About This Book
Shea O'Shaunessey, Pioneer Girl, Description "Risking discovery and death, they sneak into the forbidden Council of the Sacred Fire, breaking the taboo. There they will learn the knowledge that destroys." His words sang into her heart a mystery Shea was determined to reveal in all its fullness... "I have to go home now," said Shea. "I will see you again, I hope?" "If I am still in Three Rivers, I will see you here." He brushed her hand gently with his fingertips, hovering for an infinitesimal moment that felt like eternity must, gazing down at her. His deep black eyes reflected back her own thinking, and then he was gone, melting into the forest of her dreams. Redheaded Shea O' Shaunessey comes of age in the fictitious settlement of Three Rivers, an idyllic pocket of Upper Louisiana Territory in the early nineteenth century. Caught up in the throes of the violent social conflict presaging the cataclysmic War Between the States, Shea and her loved ones struggle to preserve their family. While the Indian tribes up north fight to retain their sovereignty with both the British and the French murdering them and each other, Three Rivers enjoys peace and plenty. Blissfully unaware of the extreme suffering they bring to its original inhabitants, the hardworking folk in Three Rivers carve out their own new lives in the wilderness while uprooting the old. Always conscious of their duty to their community, Shea and her warmhearted pioneer family refuse to surrender to the exclusive, exceptionalistic attitudes of the townspeople. Sweating like their neighbors to bring courageous dreams to fruition, they strive to uphold their ideals. Chief Kowelah's son Crazy Charlie arrives with dreams of his own, throwing the entire community into a panic. Outraged Three Rivers Town blames Shea and her family for the upheaval of their lives. Shea's father and twin brothers call for a meeting, hoping to calm fears before frenzy erupts in bloodshed. Wild accusation forces Shea to confront a devastating choice--between her heart's desire and the well being of her family.
