Potatoes, Tears, and Wild Roses — Aren Lerner

Juvenile historical fiction for all ages about 10 and up, here continues the story begun in Fort Orphans, Book 1 of the Beneath Old Glory series. In Book 2: Potatoes, Tears, and Wild Roses, Lizzy and Andrew are contemplating their options once their fort servitude has ended. It's now the year 1867, and at the fort in Montana Territory, Lizzy Rogers and Andrew Black have only a few more years of service under Captain Steven until they are free to go their separate ways. They have always looked forward to that day, but as it draws near they find themselves apprehensive of the future. Suddenly they feel they are being faced with too many changes, changes in their world of Flathead Valley, but even more importantly, changes in themselves. With their friends, James, Isabel, and the Marshes, taking new steps in life, they must make important decisions of their own, decisions they aren't sure they are ready to make. Suitable for ages approximately 10 and up, Book 2 continues to be packed with historical details from the post Civil War period and life in the frontier West of America.