Holt, Holt’s quick-tempered son Toby, sharp-shooting newswoman Suzanne Fulton, and English widow Allison White, who may be forced into espionage. With states seceding one by one, and tensions rising every day, the fate of a nation is riding on their journey. But there are those who will stop at nothing to keep the “silver train” from reaching its destination. And there are those who will sacrifice up everything - even their lives - for the golden promise of America....

Virginia City, 1861. As thousands of fortune-seekers descend on the silver-rich boomtown hoping to cash in on the Comstock Lode, a very different cause unites the ranks of courageous soldiers in the coming Civil War - the supreme battle for America's future. Major General Lee Blake is assigned the treacherous task of transporting silver to the Union troops in Missouri - while enemies plot to sabotage his mission. By his side are some of the bravest men and women Blake has ever known: wagon-master Whip Holt, Holt's quick-tempered son Toby, sharp-shooting newswoman Suzanne Fulton, and English widow Allison White, who may be forced into espionage. With states seceding one by one, and tensions rising every day, the fate of a nation is riding on their journey. But there are those who will stop at nothing to keep the "silver train" from reaching its destination. And there are those who will sacrifice up everything - even their lives - for the golden promise of America....

TEXAS!

1844. The bold new Republic of Texas is fighting for its life. Rallying to the cause of liberty, the brave pioneers who forged the Oregon Trail are called upon to lead a new wagon train into the fray. Leaving their homes in the thriving Oregon Territory, they face impossible odds on the wild Texas frontier, overrun with dangerous outlaws, native tribes, and the powerful Mexican Army. Among the freedom fighters are veteran commander Lee Blake and his wife Kathy, boat builder Harry Canning, and the fearless volunteers who would risk their lives as Texas Rangers. Their new leader, Captain Rick Miller, holds the destiny of Texas in his hands. But in his heart, he hides a passion for a woman he cannot have - and a dream he cannot surrender. This is the fight for Texas, in all its grit, glory, and grandeur. This is America at its best…

The year is 1837. The American West is untamed, uncivilized, and largely unclaimed. U.S. President Andrew Jackson, in a race with the British and Russians, sends a wagon train of would-be settlers into the uncharted Oregon territory, led by his close friend, mountain man and veteran Sam Brentwood. Teaming up with trail hand Whip Holt, widow Claudia Humphries, and a colorful group of courageous pioneers, Brentwood sets off from New York, heading westward to Independence, Missouri - the last outpost of civilization before the unknown and treacherous dangers of a new frontier. Along the way they will form unbreakable friendships, fight unforeseen enemies, and face unimaginable and often fatal odds. But in spite of the hardships and heartaches, the tragedies and triumphs, they will risk their lives to follow their dreams - and forge a nation's destiny. This is their story.

TEXAS! 1844. The bold new Republic of Texas is fighting for its life. Rallying to the cause of liberty, the brave pioneers who forged the Oregon Trail are called upon to lead a new wagon train into the fray. Leaving their homes in the thriving Oregon Territory, they face impossible odds on the wild Texas frontier, overrun with dangerous outlaws, native tribes, and the powerful Mexican Army. Among the freedom fighters are veteran commander Lee Blake and his wife Kathy, boat builder Harry Canning, and the fearless volunteers who would risk their lives as Texas Rangers. Their new leader, Captain Rick Miller, holds the destiny of Texas in his hands. But in his heart, he hides a passion for a woman he cannot have - and a dream he cannot surrender. This is the fight for Texas, in all its grit, glory, and grandeur. This is America at its best....

Autumn, 1837. Driving onward - against the worst of man and nature - a legendary caravan of men, women and children forge a new link in the wilderness trek from Independence, Missouri to the "Promised Land" beyond the Rockies. They are pioneering Americans from North and South - side-by-side with immigrants, a black man and an Indian - waging a fierce daily battle for bare survival on an uncompromising journey to their private destinies and the fulfillment of America's greatest dream.

Nebraska! This is the story of fearless devotion to a hard-won ideal, of betrayal from within and sabotage that reaches as far as Britain's and Imperial Russia's shores, of the story of "Whip" Holt, the ruggedly quiet leader of this leg of the perilous migration; and of Cathy Van Ayl, who leaves her family behind in Missouri to continue on with Whip Holt's train - and perhaps, to win his heart.

Autumn, 1837. Blazing onward from the eastern shores, to Missouri, the legendary wagon train sent by U.S. President Andrew Jackson has reached the last outpost of civilization. Now 500 strong, these brave pioneers set a course across the great rolling plains toward the treacherous Rockies, hoping to stake a claim in the American West. Led by their new wagon master, “Whip” Holt, they must unite as a team if they are to survive, despite their vast differences.

For among them is an independent young woman who leaves everything she loves, a black man who dreams of freedom, a Native American who knows the harshness of the land…and hundreds of others willing to risk their lives for a new beginning. Set upon by Indians and enemies, nature and fate, this magnificent caravan will face any challenge to make their own destiny—and change the course of history forever. Their story is the story of America.

They are the first wagon train to cross the American continent - and forge the Oregon Trail. Five-hundred courageous men, women and children, led by mountain man Whip Holt, they have survived the Rocky Mountain winter, fierce native attacks, and countless other hardships. Now, on the last leg of their journey, they face their greatest challenge yet. Three mighty nations have sent explorers to stake their claims - the English army, Russian agents, and American pioneers - but only one can win.

Devoted to the dream of a new home, Whip Holt finds himself divided by two women: his wife, who is courted by both the English and the Russians, and Cathy van Ayl Blake, who is married to an American commander. Together, these would-be settlers must fight for what they believe in, or die for what they love - in the name of freedom, justice, and destiny. This is their story - the birth of America....

Gold fever. It swept the country from coast to coast, luring more than a hundred thousand seekers to the untamed territory of California. For them, the Gold Rush of 1848 represented the American Dream come true. But for the settlers who lived there, it was an all-out assault on the homes they’d struggled so hard to build. Now boomtowns arise overnight, teeming with outlaws, killers, and desperate men. In Sacramento Valley, former Texas Ranger Rick Miller struggles to keep the peace with nothing more than a six shooter and guts. Melissa Austen, who survived the Oregon Trail, is forced into a life of prostitution. And wagon master Whip Holt must battle the odds to save her — and stem the tide of bloodshed and greed. For these brave homesteaders, freedom is the real golden opportunity — and America the only dream worth fighting for…

It is 1838. The first wagon train to Oregon country moves slowly across the Great Plains, reaching the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in early autumn. Led by wagon scout "Whip" Holt, the 500-strong community of courageous men, women, and children prepare for the bitter winter ahead. Among them are dreamers and drifters, foreigners and natives, friends and enemies. But it is a pair of strong-willed women who are Whip's most unexpected allies: the outspoken Cathy van Ayl, widowed and alone at 24, and the beautiful half-Arapaho, half-Cherokee La-ena, who was once Whip's mistress.

Before these brave pioneers lie endless miles of hardship and danger, treachery and death. Beneath their struggle for survival lie hidden rivalries, unspoken secrets, and burning jealousies that threaten to consume them all. But in their hearts beats the dream of a new beginning in a promised land - the unstoppable dream of America itself.

Gold fever. It swept the country from coast to coast, luring more than a hundred thousand seekers to the untamed territory of California. For them, the Gold Rush of 1848 represented the American Dream come true. But for the settlers who lived there, it was an all-out assault on the homes they'd struggled so hard to build. Now boomtowns arise overnight, teeming with outlaws, killers, and desperate men. In Sacramento Valley, former Texas Ranger Rick Miller struggles to keep the peace with nothing more than a six shooter and guts. Melissa Austen, who survived the Oregon Trail, is forced into a life of prostitution. And wagon master Whip Holt must battle the odds to save her - and stem the tide of bloodshed and greed. For these brave homesteaders, freedom is the real golden opportunity - and America the only dream worth fighting for....

Colorado!

Some came for freedom; others, to build a new life. But in 1858, when gold is discovered in the Colorado region, thousands of desperate men and women descend on Denver like a hungry swarm. Homesteaders struggle to hold onto their claims, but none are immune to the effects of gold fever. Wagon train veteran Chet Harris risks his life to repeat the success he found in the California gold fields. Mineral expert Luke Brando masquerades as a banker, while his wife hides a yearning for riches of her own. And young Cathy Blake discovers just how far she'll go to defeat a voluptuous rival. But the greatest challenge belongs to General Lee Burke, one of the original pioneers of the Oregon Trail. Under orders from U.S. President James Buchanan, he must gain the support of Colorado - with all its newfound wealth - to forge the fate of a nation.

But time is running out. Tensions between the North and the South are heating up. Soon every American will be called on to fight - for the greatest dream of all....

Luke McMaster, an ex-Captain of Union cavalry, sets out to avenge the murders of his family. He joins a Mormon wagon train heading west. What he finds is the great beauty of America's northwestern frontier and a rush of gold seekers to Montana, love for an attractive and talented Mormon girl, and a hidden Montana territory treasure.

It’s early springtime on the ranch, and Hank is going through the usual motions of making sure that a warm spring arrives safely: singing songs about it, barking faithfully each morning, and helping the cowboys with their work around the ranch. However, in the midst of a particularly hard day’s nap, he receives a report that his little birdy friend, Madame Moonshine, is in danger of being eaten by Pete the Barncat! Naturally, Hank springs into action to save her, but a misstep brings the wrath of Sally May down on his head, and Hank must flee the scene of the rescue and travel west on the Oregon Trail with Little Alfred. Later, when a freak storm causes the creek to rise, stranding Little Alfred far from the house, Hank must rely on his instincts and clever wits—and perhaps a little help from Madame Moonshine—to keep them both safe and get Alfred back to his mother!

An acclaimed historian’s “compellingly told” year-by-year account of the pioneering efforts to conquer the American West in the mid-nineteenth century (The Guardian).
 
In all the sagas of human migration, few can top the drama of the journey by Midwestern farmers to Oregon and California from 1840 to 1849—between the era of the fur trappers and the beginning of the gold rush. Even with mountain men as guides, these pioneers literally plunged into the unknown, braving all manner of danger, including hunger, thirst, disease, and drowning.
 
Employing numerous illustrations and extensive primary sources, including original diaries and memoirs, McLynn underscores the incredible heroism and dangerous folly on the overland trails. His authoritative narrative investigates the events leading up to the opening of the trails, the wagons and animals used, the roles of women, relations with Native Americans, and much else.
 
The climax arrives in McLynn’s expertly re-created tale of the dreadful Donner party, and he closes with Brigham Young and the Mormons beginning communities of their own. Full of high drama, tragedy, and triumph, “rarely has a book so wonderfully brought to life the riveting tales of Americans’ trek to the Pacific” (Publishers Weekly).

Two complete novels from Elmer Kelton in one low-priced edition
Buffalo Wagons
For Gage Jameson, the summer of 1873 has been a poor hunt. A year ago he felled sixty-two buffalo in one stand, but now the great Arkansas River herd is gone, like the Republican herd before it.

In Dodge City, old hide hunters speak in awe of a last great heard to the south-but no hunter who values his scalp dares ride south of the Cimarron and into Comanche territory. None but Gage Jameson....
Cloudy in the West
In the Texas backlands in 1885, twelve-year-old Joey Shipman's father dies under mysterious circumstances, and the boy is forced to live with his stepmother and Blair Meacham, a hanger-on at the farm. After the death of a black farmhand and friend, and another "accident" that almost takes Joey's life, the boy runs away and joins forces with his only kin-Beau Shipman, a drunk and a jailbird. Beau, along with an outlaw, a San Antonio prostitute, and a sheepman become Joey's unlikely partners as he is trailed by their murderous Meacham, in league with Joey's stepmother in their scheme to inherit the Shipman farm.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

This is a story about how it might have been in 1877 when Charles Maybee moved his family from Kansas to Oregon. It is based a note passed down through the family from his oldest son. Supporting characters, events and personal interactions are fictional. But tracing the route that Charles took, and knowing the hazards he faced in those days before automobiles existed, is like being there with him.

Charles is tired of scraping out a living in Kansas and believes a homestead in Oregon's fertile Willamette Valley is the way to a better life. But his wife, Mary Jane, refuses to go. It would mean traveling by covered wagon for six months. They have four small children and a fifth is on the way. The rift between her and Charles takes months to mend, but she finally relents and in the spring of 1877, when their new baby is just six months old, they begin the 2,000-mile journey in the company of two neighboring families.

Life on the trail is demanding and painfully difficult, but Charles leads their party with unwavering resolve. In northeast Kansas, near the Big Blue River, they join a party from Missouri led by Jack Jarrett. Continuing as a seven-wagon caravan, they cross the harsh plains of Nebraska. After surviving a fierce storm that threatens their lives and scatters their livestock, they travel through the towering bluffs of western Nebraska into Wyoming Territory, and over the Rocky Mountains. Continuing through rugged Idaho Territory, they enter the promised land of Oregon. Still, they face a daunting passage through the Blue Mountains and around Mt. Hood before reaching Oregon City, the end of the Oregon Trail. Charles then faces the final challenge finding a place to settle and begin a new life.

This eBook compiles the Jx series of Weston Wagons West series of fictional stories about the James Weston family that parallels and chronicles the Kinnick and related Triplett, Brightwell and other families in their westward migration from Maryland, to Ohio, to Illinois, and some of them end up in Iowa. The Kinnick family are a maternal ancestral line of the author of these stories. Actual family history research is the basis of the ancestral stories used here fictitiously. Historical events are recorded as nearly as possible to known historical documentation available to the author at the time of the writing. Events include service in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and service in the Civil War, among others.

Carmine Fatico was in trouble with the law in 1966 for the death plot to kill East Rockaway businessman Bernard Reissman. The third of four sons born to a Brooklyn immigrant family, Carmine earned a police record as early as December 1937. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident near the Stagg Street Police Station in Brooklyn. Driving away rather than turning around as ordered, Fatico was apprehended by a Brooklyn patrolman. Carmine Fatico is best known for his tutelage of Gambino boss John Gotti.

This volume of 20 episodes is a part of both the “Weston Wagons West” and “The Homeplace Saga” suites of family saga, historical fictions stories of the author. Jacob Weston marries and moved to St. Louis where he and his wife, Dinah have a son, Levi. These 20 episodes follow the story of Levi Weston from birth in St. Louis to Jefferson City. There Levi and his family meet Jake Patton and Levi decides to move and to Oak Springs, Missouri. The story chronicles the impact of the Civil War on Central Missouri as well as the devastation of the Oak Creek valley and the reconstruction of the town of Oak Springs.

Meet the people that Levi meets both before and after the Civil War. This is a story of loyalty and determination set against the backdrop of the settlement of a rural community in the Southern Missouri Ozarks.