It is the spring of 1865, and the end of the Civil War is near. As the nation is struggling to come to peace with itself, all Vanessa Clemens can think about is her birthday. She has been dreading it for weeks, for the day she turns fourteen she must...
It hasn't been easy for Nessa to find her place in Prairie River. She is having trouble making friends, and her position as the local teacher is on shaky ground. Nessa struggles to keep a positive outlook but when a threat endangers her and her stude...
Nessa is feeling at home in Prairie River until, one blustery night, Reverend McDuff arrives unexpectedly at the Locketts' door. At once Nessa's hopes of leaving her past behind are shattered. She had told only Ivy and Mrs. Lockett her secret -- HER ...
Nessa's winter was fraught with trials, but now spring has come to Prairie River - and so has her dear friend Albert. Albert is Nessa's oldest friend from the orphanage, and she had prayed that he would join her in Kansas ever since she journeyed to ...