Beyond the Trail

Six short stories that give us glimpses into the lives of Luke, Nora, and the other characters from Backwards to Oregon. The Blue Hour: When her mother dies, twelve-year-old Lucinda Hamilton decides to start a new life-as a boy. Grasping at Straws: No one knows that Tess Swenson, madam of a brothel, also owns a livery stable and a number of other businesses. On one of her secret inspections, she makes a surprising discovery. A Rooster's Job: The Hamiltons hoped to build a home in the idyllic Willamette Valley with mild winters, but now they're snowed in and their rooster isn't doing such a great job either. The Art of Pretending: Tess finds out that someone is stealing her money. She suspects Frankie, a woman who reminds her of Luke. But nothing is as it seems. The Christmas Oak: Luke sets out to bring home a Christmas tree-but she finds something else. Swept Away: The greatest flood in the history of Oregon sweeps away houses, barns, and animals in the Willamette Valley. At the same time, fourteen-year-old Amy is swept away by her feelings for her best friend.