<p>In the voice of an unforgettable heroine V. A. Shannon explores one of the most harrowing episodes in pioneer history—the ill-fated journey of the Donner Party—in a mesmerizing novel of resilience and survival.</p><p>Mrs. Jacob Klein has a husband children and a warm and comfortable home in California. No one—not even her family—knows how she came to be out West thirteen years ago. Jacob a kind and patient man has promised not to ask. But if she were to tell her story she would recount a tale of tragedy mishaps and unthinkable choices—yet also sacrifice courage and a powerful unexpected love ...</p><p><i>1846:</i> On the outskirts of Cincinnati wagons gather by the hundreds readying to head west to California. Among the throng is a fifteen-year-old girl eager to escape her abusive family. With just a few stolen dollars to her name she enlists as helpmate to a married couple with a young daughter. Their group stays optimistic in the face of the journey's hazards and delays. Then comes a decision that she is powerless to prevent: instead of following the wagon train's established route the Donner Party will take a shortcut over the Sierras aiming to clear the mountains before the first snows descend. </p><p>In the years since that infamous winter other survivors have sold their accounts for notoriety and money lurid tales often filled with half-truths or blatant gory lies. Now Mrs. Klein must decide whether to keep those bitter memories secret or risk destroying the life she has endured so much to build.</p>
