1859: Mrs. Jacob Klein has a husband, children, and a warm and comfortable home in California. No one knows how she came to be out West thirteen years ago. It was a tale of tragedy, mishaps, and unthinkable choices-- yet also sacrifice, courage, and a powerful, unexpected love. 1846: 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, hired as helpmate to a married couple with a young daughter. They are optimistic in the face of the journey's hazards and delays-- until instead of following the wagon train's established route, the Donner Party takes a shortcut over the Sierras. -- adapted from back cover
