Bøker av Irene Bennett Brown

Experience the enchanting journey of Hillary Germaine in this captivating coming-of-age tale that will transport you to the idyllic landscapes of Oregon.As Hillary eagerly anticipated her seventeenth summer, she had envisioned a magical romance with the "perfect" guy, but her dreams took an unexpected turn when her parents surprised her with a plane ticket to Oregon. Reluctantly leaving behind her privileged life in Iowa, she embarked on a journey to the remote town of Reesville, Oregon, to assist her elderly Aunt Fay at the charming Rainsong Inn.Initially hurt and bewildered by this abrupt change of plans, Hillary's perspective shifted when she overheard a conversation suggesting her adoptive parents might want to get rid of her. Fueled by a newfound determination, she embraced the summer as a test of her independence.Over the course of the summer, Hillary unraveled the true meaning of a "gorgeous guy," experienced the challenges of self-reliance, and eventually uncovered the real intentions behind her parents' decision to send her to Reesville. Join Hillary Germaine as she navigates the complexities of young adulthood and learns the transformative power of independence, the nuances of genuine relationships, and the magic that lies within unexpected destinations.

Uncover the enigmatic past and embark on a captivating journey of self-discovery in this YA coming-of-age novel.In this gripping tale, Gram, the sole guardian of eighteen-year-old Bryn Kinney, departs, leaving behind a veil of secrecy surrounding their origins. Bryn's impoverished and solitary upbringing takes an unexpected turn after Gram's passing, as two revelations come to light: an unknown inheritance from a trust fund and a potential connection to a quaint Kansas town, as hinted by a concealed newspaper clipping. Follow Bryn as she navigates her high school graduation, secures a job, and embarks on an extraordinary quest for answers. Throughout her journey, Bryn encounters friendly faces and a blossoming romance that ignites her heart. However, alongside these rays of hope, she also faces unexpected animosity in unfamiliar territories and countless dead ends in her relentless pursuit of ancestral and familial clues.Will Bryn ever discover the answers she seeks? Determined and resolute, she resolves that there must be an answer, regardless of the potential dark secrets that lie in her past. With unwavering determination, Bryn slowly unravels the truth-a truth that proves both ordinary and astonishing, defying her wildest dreams.Discover the power of self-discovery, love, and resilience in this enthralling coming-of-age story.

Experience the captivating journey of 17-year-old Jessamyn Faber in Morning Glory Afternoon, a thrilling YA Coming-of-age novel.Transport yourself to 1924 Ardensville, Kansas, where Jessy arrives with a hidden sorrow in her heart. Seeking solace from her past, she embarks on a job as the indispensable but anonymous telephone operator, known as "Central."As Jessy assumes her role, she becomes the epicenter of the town's gossip, drama, and emergencies. Unbeknownst to the tranquil façade, Ardensville harbors deep-rooted issues. A group of townspeople relentlessly persecutes those who are different, including Jessy's own friends. A menacing organization emerges, wreaking havoc on the town.Join Jessy on an extraordinary quest as she musters the unforeseen strength within herself to confront Ardensville's pressing challenges. Morning Glory Afternoon is not just an exhilarating adventure but also an uplifting coming-of-age romance set in the vibrant backdrop of the Wild West. Delve into this inspiring tale that explores themes of resilience, love, and social consciousness.Immerse yourself in the compelling story of self-discovery, growth, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Delve into this inspiring tale of self-discovery today.

What's the secret that keeps Hank's mute friend on the run? And who is the strange man that follows them out west?In the 1880s, young Hank's dream of moving west and becoming a cowboy is hindered by his responsibilities to his family. But he makes friends with a mute boy who has a secret, and helps protect him from the scarecrow man that tracks them both down.Hank's friend surprises everyone by speaking, after years of silence-and then revealing his family's secret. Follow this young frontier hero in a wild adventure rich in mystery and suspense from award-winning author Irene Bennett Brown.

From award-winning author Irene Bennett Brown comes a touching story of a young pioneer boy forced to grow up too quickly.At the tender age of thirteen, Cotton Baldwin became the "man of his family," a difficult position for anyone to be in, but especially trying for Cotton, who was expected to lead his family far across the country after his father struck out for Oregon, where there was at least the promise of work. Cotton and the rest of the family were to follow after their dust-ridden farm was sold and the family's few remaining possessions were firmly tied to their old car. Right from the beginning, Cotton intended to be a man. But this meant making unbearable sacrifices, and he just couldn't give up his cherished Pawnee bow or his faithful dog Shag. There was little money, but in spite of his grandmother constantly urging them to turn back, a serious fire, and a near-accident in a treacherous river, Cotton himself was determined not to give up. Once in Oregon, Cotton was shocked to learn that as strangers seeking jobs, his family was not welcome. But, despite the obstacles, the Balwwin family was determined to begin a new life in the West.Follow this young hero in the story of a Kansas farm family who come through almost impossible difficulties.

From award-winning author Irene Bennett Brown comes a heartwarming story of a young girl determined to make it possible for her constantly moving farmer family to buy a farm that she has come to love and wants to live on permanently.Could the Faber family really afford a farm of their own? Could they stop moving from place to place? Her father has almost given up hope, but for Willow Faber, the only dream worth having is a farm of their own. The Fabers are tenant farmers. They move almost every year trying to find a better place. But no farm will ever compare to the one Willow calls "The Ranch." Once a Pony Express stop, it is old, but solid and pleasant, and Willow is willing to do everything she can to make it theirs.For a long year Willow does little but plan and work and save, pushing herself-and her family-to the brink, earning herself the nickname "Willow The Whip." She sacrifices everything, including all of the things she had hoped to gain by staying in one place. Only near disaster helps her understand what she has lost and all that she still has to gain.

From award-winning author Irene Bennett Brown comes a heartwarming story of a young pioneer girl who wanted only one thing out of life and would not give up until she found it.When Larnie Moran finds her family's milk cow gone, she knows she's the one at fault. The Morans have to have that cow, for Larnie's sickly mother is about to have a child, and the infant will need milk. Larnie can not-will not-ask her Papa to get Bessie back for her and risk being called a "skitterbrain" once again. Instead, she follows a large cattle herd across the empty prairie in search of the runaway cow-just in time to see it join a passing trail herd and lose itself among the thousands of steers. Along the trail to Wichita, she runs into Buzzard, a tough boy younger than she but a lot stronger, who scornfully orders her to go home. Nearly made prisoner by a mad, lonely woman seeking her lost family, befriended by a sodbuster family and discovering that she will have to search through twenty thousand heads of beef steers for her lone cow, her journey is nothing but easy.Follow this high-spirited young frontier heroine in a wild and wooly adventure rich in history and female courage.

In the captivating conclusion to the Nickel Hill series, award-winning author Irene Bennett Brown takes readers on a thrilling journey back to 1907.At Nickel Hill Ranch, a joyous wedding celebration takes a dark turn when a stranger arrives, claiming that the land does not legally belong to Jocelyn and Pete Pladson. With unwavering confidence in the legitimacy of their deed, the Pladsons' world is thrown into chaos when the stranger reveals his true identity: Dillard Scott-a man with deep-rooted connections to the ranch as the son of its original owners.As bitter history resurfaces, Dillard and his brothers launch a relentless campaign to force the Pladsons off the land they call their own. But when the brothers resort to a dangerous attempt at ransom, everything Jocelyn and Pete have worked so hard to attain...is but a small price.In the face of imminent danger and ruthless adversaries, one family must summon every ounce of strength and courage to prove the ranch's legal ownership and tirelessly defend the land they treasure-even when they find themselves at crosshairs with hoodlums who will stop at nothing to claim their one true deed.

Somebody's Business, the third in award-winning author Irene Bennett Brown's Nickel Hill Series, explores the clash between old and new ways of life, as well as the importance of maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation in society.Jocelyn Pladson purchases the Skiddy livery stable to assist the widow of its former proprietor. However, the arrival of Maretta Rudd and J.L. Cochran, two city slickers with dubious backgrounds and an obsession with motorcars, poses a challenge. They seek to convert the livery into an automobile company but disregard the continuing need for horses and mules in transportation and farming. J.L. campaigns for a seat on the town council to bolster their plans. Jocelyn opposes him, organizing a Fourth of July celebration to win over voters.Unfortunately, the festivities are cut short by a rampaging dog, and J.L.'s horse race, in which he had wagered a fortune, is canceled. Jocelyn's ward, Rom, proposes a race between his mule and J.L.'s Oldsmobile. J.L. wins, but he becomes incensed and hires hooligans to destroy Jocelyn's livery. However, his scheme fails, and he faces the possibility of prison.

Tangled Times is the captivating second novel in the Nickel Hills Series by award-winning author Irene Bennett Brown.The story takes place in Flint Hills, Kansas, in the early 1900s. Jocelyn Belle Royal, after losing her farm to the bank, joins a mule drive and arrives in Flint Hills, where she rekindles her acquaintance with childhood friend Pete Pladson. Jocelyn and Pete are now married, running a cattle operation on the Nickel Hill Ranch.The struggles the couple face in settling into their new life and building their cattle herd are numerous. However, they endeavor to rally neighbors to start a community school on their property. Their efforts are met with opposition from cattle rustlers and parents alike. The Pladsons welcome two homeless young people into their home and hearts, despite escalating tensions in their small community.

It's the year 1900, and Jocelyn Belle Royal has lost her farm to the bank. She joins a mule drive, hoping to earn back what she lost. Unexpectedly, she finds herself stranded on an abandoned ranch with the mules after her new companions, Whit Hanley and Sam Birdwhistle, leave her behind. To make matters worse, Sam reveals that their former outlaw gang might be after them.Despite the challenges, Jocelyn refuses to abandon the mules she's caring for and is determined to be paid by the mule boss. Meanwhile, a renewed friendship with Pete Pladson, a cowhand and western artist, brings her some happiness.As Jocelyn becomes more involved with the mules, outlaws, and Pete, she also takes an interest in women's suffrage and gets involved in a disagreement over the governor's mansion. While she wonders if she will ever realize her dream and reclaim her farm, she is also left questioning whether the fragrance of her mother's shawl and the few items it contains will be all the home she ever has.

Laila Mitchell has little money, her medical knowledge, a medicine kit, and the clothes on her back when she sets out to search for her last living relatives in 1890's Oregon.Stranded in the Snake River Canyon, she settles into a small mining community named Venture and from there she serves as practical nurse to scattered miners and settlers. Laila is soon entangled in the hardships of frontier life, guardianship of a "wild child", and reluctant attraction topeach rancher and hotel owner, Ash Corbett. As she faces problems with courage and verve, a magical, never-dreamed-of future opens. Which can be hers, if only she can let go of her heart-breaking past.

Award-winning author Irene Bennett Brown's classic, compelling story of love and sacrifice in the face of adversity.Clare Hobb is plagued by the strict boundaries her iron-handed uncles impose at Hobbs' Mills, the family conclave. She's in love with Larkin Wade, a handsome farmer they disdain. When an unfortunate accident takes the life of one of her uncles, the remaining brothers blame Clare's mentally deficient father, forcing the family to make the tough decision to leave the only home they've ever known. Guilt that she might have helped prevent the accident brings Clare to painfully end her romance with Larkin and pledge full attention to her family. With ties broken, Larkin departs for the west.Would a new life in Kansas where Larkin has gone ahead be the answer? Will he wait? Is it possible, ever, to bargain true love away?"Irene Bennett Brown has put heart, soul, and historical detail in her story of love and sacrifice in 19th century New Hampshire and Kansas. Read The Bargain." Lucia St. Clair Robson, bestselling author of The Shadow Patriot"The Bargain is a powerful novel about moral and spiritual courage, and offers radiant insight into how lives are won or lost by the choices we all make. This is a beautiful and compelling novel." Richard Wheeler, award winning author of The Canyon Of Bones "Irene Bennett Brown offers a stirring and complex story of love and family with an unforgettable protagonist in a novel that is just wonderful." Michelle Black, author of the bestselling novel An Uncommon Enemy"In The Bargain, Irene Bennett Brown has created a deliciously detailed historical setting, then peopled it with winning characters rich in depth and heart." Elizabeth Grayson, author of WILLA finalist novel, Moon In The Water

In 1888 Kansas City, Missouri, twelve-year-old Jocey Royal, who has a cleft lip, no longer goes to school. Jocey believes that she will never have a friend, that others will always chase and make fun of her, as they did at school before she quit. Since her mother died and her father became a drifter, Jocey has lived with her grandmother, a washerwoman. When she's not helping Gram with laundry, she fills her lonely life with books and dreams. Mostly she dreams of Kansas and the farm her father abandoned there. On the farm, she could live in isolation--free from torment. Eventually she persuades Gram to go with her to Kansas. Life on the farm is not, however, what Jocey expected. Hard work was no surprise. But there are neighbors and traveling salesmen who cannot be avoided. Then there's Gram, who seems determined to be sickly. Jocey wonders if she made a terrible mistake, until she discovers that any girl can have friends, if she will open herself to others. And maybe even her cleft lip can be helped.