Wagons West Series by Dana Fuller Ross

In 1837, a fiery young widow, Claudia Humphries, and a bold wagon master, Sam Brentwood, discover that it is their destiny to command the first leg of the remarkable journey to Independence, Missouri. Traveling under secret orders from President Andrew Jackson, Brentwood's task is to win a desperate race against England and Russia in order to bring the promised land of the Pacific Northwest under the American flag.

NEBRASKA! This is a story of fearless devotion to a hard-won ideal, of betrayal from within, and of sabotage that reaches as far as Britain's and imperial Russia's shores. And, above all, it is the story of "Whip" Holt, the ruggedly quiet leader of this leg of the perilous migration, and of Cathy Van Ayl, who leaves her family behind in Missouri to continue on with Whip Holt's train...perhaps, to win his heart.

WYOMING!1838. The first wagon train to Oregon country moves slowly across the Great Plains, reaching the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in early autumn. Led by wagon scout “Whip” Holt, the five-hundred-strong community of courageous men, women, and children prepare for the bitter winter ahead. Among them are dreamers and drifters, foreigners and natives, friends and enemies... moreWYOMING!1838. The first wagon train to Oregon country moves slowly across the Great Plains, reaching the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in early autumn. Led by wagon scout “Whip” Holt, the five-hundred-strong community of courageous men, women, and children prepare for the bitter winter ahead. Among them are dreamers and drifters, foreigners and natives, friends and enemies. But it is a pair of strong-willed women who are Whip’s most unexpected allies: the outspoken Cathy van Ayl, widowed and alone at twenty-four, and the beautiful half-Arapaho, half-Cherokee La-ena, who was once Whip’s mistress. Before these brave pioneers lie endless miles of hardship and danger, treachery and death. Beneath their struggle for survival lie hidden rivalries, unspoken secrets, and burning jealousies that threaten to consume them all. But in their hearts beats the dream of a new beginning in a promised land — the unstoppable dream of America itself. less

They are the first wagon train to cross the American continent — and forge the Oregon Trail. Five-hundred courageous men, women and children, led by mountain man Whip Holt, they have survived the Rocky Mountain winter, fierce native attacks, and countless other hardships. Now, on the last leg of their journey, they face their greatest challenge yet. Three mighty nations have sent explorers to stake their claims — the English army, Russian agents, and American pioneers — but only one can win... moreThey are the first wagon train to cross the American continent — and forge the Oregon Trail. Five-hundred courageous men, women and children, led by mountain man Whip Holt, they have survived the Rocky Mountain winter, fierce native attacks, and countless other hardships. Now, on the last leg of their journey, they face their greatest challenge yet. Three mighty nations have sent explorers to stake their claims — the English army, Russian agents, and American pioneers — but only one can win. Devoted to the dream of a new home, Whip Holt finds himself divided by two women: his wife, who is courted by both the English and the Russians, and Cathy van Ayl Blake, who is married to an American commander. Together, these would-be settlers must fight for what they believe in, or die for what they love — in the name of freedom, justice, and destiny. This is their story — the birth of America... less

TEXAS! 1844. The bold new Republic of Texas is fighting for its life. Rallying to the cause of liberty, the brave pioneers who forged the Oregon Trail are called upon to lead a new wagon train into the fray. Leaving their homes in the thriving Oregon Territory, they face impossible odds on the wild Texas frontier, overrun with dangerous outlaws, native tribes, and the powerful Mexican Army... moreTEXAS! 1844. The bold new Republic of Texas is fighting for its life. Rallying to the cause of liberty, the brave pioneers who forged the Oregon Trail are called upon to lead a new wagon train into the fray. Leaving their homes in the thriving Oregon Territory, they face impossible odds on the wild Texas frontier, overrun with dangerous outlaws, native tribes, and the powerful Mexican Army. Among the freedom fighters are veteran commander Lee Blake and his wife Kathy, boat builder Harry Canning, and the fearless volunteers who would risk their lives as Texas Rangers. Their new leader, Captain Rick Miller, holds the destiny of Texas in his hands. But in his heart, he hides a passion for a woman he cannot have - and a dream he cannot surrender. This is the fight for Texas, in all its grit, glory, and grandeur. This is America at its best... less

Gold fever. It swept the country from coast to coast, luring more than a hundred thousand seekers to the untamed territory of California. For them, the Gold Rush of 1848 represented the American Dream come true. But for the settlers who lived there, it was an all-out assault on the homes they'd struggled so hard to build. Now boomtowns arise overnight, teeming with outlaws, killers, and desperate men... moreGold fever. It swept the country from coast to coast, luring more than a hundred thousand seekers to the untamed territory of California. For them, the Gold Rush of 1848 represented the American Dream come true. But for the settlers who lived there, it was an all-out assault on the homes they'd struggled so hard to build. Now boomtowns arise overnight, teeming with outlaws, killers, and desperate men. In Sacramento Valley, former Texas Ranger Rick Miller struggles to keep the peace with nothing more than a six shooter and guts. Melissa Austen, who survived the Oregon Trail, is forced into a life of prostitution. And wagon master Whip Holt must battle the odds to save her - and stem the tide of bloodshed and greed. For these brave homesteaders, freedom is the real golden opportunity - and America the only dream worth fighting for... less

Colorado! Some came for freedom; others, to build a new life. But in 1858, when gold is discovered in the Colorado region, thousands of desperate men and women descend on Denver like a hungry swarm. Homesteaders struggle to hold onto their claims, but none are immune to the effects of gold fever. Wagon train veteran Chet Harris risks his life to repeat the success he found in the California gold fields... moreColorado! Some came for freedom; others, to build a new life. But in 1858, when gold is discovered in the Colorado region, thousands of desperate men and women descend on Denver like a hungry swarm. Homesteaders struggle to hold onto their claims, but none are immune to the effects of gold fever. Wagon train veteran Chet Harris risks his life to repeat the success he found in the California gold fields. Mineral expert Luke Brando masquerades as a banker, while his wife hides a yearning for riches of her own. And young Cathy Blake discovers just how far she'll go to defeat a voluptuous rival. But the greatest challenge belongs to General Lee Burke, one of the original pioneers of the Oregon Trail. Under orders from U.S. President James Buchanan, he must gain the support of Colorado - with all its newfound wealth - to forge the fate of a nation. But time is running out. Tensions between the North and the South are heating up. Soon every American will be called on to fight - for the greatest dream of all.... less

Virginia City, 1861. As thousands of fortune-seekers descend on the silver-rich boomtown hoping to cash in on the Comstock Lode, a very different cause unites the ranks of courageous soldiers in the coming Civil War - the supreme battle for America's future. Major General Lee Blake is assigned the treacherous task of transporting silver to the Union troops in Missouri - while enemies plot to sabotage his mission... moreVirginia City, 1861. As thousands of fortune-seekers descend on the silver-rich boomtown hoping to cash in on the Comstock Lode, a very different cause unites the ranks of courageous soldiers in the coming Civil War - the supreme battle for America's future. Major General Lee Blake is assigned the treacherous task of transporting silver to the Union troops in Missouri - while enemies plot to sabotage his mission. By his side are some of the bravest men and women Blake has ever known: wagon-master Whip Holt, Holt's quick-tempered son Toby, sharp-shooting newswoman Suzanne Fulton, and English widow Allison White, who may be forced into espionage. With states seceding one by one, and tensions rising everyday, the fate of a nation is riding on their journey. But there are those who will stop at nothing to keep the "silver train" from reaching its destination. And there are those who will sacrifice up everything - even their lives - for the golden promise of America... less

They were enticed by promises of fabulous wealth, but their dreams were often shattered by fate and lawless violence. Some were brave, lusty men who felled the giant trees of virgin forests. Others were lonely, brutal men who wanted their women the way they wanted their land: possessions to conquer and tame. Washington! The tattered union flag flies high over America as the Civil War is finally ended... moreThey were enticed by promises of fabulous wealth, but their dreams were often shattered by fate and lawless violence. Some were brave, lusty men who felled the giant trees of virgin forests. Others were lonely, brutal men who wanted their women the way they wanted their land: possessions to conquer and tame. Washington! The tattered union flag flies high over America as the Civil War is finally ended. Returning from the long battle, wounded hero Toby Holt, son of courageous wagonmaster Whip Holt, rides west to claim a homestead on the vast expanse of valuable Washington timberland. On Washington's rocky peaks, a fierce struggle to bring justice to a mighty new land is about to begin. less

MONTANA! With the deep wounds of the Civil War freshly healed, America's bravest ride westward to unite the continent into one great nation. Toby Holt, son of the legendary wagonmaster Whip Holt, courageously accepts a presidential mandate to take the Northwest Railroad into hazardous Montana Territory. But, Sioux war drums beat a dire warning to stay out of this Indian land. Under Montana's azure skies, daring men and women steel themselves with new valor to fight for America's richest lands!

From the rugged beauty of the Badlands to the epic sweep of the Great Plains, the Dakota Territory offered a wealth of opportunities for those who dared to tame it. The promise of golden fields of wheat, grazing herds of cattle, and growing new empires built from railroads and mines lured the boldest pioneers to this unchartered land. But with their arrival came the war cries of the Sioux, echoing across the plains... moreFrom the rugged beauty of the Badlands to the epic sweep of the Great Plains, the Dakota Territory offered a wealth of opportunities for those who dared to tame it. The promise of golden fields of wheat, grazing herds of cattle, and growing new empires built from railroads and mines lured the boldest pioneers to this unchartered land. But with their arrival came the war cries of the Sioux, echoing across the plains. Now, the mighty red nations are united in a pact of blood to defend their sacred grounds against all newcomers. Frontiersman Toby Holt is determined to make peace - even though his love for a beautiful Sioux maiden could ignite a powderkeg of trouble. Young Beth Blake faces captivity and a homicide trial. And Lakota chief Red Cloud gains new support in a fierce campaign that could bring freedom - or death - to his people. These are the men and women who fought, who loved, and who died...for the land of the free and the home of the brave. less

From coast to coast, the railroads offered limitless opportunities to an ever growing number of workers and dreamers. In the parched Utah territory, brawny laborers, engineers and immigrants blasted tunnels through solid rock and laid countless miles of shining steel rails to link cities to frontiers, and frontiers to the future... moreFrom coast to coast, the railroads offered limitless opportunities to an ever growing number of workers and dreamers. In the parched Utah territory, brawny laborers, engineers and immigrants blasted tunnels through solid rock and laid countless miles of shining steel rails to link cities to frontiers, and frontiers to the future. But some would stop at nothing to halt the iron wheels of progress: rampaging tribes with rifles blazing, unscrupulous ranchers fueled by greed, and most dangerous of all - the unforgiving land itself. A new destiny awaits those brave enough to claim it. Former wagon master Whip Holt must keep the peace between the Chinese and Irish working on the rails. Clarissa Holt learns that her first husband, long thought dead, is still alive. And Robert Martin must accept a fate as heartbreaking as it is inevitable...This is the story of the transcontinental railroad, an epic struggle of hope and glory that would change the course of America forever. less

Only the most daring crossed the River of No Return to enter this wild, lawless region. Mountains laden w/ riches lured prospectors burning w/ gold fever. Easy money brought ruthless young men w/ guns for hire. & hidden amid the vast forests of white pine Indian warriors who gathered to drive the white man from the red man's ancestral home... moreOnly the most daring crossed the River of No Return to enter this wild, lawless region. Mountains laden w/ riches lured prospectors burning w/ gold fever. Easy money brought ruthless young men w/ guns for hire. & hidden amid the vast forests of white pine Indian warriors who gathered to drive the white man from the red man's ancestral home. IDAHO! Two battalions of brave calvary troops escort the new governor of Idaho Territory, Toby Holt, across nearly impassible mountains, as a desperate United States government seeks to bring law & order to this untamed territory. Criminals have already staked their claims in the saloons & bordellos of Boise. Marauding Indian bands are spreading murder & mayhem among terror-stricken settlers. To Toby Holt, son of legendary wagon master Whip Holt, & his friend Rob Martin falls the perilous task of turning a wilderness into a safe homeland for the generations to come. But shadowy figures from the past plot a deadly revenge for Toby & his beautiful wife Clarissa...a passionate English lady arouses dangerous desires in unscrupulous men...& the rising sun lights up majestic snow-capped peaks as a new day for freedom dawns on the matchless grandeur of IDAHO! less

An unqueanchable thirst for adventure & the promise of easy riches brought them to the muddy waters of the mighty Missouri River. Its majestic steamboats offered a new way West for pioneers & traders, gamblers & thieves, proper young ladies & dance hall girls...while along the river bank, war-painted Sioux & ruthless bandits waited in murderous ambush to take the riverboats' wealth & women for their own... moreAn unqueanchable thirst for adventure & the promise of easy riches brought them to the muddy waters of the mighty Missouri River. Its majestic steamboats offered a new way West for pioneers & traders, gamblers & thieves, proper young ladies & dance hall girls...while along the river bank, war-painted Sioux & ruthless bandits waited in murderous ambush to take the riverboats' wealth & women for their own. MISSOURI! Where the legendary wagon master Whip Holt once gathered his Conestoga wagons for the slow journey west, now railroads race across the land, & steamboats travel the wide "Muddy Water" w/ new settlers & new dreams. To strong men like Whip Holt's son Toby falls the dangerous job of hunting down rampaging outlaws & Indians. With young army cadet Hank Blake & loyal Chief Running Bear, Holt & his blazing rifle would challenge train robbers & gunrunners...a beautiful lady would become the shameful stakes in a contest between a con man & an Englishman...& a growing nation would fight for its glorious future w/ the blood & bravery of the extraordinary men & women whose journey westward began at MISSOURI! less

Louisiana (Wagons West, No. 16)

WAGONS WEST Gingham-clad girls, twangy-speeched hillbillies, and lush green hollows among rugged mountains made Tennessee the natural birthplace of pioneers. But so rich was teh countryside, so sweet the land, that carpetbaggers came to steal the farms of down-home folk, and scoundrels brought violence to the streets of sleepy Memphis town- until bajo pickers' songs gave way to the crack of rifles and the terror of women's screams... moreWAGONS WEST Gingham-clad girls, twangy-speeched hillbillies, and lush green hollows among rugged mountains made Tennessee the natural birthplace of pioneers. But so rich was teh countryside, so sweet the land, that carpetbaggers came to steal the farms of down-home folk, and scoundrels brought violence to the streets of sleepy Memphis town- until bajo pickers' songs gave way to the crack of rifles and the terror of women's screams. TENNESSEE! Ambition drives the brave to great deeds, the unscrupulous to great evil. And a Washington politician had both ambition and money enough to hatch a dark plot to threaten America's cherished democracy. The heat of the conspiracy law amid Tennessee's secluded hills, where outlaws and misfits formed a powerful private army. Now secret orders from the Whit House named the legendary frontiersman, Toby Holt-son of the great wagonmaster Whip Holt- to take a desperate stand against the deadly renegades. But another danger awaited this fighting man: an extraordinary woman, too hold-blooded and beautiful to even happily married Toby Holt to resist... As the steamy Southern nights promised forbidden love and terrifying showdown, a young nation's steady gunhand of one courageous man in TENNESSEE! less

Railroads & stockyards brought brawny bareheaded men to Chicago from the Western prairies & the northern forests. Here waited the commerce that built empires the painted women who lured farm boys, the gunman, & the cardsharp who settled their arguments w/ a Colt .45. Here was the American dream of limitless opportunity... and an age-old nightmare of greed & danger... moreRailroads & stockyards brought brawny bareheaded men to Chicago from the Western prairies & the northern forests. Here waited the commerce that built empires the painted women who lured farm boys, the gunman, & the cardsharp who settled their arguments w/ a Colt .45. Here was the American dream of limitless opportunity... and an age-old nightmare of greed & danger. ILLINOIS! To America's great cities came the visionary immigrant & the ambitious native; to Chicago came brave, broad-shouldered men willing to shovel, break, & build. Among them was the famous rough rider Toby Holt - son of legendary wagon-master Whip Holt - w/ a daring plan for a new dynasty. But even while he turned his strength to constructing the future, Holt's raucous past reshaped his life - as an old enemy & an old love brought upheaval& sudden death to this raw, blustery town. And on the fateful day of October 8, 1871, a new test of Toby Holt's courage would pit him against one of the nation's most awesome catastrophes ... while on distant shores, Europe's bloody wars become another crucible of America's fate & a young officer's infidelity - as passions meet, ignite, & explode in ILLINOIS! less

WISCONSIN (Wagon's West)

Kentucky! (Wagons West

No marshal's badge or sheriff's posse had yet brought law to the sun-drenched adobes of the great American Southwest. White settlers, Indians and Mexicans trembled in fear under the azure sky of old Albuquerque, as they prayed to God that the cruel renegades called the comancheros would spare their women, their homes and their lives. But outside this thriving city the comancheros were gathering...as the time neared when all would feel the terror of the desperadoes' lust for cruelty and gold... moreNo marshal's badge or sheriff's posse had yet brought law to the sun-drenched adobes of the great American Southwest. White settlers, Indians and Mexicans trembled in fear under the azure sky of old Albuquerque, as they prayed to God that the cruel renegades called the comancheros would spare their women, their homes and their lives. But outside this thriving city the comancheros were gathering...as the time neared when all would feel the terror of the desperadoes' lust for cruelty and gold. NEW MEXICO! The hostile desert and hidden arroyos offered cover to a roving band of killers. No soldiers could catch them; no settlers resist them. So upon the broad shoulders of Toby Holt, son of the West's greatest trailblazer Whip Hold, would be laid a desperate burden--to travel into this no-man's-land and infiltrate the deadly gang. And as Toby left behind his beloved Alexandra, perhaps forever, his friend Henry Blake would wrench himself from a Baroness' arms to thwart a deadly plot abroad. But no one faced more peril than the brave young woman photographer whose indomitable American spirit fueled her courage to survive captivity among the fiercest savages...as Toby Holt raised his rifle to fire in the name of justice in this land of blood and honor--NEW MEXICO! less

For one hundred glorious years America offered true freedom to those seeking to escape tyranny's chains. Now, in 1876, pioneer & farmer, businessman & laborer, join to celebrate the grand Centennial. It will be a day to remember forever. But unless strong men & women remain vigilant, it can become a time of unforgettable terror as America's enemies once again challenge our courage & our dreams... moreFor one hundred glorious years America offered true freedom to those seeking to escape tyranny's chains. Now, in 1876, pioneer & farmer, businessman & laborer, join to celebrate the grand Centennial. It will be a day to remember forever. But unless strong men & women remain vigilant, it can become a time of unforgettable terror as America's enemies once again challenge our courage & our dreams. CELEBRATION! From Oregon north to Alaska, from Montana south to Arizona Territory, the Holt family - beginning with the legendary wagon-master Whip Holt - has fought outlaws & renegages to make the West safe & free. Now, as the entire country readies for the biggest & most fabulous celebration in it's history, one last life-and-death mission will be put in the hands of Toby Holt. A secret band of anarchists plan to make the July 4, 1876, Centennial a bloodbath. Unless they are stopped, a bomb of terrifying power will destroy not only hundreds of lives but a cherished symbol of our liberty. Beautiful Cindy Holt Kerr & the intreped Major Henry Blake walk a razor's edge of danger & desire...& Toby Holt faces the ultimate test of his heroism before the great CELEBRATION! less